Baseline geochemical analysis of stream water samples, collected from streams in the northern and western regions of Ireland, has been completed as part of the Tellus programme. Data analysis has been carried out to explore spatial and statistical patterns in the data relating to geology and human activity. Univariate and multivariate analysis techniques, including Exploratory Data Analysis, Principal Component Analysis, Cluster Analysis and Random Forests have been undertaken and they demonstrate that there are coherent geochemical patterns related to underlying bedrock geology, subsoil composition and the influence of agriculture on water quality.
The findings are relevant for the assessment of substances of concern in the environment, including Specific Pollutants, Priority Substances and nutrients. They also show that stream water chemistry has the potential to be employed in mineral exploration.
The Executive Summary, Report and Appendices can be downloaded below: