Water quality assessment of Middle Route of South-North Water Diversion Project based on modified Nemerow index method

Abstract

It is of great significance to find a scientific way to assess the water quality of the Middle Route of the South-North Water Diversion Project. In this paper, the spatio-temporal changes of the 26 water quality indicators in eight key monitoring stations along the Middle Route since the project was put into use were analyzed, and the modified Nemerow index method was employed to assess the water quality of the route in its early stage of operation. The results show that the water quality remained good in the period of study. Important water quality indicators were identified, including temperature, permanganate index, dissolved oxygen, total phosphorus, total nitrogen, mercury content, and density of planktonic algae. It is advised that potential ecological risks related to algae and shellfish reproduction in the open canal deserve special attention. HIGHLIGHTS The water quality of the MR-SNWTP since the operation was analyzed.; The modified Nemerow index method was applied to the South-North Water Diversion Project.; The performance of the single factor method and the modified Nemerow index method was compared.; The water quality indicators that deserve special attention were pointed out.; The suggestion of strengthening monitoring of potential risks posed by algae was put forward.;

Keywords

• nemerow index
• south-north water diversion project
• water quality assessment
• water quality index