Abstract
The primary objective of this study is to explore a water quality database on two Mediterranean rivers (the Kadisha-Abou Ali and El Jaouz rivers—located in north Lebanon), considering their physicochemical, microbiological and fluorescence characteristics. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to the matrix gathering physicochemical and microbiological data while the Common Components and Specific Weight Analysis (CCSWA) or ComDim was used for fluorescence excitation-emission matrices (EEMs). This approach provided complementary and valuable information regarding water quality in such complex ecosystem. As highlighted by the PCA and ComDim scores, the Kadisha-Abou Ali River is highly influenced by anthropogenic activities because its watershed districts are intensively populated. This influence reveals the implication of organic and bacteriological parameters. To the contrary, the El Jaouz watershed is less inhabited and is characterized by mineral parameters, which determines its water quality. This work highlighted the relationship between fluorescence EEMs and major water quality parameters, enabling the selection of reliable water quality indicators for the studied rivers. The proposed methodology can surely be generalized to the monitoring of surface water quality in other rivers. Each customized water quality fingerprint should constantly be inspected in order to account for any emerging pollution.
Highlights
Many aquatic ecosystems in the world undergo continuous stress, which might represent a serious threat for water resources and public health
Data was collected from the Kadisha—Abou Ali and El Jaouz rivers, located in
Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and ComDim identify the spatial differences in surface water quality, the Kadisha-Abou Ali River being subjected to considerably greater anthropogenic stress than the El
Summary
Many aquatic ecosystems in the world undergo continuous stress, which might represent a serious threat for water resources and public health. Many international instances rushed to take actions to raise awareness towards this serious problem. The water action decade (2018–2028) is currently one of the main goals of the United Nations sustainable development goals [1]. To preserve the integrity of these aquatic ecosystems, water management programs should be established. It is, obvious that no remarkable progress can be achieved in the absence of criteria, which would uncontestably allow the monitoring of water quality. The term “water quality” is a fuzzy concept, which hinders the establishment of reliable monitoring tools. Before seeking suitable methodologies for its evaluation, it is necessary to
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