The Temporal and Spatial Analysis and Assessment of Water Quality in the Tuo River (Suzhou Section) based on the CCME-WQI Method

Abstract

To investigate the spatiotemporal variations and disparities in water quality within the Suzhou section of the Tuo River, as well as to identify the key pollution factors and influencing elements, this study utilized monitoring data from five water quality monitoring stations along the Tuo River in Suzhou, collected between 2020 and 2022. After analyzing the spatiotemporal variations in water quality indicators, the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index (CCME-WQI) was employed to assess the river's water quality status. The study also examined the causes of water pollution and proposed appropriate pollution control measures. The research results indicate that:(1) Total Nitrogen (TN), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Permanganate Index (COD_Mn), and Fluoride (F) were identified as the main pollution factors, with COD and TN being the primary pollutants exceeding standard limits, with exceedance rates of 55.66% and 37.14%, respectively;(2)From 2020 to 2022, the concentrations of CODMn, COD, and TN were significantly higher during the flood season compared to the non-flood season, suggesting that non-point source pollution is the major contributor to the pollution load;(3)Temporally, the study area exhibited significant seasonal variations in water quality, with water quality being better during the non-flood season than during the flood season. Spatially, the study area showed notable spatial differences in water quality, with the S1 monitoring station recording the poorest water quality, while the S3 station exhibited the best;(4)The water quality of the Tuo River was significantly influenced by precipitation, with increased rainfall during the flood season exacerbating urban runoff, agricultural non-point source pollution, and internal pollution within the river channels.