Caracterización de los parámetros fisicoquímicos y microbiológicos del agua para crianza de truchas en una hacienda, ubicada en Pichacay, provincia del Azuay

Abstract

The water quality is of great importance for the growth, health, well-being, and survival of trout. The main objective of this thesis work was to determine the water quality of an artificial lagoon located in Pichacay, Azuay province, used for the breeding of rainbow trout, and thus determine the causes of death of more than 50% of these species. This work is based on a descriptive field investigation which allowed determining the physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters as follows: dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature (T), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), total phosphorus, nitrites, nitrates, ammonia nitrogen, pH, total coliforms, and thermotolerant coliforms. Several representative samples were taken with repetitions at different points in the lagoon during a one-month period, following the standards established by national (TULSMA) and international (Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater) organizations. Normal statistical tests and averages were used which indicated whether the detected parameter values were within or outside the critical ranges for the survival of the fish in question. After performing the physicochemical and microbiological analyses, it was concluded that the cause of death of the trout was due to asphyxia from low DO values, due to the increase in water temperature and the accumulation of organic matter. As a result, a series of recommendations have been issued to improve water quality.