Using multivariate analysis to develop irrigation water quality index for surface water in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, Egypt

An esteemed team comprising Dr. Hossam S. Jahin, from the Central Laboratory for Environmental Quality Monitoring (CLEQM), of the National Water Research Center (NWRC), and others have recently published a research paper entitled " Using multivariate analysis to develop irrigation water quality index for surface water in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, Egypt" at the well-reputable "Environmental Technology & Innovation" Journal - Elsevier. The current work focused on establishing since-based weights of parameters adopted by FAO 29 guideline to develop Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI) based on the National Sanitation Foundation Water Quality Index (NSFWQI). The new index was then applied in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, Egypt as a case study. Data was subjected to correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and factor analysis (FA). The initial input parameters were reduced to finally shortlisted seven ones, including Na+, Zn, pH, HCO3?, As, NO3?, and B. These parameters showed better performance in representing water quality when weights were derived from PCA rather than FA. Integrated use of PCA/FA and IWQI would make water quality control rapid, low-cost, less biased and more objective to form a base of sustainable development programs in the studied area. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352186419303578