Application of multivariate statistics and toxicity indices to evaluate the water quality suitability for fish of three rivers in the Kruger National Park, South Africa

Abstract

The water quality of the Olifants, Letaba and Luvuvhu rivers within the Kruger National Park was assessed for their suitability to sustain fish populations. Since water quality assessments result in huge datasets, principal component analysis and an aquatic toxicity index (ATI) were employed to reduce these to more manageable indices. Water quality changed over time, with metal concentrations decreasing, and high flows resulted in increased concentrations of suspended metals. The ATI indicated that metals had no major effect on lowering index values in any of the rivers, and that these values were affected by turbidity in both the Olifants and Letaba rivers, whilst nutrients such as ammonium and orthophosphates negatively affected index scores in the Luvuvhu River. Water quality has improved from the 1990s to 2011.

Keywords: aquatic toxicity index, Letaba River, Luvuvhu River, Olifants River, principal component analysis, water quality assessment