Abstract Groundwater quality and its suitability for drinking and irrigation uses were assessed and multivariate statistical analysis were applied to understand the chemical characteristics of groundwater in the upper part of Luvuvhu sub-catchment in Limpopo, South Africa. The groundwater samples collected during August 2015 (n = 41) and November 2016 (n = 40) were analysed for chemical constituents. The groundwater is fresh and acidic to alkaline in nature. The major hydrochemical facies are Ca–Mg–Cl and Ca–HCO3- in the study area. Groundwater suitability assessment for drinking purposes carried out using World Health Organisation and South African National Standards suggest that groundwater is suitable for drinking without any restrictions. Irrigation suitability assessment suggested that groundwater is suitable for all types of crops and soils. Pearson correlation analysis and principle component analysis (PCA) explains that groundwater chemistry is governed by natural and anthropogenic activities. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) classified wells into three groups (CG1, CG2, CG3). Wells in CG1 and CG2 are less mineralized and are of Ca–Mg–Cl water types. Water chemistry in these wells are affected by recharge process and surface contamination sources. Wells in CG3 are highly mineralized and are of Ca–HCO3 type. Bicarbonate is the dominant anion and water chemistry in CG3 is regulated by silicate and carbonate weathering processes. This study recommends further periodic monitoring to protect aquifers in long run.

中文翻译：

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南非林波波省Luvuvhu流域地下水质量评价及多元统计分析应用

摘要 对地下水质量及其饮用和灌溉用途的适宜性进行了评估，并应用多元统计分析来了解南非林波波省 Luvuvhu 子集水区上部地下水的化学特征。分析了 2015 年 8 月（n = 41）和 2016 年 11 月（n = 40）期间收集的地下水样品的化学成分。地下水性质新鲜，呈酸性至碱性。研究区主要水化学相为Ca-Mg-Cl和Ca-HCO3-。使用世界卫生组织和南非国家标准进行的用于饮用的地下水适宜性评估表明，地下水适合饮用而不受任何限制。灌溉适宜性评估表明，地下水适用于所有类型的作物和土壤。Pearson 相关分析和主成分分析 (PCA) 解释说，地下水化学受自然和人为活动的控制。分层聚类分析 (HCA) 将井分为三组（CG1、CG2、CG3）。CG1 和 CG2 中的井矿化程度较低，属于 Ca-Mg-Cl 水类型。这些井中的水化学受补给过程和地表污染源的影响。CG3 井是高度矿化的，属于 Ca-HCO3 类型。碳酸氢盐是主要的阴离子，CG3 中的水化学受硅酸盐和碳酸盐风化过程的调节。本研究建议进一步定期监测以长期保护含水层。层次聚类分析 (HCA) 将井分为三组（CG1、CG2、CG3）。CG1 和 CG2 中的井矿化程度较低，属于 Ca-Mg-Cl 水类型。这些井中的水化学受补给过程和地表污染源的影响。CG3 井是高度矿化的，属于 Ca-HCO3 类型。碳酸氢盐是主要的阴离子，CG3 中的水化学受硅酸盐和碳酸盐风化过程的调节。本研究建议进一步定期监测以长期保护含水层。分层聚类分析 (HCA) 将井分为三组（CG1、CG2、CG3）。CG1 和 CG2 中的井矿化程度较低，属于 Ca-Mg-Cl 水类型。这些井中的水化学受补给过程和地表污染源的影响。CG3 井是高度矿化的，属于 Ca-HCO3 类型。碳酸氢盐是主要的阴离子，CG3 中的水化学受硅酸盐和碳酸盐风化过程的调节。本研究建议进一步定期监测以长期保护含水层。碳酸氢盐是主要的阴离子，CG3 中的水化学受硅酸盐和碳酸盐风化过程的调节。本研究建议进一步定期监测以长期保护含水层。碳酸氢盐是主要的阴离子，CG3 中的水化学受硅酸盐和碳酸盐风化过程的调节。本研究建议进一步定期监测以长期保护含水层。