Application of Principal Component Analysis

The study focuses on the analysis of physico-chemical parameters of the Nkam River in order to establish a diagnosis of its surface condition. To carry out the study, sampling was carried out at 12 stations during the dry season. The results obtained show that the surface waters of the river are relatively good compared to international standards for fresh water (WHO), with respect to temperature, salinity, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, biochemical oxygen demand and orthophosphates. An increase in dissolved oxygen level, biochemical oxygen demand, orthophosphates, salinity and electrical conductivity was observed downstream. In addition, pH changes did not vary significantly between upstream and downstream during the dry season. Interpretation of the data by principal component analysis showed the correlation between the different parameters and the distribution of the groups of stations according to the degree of contamination. Potentially interesting modeling parameters are identified using this statistical data processing tool.