Evaluación de la contaminación por metales pesados del río Cuchipamba, Morona Santiago

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the heavy-metal contamination in the river Cuchipamba, located in El Ideal civil parish, Gualaquiza canton, Morona Santiago province, through a physicochemical water analysis. It is focused on a qualitative-quantitative approach, as the evaluation reflects the current state of the water based on obtained data. It was a field and documentary research, as data was obtained from four different places of the river section and also a bibliographic review was done. Hence, it was determined the study field and through the ArcGIS software, it was generated a location map identifying four sampling locations. Each point outputs parameter data in situ and ex situ, it was carried out the laboratory testing on the concentrations of arsenic, mercury and lead. Once it was obtained data from the physicochemical analysis, results were compared together with the allowable limits established by the legal environmental regulations applicable in Ecuador. Moreover, contamination charts were created in accordance with the metal which exceeded the allowed limit with the help of the ArcGIS software. As a result, it was determined lead pollution in the river Cuchipamba at PM-04 during November, December and January, exceeding the concentration of 0,001 mg/l as per the current legal regulations. In conclusion, it is evident that there is heavy-metal contamination due to the lead high values from 0,004 to 0,0046 mg/l, as a possible presence of illegal mining and the absence of the correct wastewater treatment. It is recommended to realize new research evaluating the water quality index and identifying macro invertebrates.