Title: Assessment of water quality observation stations using cluster analysis and ordinal logistic regression technique

Authors: Suheyla Yerel, A. Sermet Anagun

Addresses: Bozuyuk Vocational School, Bilecik University, Bilecik 11300, Turkey. ' Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir 26030, Turkey

Abstract: Variations in the surface water quality parameters of the observation stations have been investigated using cluster analysis and the ordinal logistic regression technique. Ordinal logistic regression analysis results showed that nitrite, ammonium and total phosphorus were identified as the parameters that displayed essential variations. These results were supported by the cluster analysis. The cluster analysis of the observation stations identified two clusters. It was concluded that domestic, agricultural and industrial discharges strongly affected the northwest part of the Tahtali dam reservoir. Finally, it was determined that the variations in the water quality parameters could reliably be estimated by these techniques.

Keywords: cluster analysis; ordinal logistic regression; water quality; statistical analysis; observation stations; nitrite; ammonium; total phosphorus; Tahtali dam; Turkey; surface water; water pollution; domestic discharges; agricultural discharges; industrial discharges.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2010.035349

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2010 Vol.42 No.4, pp.344 - 358

Published online: 26 Sep 2010 *

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