Hierarchical Cluster and Factor Analyses in Assessment of Surfacem Water Quality in Okitipupa Area, S.W, Nigeria

The surface water quality of Okitipupa area was evaluated using hierarchical cluster and factor analyses. Water quality data collected randomly a from 31 sampling stations which includes samples from rivers and streams during the dry and the rainy seasons were analyzed for 27 parameters. Hierarchical cluster analysis grouped the sampling stations into 4 clusters of similar water quality features which indicates that the water in the study area can be grouped into very low, low, moderate and high pollution. Factor analysis shows six factors which for 79.71% of the total variance of the surface water quality. The natural parameters such as temperature, weathering processes, cation exchange processes, agricultural chemicals and organic pollutants from run off and atmospheric precipitation were responsible for the variations in the water quality.