Abstract
In the study suitability of water quality index approach and environmetric
methods in fi ngerprinting heavy metal pollution as well as comparison of
spatial variability of multiple contaminants in surface water were
assessed in the case of The Gediz River Basin, Turkey. Water quality
variables were categorized into two classes using factor and cluster
analysis. Furthermore, soil contamination index was adapted to water
pollution index and used to fi nd out the relative relationship between
the reference standards and the current situation of heavy metal
contamination in water. Results revealed that surface water heavy metal
content was mainly governed by metal processing, textile and tannery
industries in the region. On the other hand, metal processing industry
discharges mainly degraded quality of water in Kemalpasa and Menemen.
Furthermore, Kemalpasa region has been heavily affected from tannery and
textile industries effl uents. Moreover, pollution parameters have not
been infl uenced by changes in physical factors (discharge and
temperature). This study indicated the effectiveness of water quality
index approach and statistical tools in fi ngerprinting of pollution and
comparative assessment of water quality. Both methods can assist decision
makers to determine priorities in management practices.
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