Cluster Analysis Based of Geochemical Properties of Phosphogypsum Dump Located Near Bacau City in Romania

AbstractPhosphogypsum resulted from phosphoric acid preparation in fertilizers industry is a residue which generates environmental problems. This study emphasizes the results of a statistical interpretation of data concerning concentration of minerals and β radioactivity of a phosphogypsum dump situated near Bacau city, Romania. The aim of this study is to identify potential environmental risks for further develop of phytoremediation solutions. The study used available data from official sources, covering 2007-2011 periods. Statistical study is based on a hierarchical cluster analysis, in order to classify the samples respecting their geochemical properties. The Euclidean distance and single linkage were the criteria assigned for clusters grouping. The Log-likelihood distance was used as the distance metric. The SPSS version 20.0 software was used to realize the cluster analysis in order to evaluate the environmental risk level in the studied area