Evaluación del nivel de contaminación del agua y elaboración de una propuesta de mitigación en el canal de riego Chambo-Guano, bloque 3.

Abstract

This research aimed to evaluate the level of water pollution in the Chambo-Guano irrigation canal, block 3. A field study was carried out through direct observation and collecting information. The data acquired were processed by means of qualitative analysis to investigate and acquire information on the pollution of the canal mentioned above. The results obtained from the evaluation of environmental aspects of the global impact matrix were -0.90, which indicated that there is a highly significant negative impact. The results of the water samples were as follows: bicarbonates with 102 milligrams/liter (mg/L) in Yaruquíes and 96.90 mg/L in Ricpamba; oils and fats with 10.60 mg/L in Yaruquíes and 16.40 mg/L in Ricpamba; copper with 0.28 mg/L in Yaruquíes and 0.31 in Ricpamba; floating matter with 5.30 mg/L in Yaruquíes and 4.80 mg/L in Ricpamba and faecal coliforms with 1100 colony forming units (CFU/100 mL) in Yaruquíes and 2300 CFU/100 mL in Ricpamba. From the results, a mitigation proposal composed of seven programs was elaborated. It was concluded that the causes of contamination in the irrigation canal are anthropogenic activities around the canal. This information is considered as a basis to carry out the proposal activities and develop strategies to mitigate and prevent contamination of the canal and at the same time promote conservation and sustainable use of water in the study area. It is recommended that irrigation water monitoring be carried out at least two years to complement information obtained from this research.