Applying Grey Clustering Method and Pearson Correlation to Assess Water Quality

Abstract

The Mantaro River travels through Junín, Ayacucho, and Huancavelica departments,in Peru, and receives not only domestic discharges from the population but also tailings fields and dumps containing lead, silver, copper, and zinc from mining companies. To be able to assess the water quality, the grey clustering method was applied, using Center-point Triangular Whitenization Weight Functions (CTWF) for this purpose. As well, Pearson correlation between parameters was used to understand the dynamics of pollution. In the watershed of the Mantaro river the results of the Monitoring of the Surface Water published in 2018 by the Mantaro Water Administrative Authority were compared to the Peruvian Environmental Quality Standards (ECA) Category 1, subcategory A parameters. The results obtained suggest that the main driver of pollution in the Mantaro river is not mining, but domestic waste in landfills and probably agriculture. Finally, this study shows responsible environmental management by mining companies, besides, could be helpful for regional and local authorities of Peru in making decisions to improve the management of the Mantaro river watershed and make the population aware of the sustainable use of water.