• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.280-292
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• 2016

Objectives: The objective of this study was to build COD regression models for the Han River and evaluate water quality. Methods: Water quality data sets for the dry season (as of January) during a four-year period (2012-2015) were collected from the database of the Han River automatic water quality monitoring stations. Statistical techniques, including combined genetic algorithm-multiple linear regression (GA-MLR) were used to build five-descriptor COD models. Multivariate statistical techniques such as principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) are useful tools for extracting meaningful information. Results: The $r^2$ of the best COD models provided significant high values (> 0.8) between 2012 and 2015. Total organic carbon (TOC) was a surrogate indicator for COD (as COD/TOC) with high reliability ($r^2=0.63$ in 2012, $r^2=0.75$ for 2013, $r^2=0.79$ for 2014 and $r^2=0.85$ for 2015). The ratios of COD/TOC were calculated as 2.08 in 2012, 1.79 in 2013, 1.52 and 1.45 in 2015, indicating that biodegradability in the water body of the Han River was being sustained, thereby further improving water quality. The BOD/COD ratio supported these findings. The cluster analysis revealed higher annual levels of microorganisms and phosphorous at stations along the Hangang-Seoul and Hantangang areas. Nevertheless, the overall water quality over the last four years showed an observable trend toward continuous improvement. These findings also suggest that non-point pollution control strategies should consider the influence of upstreams and downstreams to protect water quality in the Han River. Conclusion: This data analysis procedure provided an efficient and comprehensive tool to interpret complex water quality data matrices. Results from a trend analysis provided much important information about sources and parameters for Han River water quality management.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.90-101
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• 2015

Objective: This study was conducted to develop a chemical oxygen demand (COD) regression model using water quality monitoring data (January, 2014) obtained from the Han River auto-monitoring stations. Methods: Surface water quality data at 198 sampling stations along the six major areas were assembled and analyzed to determine the spatial distribution and clustering of monitoring stations based on 18 WQPs and regression modeling using selected parameters. Statistical techniques, including combined genetic algorithm-multiple linear regression (GA-MLR), cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to build a COD model using water quality data. Results: A best GA-MLR model facilitated computing the WQPs for a 5-descriptor COD model with satisfactory statistical results ($r^2=92.64$,$Q{^2}_{LOO}=91.45$,$Q{^2}_{Ext}=88.17$). This approach includes variable selection of the WQPs in order to find the most important factors affecting water quality. Additionally, ordination techniques like PCA and CA were used to classify monitoring stations. The biplot based on the first two principal components (PCs) of the PCA model identified three distinct groups of stations, but also differs with respect to the correlation with WQPs, which enables better interpretation of the water quality characteristics at particular stations as of January 2014. Conclusion: This data analysis procedure appears to provide an efficient means of modelling water quality by interpreting and defining its most essential variables, such as TOC and BOD. The water parameters selected in a COD model as most important in contributing to environmental health and water pollution can be utilized for the application of water quality management strategies. At present, the river is under threat of anthropogenic disturbances during festival periods, especially at upstream areas.