Evaluación de la condición del río Migüir mediante el desarrollo de un índice de calidad de agua

Abstract

The Miguir River is located in the mountains of the Cajas National Park. This is 30 minutes from the Cuenca city belonging to the province of Azuay. Around this beautiful place are different communities; such as: Molleturo and Miguir. The study of my project began with the collection of information from different professionals who have knowledge on the subject of water resources and are willing to collaborate. Once the 20 participating experts were known, two surveys were carried out. These results will help to calculate the weights and quality subscripts necessary for the formulation of the aforementioned river index. From the surveys, the 16 parameters that enter the research were estimated according to criteria of water uses that are: agricultural, livestock and recreational. Once the parameters had been analyzed in the Soil and Water Analysis Laboratory of the University of Cuenca, the water quality index (ICA) was elaborated. Subsequently, it was validated with the ICA NSF using Pearsons correlations and finally it was compared with current legal regulations. For this, five sampling campaigns were carried out at three specific points. During the months of October, November and December 2020, we tried to cover the 7 km of the study area and with it also the dry and rainy seasons. The results show that the water quality of the Miguir River is between Good and Excellent. Furthermore, there is a positive and strong correlation between the ICA Developed and the ICA NSF and thus considering it valid. Finally, it should be mentioned that no parameter is above the permissible limits of the regulation.