Assessment of Water Quality of Major Tributaries in Seoul using Water Quality Index and Cluster Analysis

Objectives : 17 water quality measurement networks (WQMNs, tributaries) in Seoul were analyzed by using NSFWQI and cluster analysis to provide basic data for future river water quality management so that citizens could easily and comprehensively understand the water quality information on the rivers in Seoul.Methods : For the past 3 years (2015~2017), in order to estimate WQI, 9 items, DO (% sat), Fecal coliform, pH, BOD, Temperature change (TC), TP, NO3-, Turbidity and Total solids, were selected from among the 19 water quality data measurement items produced monthly from 17 WQMNs in Seoul. WQI was derived and graded using NSFWQI and cluster analysis was performed using Ward Linkage Method, SOM (Self Organizing Map).Results and Discussion : Water quality of most water quality monitoring networks was BOD Ⅱ grade (slightly good) or higher and TP Ⅲ grade (normal) or higher according to the standard of water quality and water ecosystem river living environment, and NSFWQI was also 64 (Medium)~89 (Good). All showed good water quality. NSFWQI does not show a significant difference by season, so it is believed that it is affected by anthropogenic sources rather than seasonal effects. As a result of examining the correlation between NSFWQI and water quality level according to environmental standards, it was confirmed that R2 has a relatively good correlation with 0.78, and there is no clear difference between the two groups, and through this, it was found that the currently implemented water quality rating system and NSFWQI are well matched. As a result of cluster analysis using ward linkage method and SOM for 17 WQMNs, it was largely divided into 6 groups according to water quality characteristics.Conclusions : It is important to manage pollution sources to systematically manage river water quality as a water resource. It is therefore expected that by converting from the complicated and various water quality information such as is found in this study into a simple water quality index and grouping, the river water quality can be easily understood and can be utilized in the future as basic data for water quality management in Seoul.