Application of factor analysis to study contamination of a semi-confined aquifer (Wielkopolska Buried Valley aquifer, Poland)

SummaryGroundwater chemistry is controlled by many natural processes as well as anthropogenic processes. The identification of the influence of anthropogenic processes on groundwater chemistry is difficult particularly in cases of early phase of groundwater anthropogenic transformation. The present study shows the application of factor analyses (FA) for the identification of anthropogenic processes affecting groundwater chemistry of a semi-confined aquifer (Wielkopolska Buried Valley aquifer, Poland). The results of this study clearly demonstrate that FA is a reliable method for differentiation of natural and anthropogenic processes affecting groundwater chemistry, particularly during the early phase of anthropogenic groundwater chemistry transformations.