Using the Linear Least Square Method in determining the relationship between salinity, electrical conductivity, density and pH for water in some parts of Nigeria.

Abstract

This study was aimed at generating a mathematical relationship connecting four quality parameters of water, namely salinity, electrical conductivity, density and pH. Samples of surface water and ground water were collected from eight major towns in Delta State, Nigeria. Measurements of the parameters were carried out using digital meters and the data analysed using the linear least square method of fitting a straight line to data points. The analysis of the data yielded a mathematical equation showing the relationship between the four measured parameters. This generated equation was subjected to test for reliability by the determination of the standard deviation. The result reveals that the standard deviation of the calculated values of salinity using the generated equation from the measured values for surfaces water is 2mg/l while that of ground water is 4mg/l. This shows an error of less than 2% and hence the equation can be relied upon.

Journal of the Nigerian Association of Mathematical Physics Vol. 9 2005: pp. 415-424