Evaluación de calidad de agua del río Santa Bárbara, ubicado en la provincia del Azuay, Ecuador

Abstract

The Santa Barbara River, located in the province of Azuay, Ecuador, is an essential water source for local communities, providing water for irrigation, agriculture and human consumption. However, human activities such as mining and urbanization have deteriorated its quality in recent decades. This study aims to assess the water quality of the Santa Barbara River by analyzing physicochemical parameters (including fecal and total coliforms, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, hardness, and dissolved solids), as well as lead levels at various points along the riverbank. Samples were collected in the vicinity of the urban districts of Sigsig and the mining communities over a four-week period. The data were interpreted using the National Science Foundation (NSF) Water Quality Index (WQI), results indicated that water quality ranged from “average” to “good” at various sampling points, with higher contamination levels near the urban and mining areas. In addition, some parameters, such as total and fecal coliforms, pH, and turbidity, exceeded the limits established by Ecuadorian regulations in certain areas. In the case of lead, the concentrations found were below the permitted limits, suggesting an absence of significant contamination by this metal. These findings provide crucial information for the creation of water conservation and management plans, helping to protect this vital resource and public health in the region.