Evaluation of reservoir water quality using a comprehensive index: A case study of a certain reservoir in northwest China

Fresh water reservoirs can be impacted by several hazardous substances through inputs from agricultural activities, sewage discharges, ground-water leaching and runoffs. The water quality assessment is very important for water quality information sharing of the monitoring and remediation programs to minimize the risk promoted by hazardous substances in aquatic ecosystems. The application of this type of index has clear advantages allowing a comprehensive evaluation of the effects from all the important water components and parameters including those due to unknown substances. The aim of this study was to assess the global characterization of the surface water from Huangyang reservoir rely on the information of water quality parameters and to evaluate the influence of anthropogenic sources of pollution. The results are to be used for developing a monitoring program for water quality information sharing, including biological methods.