Abstract

This study aims to assess the influence ofsocioeconomic activities on surface water quality in the Ca Mauprovince. Water quality data were collected at 14 locations in2021. Water quality index (VN_WQI), hierarchical clusteranalysis (HCA), Pearson correlation and principal componentanalysis (PCA) were applied in the study. The results showedthat the surface water quality was contaminated organicmatters (TSS, BOD, COD) and coliform. Water quality wasassessed from poor to medium levels by VN_WQI and the waterquality is unsuitable for direct irrigation purposes. The resultsalso showed that water quality at Ganh Hao river fork (S2) wasthe most polluted. HCA classified water quality into threegroups based on the similarity of water quality parameters.Pearson correlation results indicated organic pollution,nutrients and microorganisms were mutually related. PCAexplained 83.60% of the total variance with three PCs. Tenparameters were identified as the key water parametersinfluencing surface water quality and these parameters shouldbe continuously monitored. The water pollution sources werepossibly urban and market activities, production facilitiesdischarge and salinity intrusion.