Integrating multivariate statistical analysis and canadian water quality index to assess seasonal variation in Duhok Dam, Iraq

Abstract

The escalating demand for freshwater resources in arid and semi-arid regions necessitates comprehensive assessments of water quality to ensure sustainable use for domestic and agricultural purposes. This study evaluated the seasonal water quality of Duhok Lake by integrating multivariate statistical techniques Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and exploratory Cluster Analysis (CA) with the Canadian Water Quality Index (CCME WQI). PCA identified five principal components explaining 92.5% of the total variance, revealing the dominant influences of domestic discharge, eutrophication driven by phosphate and phytoplankton proliferation, geological contributions, agricultural runoff, and mineral ion enrichment. CA was applied in an exploratory sense only, to visualize similarity patterns among sites, seasons, and variables. The CCME WQI classified Duhok Lake’s water as marginal for both drinking (55.6) and irrigation (58.5), primarily due to elevated levels of sulfate, hardness, total dissolved solids, and magnesium exceeding WHO standards. Historical comparison over two decades revealed fluctuating trends linked to variable inflows and precipitation. These findings highlight the urgent need for continuous monitoring and integrated management strategies to mitigate emerging risks and ensure the sustainable use of Duhok Lake as a vital freshwater resource.

Affiliated Institutions

• Salahaddin University-Erbil IQ
• Hawler Medical University IQ

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