Caracterización de agua potable proveniente de tres principales plantas potabilizadoras de la ciudad de Cuenca, en sus características fisicoquímicas, contenido de aluminio, cloro residual y cafeína, en periodo seco y húmedo

Abstract

The physicochemical characteristics, aluminum content, free residual chlorine, and caffeine content of drinking water from three water treatment plants in the city of Cuenca were studied during May and July 2023, which correspond severally to rainy and summery seasons. The potable water treatment plants studied were: Tixán, which is supplied by the Machángara River; Cebollar, supplied by the Tomebamba river; and Sustag, whose source of supply is the Yanuncay River. Seven sampling points were set down per water treatment plant, two inside the plant (intake and outlet), and five random points, that were taken from official distribution Etapa EP’s diagram. A total of 210 samples were collected. They were examined to free residual chlorine, aluminum, pH, color, turbidity, and conductivity. In addition, the samples were solid-phase extracted and analyzed by HPLC-UV for caffeine content. The results indicated that residual free chlorine, aluminum content, pH, color, and turbidity did not exceed the maximum permissible limits established by the corresponding standards, TULSMA and NTE INEN-1108. None of the samples indicated caffeine presence. In general, there were no significant differences between seasons or potable water treatment plants. In conclusion, it was proved that studied potable water achieves to requirements set on local standards.