Application of a Nonparametric Approach for Monitoring and Detecting Trends in Water Quality Data for the St

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Abstract
To overcome some of the restrictions due to the irregular structure of water quality data, a nonparametric approach has been developed based on Kendall’s T and a seasonal adjustment model, which enables one to test for the significance of trends as well as to monitor the trend variations with time. This methodology has been applied to water quality data for the St. Lawrence river obtained from Environment Canada and the municipality of Varennes. The results from the first source indicate that a positive trend is developing for conductivity and pH downstream from the Island of Montreal, whereas upstream from the Island pH is the only parameter indicating a positive trend. Data from the municipality of Varennes, due to their excellent quality, were used to verify the validity of the previous results as well as the reliability of the applied methodology. Analysis of the Varennes data with a parametric method indicated that a positive trend in pH is indeed evident. This finding will be of consequence for future studies to ascertain the effect on the river of the new Montreal Urban Community Sewage Treatment Plant.

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