Identificación del impacto producido por la minería en Quimsacocha en la recarga de aguas superficiales y subterráneas a través de un estudio hidrogeológico

Abstract

Water can be a renewable natural resource as long as there is appropriate knowledge and control of activities that impact its cycle. The Andean páramos regulate this resource due to its characteristics of climate, vegetation and soil, impacts produced in these zones represent a potential waste of capacity of regulation, causing irremediable losses. Changes in soil recharge and/or storage represent an important aspect of the artificial condition in páramo areas. This work analyzes the basic flow rates, which can be conceptualized as an expression of recharge and storage. The analysis of the base flows is done through different models, and from this analysis the possible degree of affection is established at the level of three microcatchments, Calluancay, Zhurucay, Quinuahuaycu, belonging to the Quimsacocha area. The area of Quimsacocha belongs to the Andes, located in the parish of Victoria del Portete, Azuay province, at a height of 3.960 m.a.s.l, with a cold climate and high relative humidity. Large-scale underground mining, Loma Larga, is located in the area with advanced exploration. This investigation highlights the potential impacts on the base flows and water recharge of the three microcatchments. Possible changes such as the reduction of base flows and storage are explained. A possible future condition in the regulation of water is revealed with the implementation of a mining activity.