Abstract
A Water Quality Index (WQI) is a useful statistical tool for simplifying, reporting and interpreting complex information obtained from any body of water. A simple number given by any WQI model explains the level of water contamination. The objective was to develop a WQI for the water of the Luis L. Leon dam located in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. Monthly water samples were obtained in 2009; January 10, February 12, March 8, May 20, June 10, July 9, August 12, September 10, October 11, November 15 and December 13. Ten sampling sites were randomly selected after dividing the study area using a geographic package. In each site, two samples at the top depth of 0.20 m and 1.0 m were obtained to quantify physical-chemical parameters. The following 11 parameters were considered to calculate the WQI; pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), color, turbidity, ammonia nitrogen, fluorides, chlorides, sulfates, Total Solids (TS) and phosphorous (P). The data analysis involved two steps; a single analysis for each parameter and the WQI calculation. The resulted WQI value classified the water quality according to the following ranges: <2.3 poor water; from 2.3 to 2.8 good water; and >2.8 excellent water. The results showed that the WQI values changed from low levels (WQI < 2.3) in some points during autumn time to high levels (WQI > 2.8) most of the year and the variation was due to time of sampling generally rainy season.
Highlights
An index is a single number that represents a large amount of data
The ANOVA detected differences for month sampling (p < 0.01) in nine of the variables tested for constructing the Water Quality Index (WQI)
The Electrical Conductivity (EC) levels increased after the rain period and this parameter is a good indicator of water quality [33] that is frequently included in WQI calculations
Summary
An index is a single number that represents a large amount of data. For instance, the Water QualityIndex (WQI) is a single numeric expression that interprets complex information obtained from any body of water, mostly related to water quality. An index is a single number that represents a large amount of data. Index (WQI) is a single numeric expression that interprets complex information obtained from any body of water, mostly related to water quality. Horton [1] at the middle of the past century, was the first researcher to suggest the advantages of calculating a WQI and since many studies concerning water indexes have been reported elsewhere for lake environments [2,3,4,5], river flows [6,7]. Coastal areas [8,9] These values are important when considering water use by humans and assessments for users or stakeholders. A WQI representing any water ecosystem can be affected by physical, chemical and biological factors [10,11].
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