Distribution Pattern and Estimation of Groundwater Flow Direction Using pH in Unconfined Aquifer Greater Bandung Area, Purwakarta Regency, and Subang Regency Using Principal Component Analysis

Abstract

The Greater Bandung area, Purwakarta Regency, and Subang Regency have considerable potential as a source of groundwater because of their volcanic deposits. Nonetheless, there are also concerns about groundwater contamination in the region. Investigating the characteristics of the groundwater in this area is very interesting because the local people depend heavily on agricultural activities for their livelihoods. This study uses multivariable statistical analysis techniques, especially the principal component analysis method, using Orange Data Mining software. The study which focused on examining the physical parameters of groundwater, particularly its pH, managed to collect 674 data points, consisting of 58 primary data and 616 secondary data. In the northern region, comprising Bandung City, Cimahi City, West Bandung Regency, Subang Regency, and Purwakarta Regency, the groundwater flow is from south to north, and its average pH is 6.7. Conversely, in the southern area, encompassing Bandung Regency, the groundwater flow is also from south to north, but its average pH is 6.1. The acidity of the southern area's groundwater is attributed to the volcanic activity of Mount Wayang-Windu, which is a component of Mount Malabar.