Summary
A new method of a water quality index has been proposed. The unit indices were determined from the values of individual parameters using continuous functions. The base for such functions were the four water quality classes used in Poland. The summarized WQI is the square root of the harmonic mean of squares of unit indices. Using this mean we have eliminated the use of weights of parameters. Parameters are divided into basic parameters (7) and other additional parameters (19). The additional parameter is considered only if its unit index is lower than WQI from basic parameters. For many measurements at one point the guaranteed WQI has been calculated. The points of WQI were connected and the curves of WQI along the river were obtained.
A method of WQI calculating and preparation of WQI curves has been shown using as an example the Pilica river in Poland. The WQI was then calculated for 31 rivers in the Vistula river basin by measuring points.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Stojda, A. and Dojlido, J.: 1983, ‘A Study on the Water Quality Index in Poland’, WHO. Wat. Qual. Bull. 8(1), 30–32.
Stojda, A., Dojlido, J. and Woyciechowska, J.: 1983, ‘Evaluation of Water Quality With The Use Of WQI’, (in Polish), Gospodarka Wodna 10.
Dojlido, J., Woyciechowska, J. and Raniszewski J.: 1991, ‘Water Quality Index (WQI) For Summarized Evaluation of Water pollution’, Conference IMWM Poland/Pennstate USA: Water Resource Management and Water Pollution Control. Perspectives from Poland and the United States; Warsaw, 23–25 September.
Disposition of Ministry Council from 14 December 1987 concerning classification of waters and conditions for wastewaters discharged to waters and soil, and fines for offence against these regulations (in Polish). Dziennik Ustaw No. 42, 1987.
Disposition of Minister of Environment from 5 November 1991 concerning classification of waters and conditions for wastewaters discharged to waters or soil, Dziennik Ustaw No. 116, 1991.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Dojlido, J., Raniszewski, J. & Woyciechowska, J. Water quality index applied to rivers in the Vistula river basin in Poland. Environ Monit Assess 33, 33–42 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00546659
Received:
Revised:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00546659