Trend Evaluation Of Raw Water Quality From Kpong Dam (Volta River) Using Statiscal Analysis And Time Series Prediction Model

Abstract

This research evaluates raw water quality status from Kpong dam of the Volta River, Eastern part of Ghana, to assess its quality levels over a six-year period and predict future quality trend. The dataset identified twenty-six physicochemical constituents in each monthly sample analyzed. Hydrochemical analysis showed variation in contaminant levels for some constituents which ranged from low to considerable contamination (WHO, 2006). PO42-levels were relatively high. Results of WQI indicated general quality degradation with minimal variations across the years with respect to surface water quality rating criteria (WC,2003). The forecasted figures with the fitted ARIMA (3, 1, 1) model also suggest minimal degradation of the water quality in the light of the current prevailing conditions. It is therefore recommended that efforts be made to prevent further pollution of the Volta River.