Monitoreo de la calidad de agua del río Machángara como recurso hídrico para la ciudad de Cuenca, Ecuador

Abstract

The Machángara River, vital to the city of Cuenca, Ecuador, faces significant challenges that threaten both its environmental sustainability and public health. This study focused on analyzing the physical, chemical and microbiological parameters of the river in order to know its current state and propose measures for sustainable management. The methodology covered the systematic collection of samples at four points in the Machángara River basin: Laguna Machangaracocha, Chanlud Dam, Ochoa León and the Industrial Park. This process was developed over a period of two months, with sampling intervals of 15 days. The parameters were analyzed: pH, temperature, color, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, nitrates, phosphates, fecal coliforms and total coliforms. The results revealed that the samples collected from the Machangaracocha Lagoon and the Chanlud Dam meet the limits established for the evaluated parameters. However, at the points of Ochoa León and Parque Industrial, higher than permitted levels of fecal and total coliforms were detected in the sampling. Likewise, an excess of phosphates was reported in the sampling carried out on July 3 in the Ochoa León sector. The average quality index throughout the basin was 75.45. In conclusion, the Machángara River presents high levels of contamination by fecal and total coliforms at the lowest points of its course. The implementation of monitoring, regulations and awareness campaigns is recommended to improve the management of this vital resource. The community must be actively involved in the protection and preservation of the river, adopting responsible practices that contribute to its recovery and long-term maintenance.