Survey of Physicochemical Variables in Molepo Dam, South Africa, Using Multivariate Analysis

Background and Objective: Molepo Dam is a small dam with several aquatic animal species. An assessment of the water quality index of Molepo Dam is necessary because it is situated close to a largely rural community. In this study, the physicochemical variables of Molepo Dam were observed to better understand the water quality situation of this dam. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out from October 2022 to March 2023; 126 samples of water were taken from the Molepo Dam. The physicochemical parameters of the water were determined through standard methods. Results: The site within the dam exhibited a clear separation. Site 1, 2 and 4 were found to be more similar to each other, while Site 3 was separated from them. Site 5, 6 and 7 were more similar together as well. The results showed that the pollution level in Site 3 was the lowest. The pollution level in Site 1, 2 and 4 was more similar and the level of pollution in Site 5, 6 and 7 was the highest. Conclusion: According to the study, pollution levels were found to be different in various parts of the Molepo Dam. This was because the wastewater generated by rural communities was predominantly discharged towards the northern part of the dam.