I have done PCA of a physiochemical parameters obtained by groundwater samples analysis. A factor was found to have a good correlation with only Dissolved Oxygen (DO) 0.669, pH 0.516 and Chloride content (Cl-) 0.787.
How can this factor be termed (which process can be represented by this factor)?
For information, silicate weathering and ion exchange were found to be the main mineralization process and were represented by another Factor.
from Dissolved oxygen, pH and Cl and in view of present correlation factors, it is difficult to make any valuable interpretation. present parameters are limited, require more support as well as and more study to reach any conclusion.
Dear Kouakou,
Dr. Virendra has rightly mentioned. See, you have provided only the loadings of one principal component. Provide details - extracted components with variance and loadings etc.
One thing is very important - you have to select the best PCA model. You can read my remarks related to one question on PCA (link given below).
https://www.researchgate.net/post/Does_anybody_can_help_me_to_explain_the_meaning_of_the_PCA_results
Best Wishes
Dear Dr Batabyal and Dr Virendra, thank you for your answers. Please find attached the factor loading table file.
I was able to interpret some factors. Your suggestions are welcome.
Thank you.
Dear Kouakou,
I would suggest you first to read some papers on PCA applications in groundwater studies. See the link below:
Article Fluoride-contaminated groundwater of Birbhum district, West ...
Read some other papers and examine PC loadings and try to understand the interpretations provided.
You know your area very well - not only the PC Table, all other factors regional geology/hydrogeology, physicochemical characteristics of groundwater etc. have to be understood to reach any conclusion.
Best wishes