Physico-chemical parameters and PCA approach to assess river water quality – a case study (Albania)
| dc.contributor.author | Hoxha, Belinda | |
| dc.contributor.author | Shyti, Bederiana | |
| dc.contributor.author | Mazrreku, Armela | |
| dc.contributor.author | Osmani, Marilda | |
| dc.contributor.author | Basha, Lule | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-09-16T12:04:52Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-09-16T12:04:52Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025-06-30 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Water quality refers to the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of water that determine its suitability for a specific use, such as drinking, industry, irrigation or supporting aquatic life. It is assessed by comparing water’s properties against established standards for various uses. Factors influencing water quality include natural elements like weather and geology, and human activities like pollution and land use. Water Quality Index (WQI) is a widely used tool for summarizing and communicating water quality information. It is a valuable and unique statistical approach that consolidates the experimental results of various physicochemical parameters into a single comprehensive and practical term in order to represent the overall quality status of water. The aim of the study is to demonstrate the ability of statistical methods in water quality prediction, specifically by identifying the most important parameters that influence the Water Quality Index (WQI). This involves the use of statistical techniques to analyze water quality data and identify the main factors that influence the overall water quality, potentially leading to a more efficient and accurate water quality management. The study takes in consideration physico-chemical parameters analyzed in Shkumbini River in Albania. The laboratory data from six sampling points during four years are gathered and analyzed based on water quality standards and statistically with PCA (Principal Component Analysis). The chosen parameters to evaluate water quality are TDS, GH, BOD, pH, DO, Cl, HCO3 - and thermotolerant coliforms, which are also used to monitor the suitability of the PCA method in the determination of WQI. The physico-chemical parameters were evaluated against international water standards. Additionally, the PCA method showed that the order of indicators determining the WQI depends on the distance between the variables and the origin. The study reveals that using the PCA method, the recommended nine parameters are sufficient to determine the WQI value, and the cumulative proportion of Component 1, Component 2 and Component 3 explains nearly 63% of the total variance. | |
| dc.identifier.issn | 1313-9940 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://doi.uni-plovdiv.bg/handle/store/721 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski" | |
| dc.subject | water quality | |
| dc.subject | Shkumbini River | |
| dc.subject | Water Quality Index model | |
| dc.subject | Principal Component Analysis | |
| dc.title | Physico-chemical parameters and PCA approach to assess river water quality – a case study (Albania) | |
| dc.type | Article |