Evaluación de la calidad del agua aplicando el Índice Diatómico General (IDG) en microcuencas abastecedoras de agua de consumo, en la zona urbana del cantón Yantzaza
In this research, water quality we investigated by using the General Diatom Index (GDI) across watersheds that supply drinking water to Yantzaza Canton's urban area. The study focused on key sampling points within two main areas: the Yantzaza watershed, which included sites affected by agricult...
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| Format: | bachelorThesis |
| Language: | spa |
| Published: |
2024
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://dspace.unl.edu.ec/jspui/handle/123456789/30246 |
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Add Tag | Summary: | In this research, water quality we investigated by using the General Diatom Index (GDI) across watersheds that supply drinking water to Yantzaza Canton's urban area. The study focused on key sampling points within two main areas: the Yantzaza watershed, which included sites affected by agriculture, livestock, and artisanal mining, and the San Francisco watershed, with zones impacted by livestock and pristine native forest. The fieldwork involved measuring various physicochemical parameters on-site, such as temperature, total dissolved solids, and electrical conductivity. Additionally, we conducted more detailed laboratory analyses of pH, turbidity, nitrates, and phosphates. To assess diatom community structures, we collected substrate samples (small stones) from the riverbed's exposed areas. A significant presence of diatoms was identified in 8,819 individuals across nine genera. Notably, genera like Navicula, Nitzschia, and Gomphonema were particularly abundant. These genera are known for their resilience to organic water pollution, primarily influenced by phosphorus levels rather than variables such as pH or temperature. The final results revealed elevated phosphate concentrations in these water bodies, likely attributable to agricultural and livestock practices. The runoff from livestock waste and agricultural residues appears to be adversely affecting the drinking water sources for Yantzaza's urban area. According to the General Diatom Index (GDI) results, the Yantzaza watershed exhibits a high degree of pollution, especially in agricultural and livestock- affected zones. In contrast, the San Francisco watershed showed a moderate to moderately high level of pollution. In summary, this study underscores the impact of agricultural, livestock, and mining activities on water quality in these critical watersheds, emphasizing the need for targeted environmental management strategies. |
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