Hi all
I have two tasks:
1) Using historical water quality monitoring data to identify high and low flow periods for specific sites and,
2) Determining what influence the dilution effect might have on nutrient concentrations.
Is there a statistical way to calculate the above? And how can this be accurately illustrated?
Regards
Gerhard
As I understand, all you have is historical water quality data. No streamflow date for nearby streams, no rainfall data. It may depend on the types of water quality data. Some high high direct or indirect associations with flow as per with karst springs in Missouri. But if you don't have flow data along with water quality data, accuracy is problematic. Some parameters are directly, some inversely related to flow. A lot depends on geology, soils, land use, etc. Some are going to leave a strong signature with varying flow, others not. Not a great answer, but I am out of time and maybe this will be of some help. I would plot flow on x axis and the various combinations of potential indicators on the Y axis. Those with high correlations based on linear, log and exponential relationships, I would bring forward as possible indicators, singly or several. Present the table with the r squared for each water quality component related to flow.
Thanks William. I'm in the process of extracting raw flow and rainfall data. Once I have this, I will give your recommendations a go! Many thanks again!
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