Analysis of multiple parameters pollution map based on land use map and using K-mean clustering technique in Qazvin aquifer

One of the main approaches to control and prevent the aquifers from contamination is to identify the critical contaminated areas in relation to the water application. Most of the researchers considered only one type of contamination or one type of water application. In this research, using cluster analysis and water application, a multi-parameter groundwater quality classification map is developed. Three water quality parameters including arsenic, total suspended solids, and nitrate for three different applications including agricultural, industrial and drinking purposes are used to develop a classified contamination map for an aquifer in central Iran, Qazvin aquifer. The optimal number of clusters is five and it is determined using Davies-Bouldin Index. Based on the standard of World Health Organization for drinking water and considering the three selected quality parameters, the results show that the most suitable class of the aquifer, Class C1, with 22 percent of total area is mostly in northern areas of the aquifer with minimum human activity. In central areas with increase in industrial and agricultural activities, the lower classes, C4 and C5, with 35 percent of total area are appeared.