Data Analysis Considerations in Producing 'Comparable' Information for Water Quality Management Purposes

摘要

Water quality monitoring is being used in local, regional, and national scales to measure how water quality variables behave in the natural environment. A common problem, which arises from monitoring, is how to relate information contained in data to the information needed by water resource management for decision-making. This is generally attempted through statistical analysis of the monitoring data. However, how the selection of methods with which to routinely analyze the data affects the quality and comparability of information produced is not as well understood as may first appear. To help understand the connectivity between the selection of methods for routine data analysis and the information produced to support management, the following three tasks were performed. An examination of the methods that are currently being used to analyze water quality monitoring data, including published criticisms of them. An exploration of how the selection of methods to analyze water quality data can impact the comparability of information used for water quality management purposes. Development of options by which data analysis methods employed in water quality management can be made more transparent and auditable.