Analysis of Spatial and Temporal Water Pollution Patterns in Terzi Pond (Kastamonu/Turkey) By Using Multivariate Statistical Methods

WOS: 000436522600035This study was performed by collecting water samples at three sites of Terzi Pond in Turkey between August 2015 and July 2016. The aim was to record seasonal changes in physico-chemical parameters to identify any pollution problems, determine the pond's water quality and suitability to sustain aquatic life and classify the quality of the pond's water according to a specific set of criteria. Twenty-one physico-chemical parameters and the concentrations of seven heavy metal ions were evaluated for these purposes. Pearson correlation, hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis were implemented to test the inter-relationships of all parameters and infer pollution source loads. According to the results of the statistical analyses, it can be estimated that the pollution of the two main regions is mainly caused by nonpoint sources, such as agricultural runoff and soil leaching. In the coming years, water monitoring should be done for water management planning according to the results of these temporal and spatial scales