Statistical investigation for the impact of air pollution on the nutritional composition of olive oil

Abstract

The different forms of pollution; air, soil and water has been among the top priorities of research at Balamand University. The region we are concerning about is Al Koura, where the main campus of Balamand University is located, and since olive oil has been like a mark that distinguish Al Koura region, and in has a worldwide reputation. The farmers of the region complained about the decrease of productivity, and possibly the change of olive oil quality, mainly due to the different types of pollution occurring. This study uses data on olive oil nutritional constitution gathered by Koura Development council, the departments of Environmental sciences, Biology and Chemistry at the University of Balamand and considers it from a statistical point of view. Our mains questions are to investigate whether the distance to Chekka industrial complex affects the quality of olive oil, and whether there are other affecting parameters. We consider the olive oil constitution from a statistical point of view. We apply Principle component analysis and Clustering techniques to come up with answers to these questions. We conclude that the distance to Chekka complex is a major affecting parameter, but it’s not the only one.