Multivariate statistical analysis and enrichment study of the sediments of Wadi Shueib Dam, Jordan

Abstract

Multivariate statistical analysis approaches, such as principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and geochemical approaches such as enrichment factor (EF) were combined to assess the degree and common sources of metals (Pb, Zn, Cd, Ni, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Fe, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Si, and Al) in the sediments of Wadi Shueib Dam. The sediment samples were collected from fourteen transects at different locations. Three sediment samples were collected at a non-systematic interval along each transect. The metals contents in the sediment samples have been determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. PCA, CA, and EF analysis highlighted the lithologenic origin of Ca, K, Al, Mg, Na, Fe, and Si and pointed out the primary input of Cu, Cd, Ni, Co, Cr, Pb, Zn, and Mn from anthropogenic sources (EF> 1.5). The EF results showed that Cu, Cd, Ni, Co, Cr, Pb, Zn, and Mn are less enriched in the dam body. The main anthropogenic activities that believed to be the major sources of pollution by metals in the study area are the treated and untreated domestic waste waters of different town and villages in the catchment area of the dam site, the effluent of Salt town waste water treatment plant, and irrigation return.