Identification of Pollution in the Lukaya River and Its Tributaries: An Innovative Approach

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Regional School of Water (ERE), University of Kinshasa (UNIKIN), Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

2 President Joseph Kasa-Vubu University, Faculty of Engineering, Boma, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

3 Department of Agronomy and Water and Forests, Higher Institute of Agroforestry and Environmental Management of Aten, Gungu, Kwilu, DR Congo.

4 University of Quebec in Abitibi-Temiscamingue, School of Engineering, Rouyn-Noranda, Canada.

5 University of Kinshasa, Faculty of Science and Technology, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

6 Congo Basin Water Resources Research Center, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, DR Congo.

7 University of Kwango, Kenge, Democratic Republic of Congo.

10.22044/jhwe.2025.16026.1059

Abstract

The study assesses the pollution of the Lukaya River and its tributaries by identifying factors that degrade water quality in order to formulate recommendations for sustainable management of this resource. The analysis uses Principal Component Analysis (PCA), a statistical method that efficiently handles complex water quality data. PCA reduces the dimensionality of the data while preserving variance, facilitating the identification of relationships between key physicochemical parameters such as pH, conductivity, nitrates, and phosphates. The results show that two principal components explain more than 70.23% of the variation in the river data. The sampling sites reveal significant pollution, especially by nutrients, affecting biodiversity and the health of aquatic ecosystems. Agricultural and livestock activities are the main sources of pollution. PCA helps identify these sources and provides a detailed visual analysis. Continuous monitoring and targeted actions are essential to maintain water quality and protect aquatic ecosystems, ensuring their viability for future generations.

Keywords

Journal of Hydraulic and Water Engineering

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 02 July 2025

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