Identificación de los controladores hidrometeorológicos en la concentración de carbono orgánico disuelto (COD) en humedales del páramo del norte de Ecuador

Abstract

High mountain wetlands are ecosystems responsible for water regulation, partly attributed to high levels of dissolved organic carbon (DOC). These features are typically associated with hydroclimatic factors and the presence of organic matter in their soils. However, different human activities have modified the composition and structure of wetlands, adversely affecting the dynamics and interaction of carbon. In this context, the aim of this study was to identify what hydrometeorological factors and how they control COD concentrations in the Andean paramo wetlands of northern Ecuador. In principle, each wetland was analysed for its intrinsic characteristics. Afterwards, the quality of the hydrometeorological data and the filling of the missing data with stations near the study site were analysed. As a result of the dataset examined, previous conditions were obtained at different times prior to COD sampling. With these conditions, statistical analyzes were performed (e.g.: regressions and correlations) in order to identify the main hydrometeorological factors and how they control the concentration of DOC in the different wetlands. The results showed that the best correlations were for flow and precipitation in all wetlands (except for the Jatunhuaycu wetland: low correlations for precipitation). Unlike the climatic parameters, where the correlations presented variations in most of the antecedent conditions and during the comparison between wetlands. With the above, it can be said that the findings would contribute to making important decisions related to the conservation of wetlands, water quality and carbon balance in these ecosystems of great importance.