Evaluation of the Swat River, Northern Pakistan, water quality using multivariate statistical techniques and water quality index (WQI) model

• DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-09688-y
• Publication Date: 2020-07-04T16:02:26Z
• Authors: Shah Jehan; Ihsan Ullah; Sardar Khan; Said Muhammad; Seema Anjum Khattak; Tariq Khan
• Keywords: Hazard quotient; Alkalinity

Abstract This study evaluates the characteristics of water along Swat River, Northern Pakistan. For this purpose, samples ( n = 30) were collected and analyzed for physicochemical parameters including heavy metals (HM). The mean concentrations HM within drinking guideline values set by World Health Organization (WHO 2011) except 34%, 60%, 56% copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), respectively. Pollution sources identified various multivariate statistical techniques correlation analysis (CA) principal component (PCA) indicating different origins both naturally anthropogenically. Results quality index (WQI) ranged from 13.58 to 209 with an average value 77 suggesting poor domestic purposes. was mainly related high sodium (alkalinity) salinity hazards showing > 27% 20% have alkalinity hazards, Hazard quotient (HQ) hazard (HI) used determine health risk in area. water-related risk, HQ ingestion , dermal HI 1, noncarcinogenic (NCR) posed these exposed population.