Multivariate analysis of seasonal variability in surface water quality for irrigation in Western Iraq
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Jassim Jihad Sayel 1 , Ameer Mohammed Khalaf 1 , Abu Baker Ahmad Najm 2 *
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1 Department of Geography, College of Education for Humanities, University of Anbar, IRAQ2 Dams and Water Resources Department, College of Engineering, University of Anbar, IRAQ* Corresponding Author

Abstract

This study provides a multivariate seasonal assessment of surface water quality for irrigation in western Iraq. Water samples were collected during winter and summer of 2024 from three primary sources—Euphrates River, Lake Habbaniyah, and Lake Tharthar. Key physicochemical parameters were analyzed, including EC, TDS, TH, Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, and pH. Multivariate statistical analyses, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA), were conducted to investigate seasonal patterns, assess irrigation suitability, and identify dominant hydrochemical parameters. One-way ANOVA revealed no significant seasonal differences (p > 0.05); however, EC and TDS values showed an increasing trend during summer, particularly in stagnant lakes. Subsequent multivariate analyses, including Pearson correlation and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), identified EC, Na⁺, and TH as the principal hydrochemical drivers, collectively accounting for over 95% of the total variance. The Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) was calculated to quantify the risk of sodicity in irrigation practices. SAR values remained acceptable for Euphrates water (~4.5), but exceeded 5.0 in lake sources, indicating moderate sodicity hazards. A comparative analysis revealed that water from the Euphrates River is the most suitable for irrigation. In contrast, water from the lakes requires dilution or treatment due to elevated salinity and sodium levels. The findings underscore the need for source-specific water management, seasonal monitoring, and SAR-based risk evaluation to maintain soil health and irrigation sustainability in semi-arid regions.

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This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Article Type: Research Article

EUR J SUSTAIN DEV RES, Volume 10, Issue 1, 2026, Article No: em0353

https://doi.org/10.29333/ejosdr/17444

Publication date: 01 Jan 2026

Online publication date: 19 Nov 2025

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