Evaluación de la calidad de agua del rio Wuapula mediante el índice de calidad (ica-nsf) y macroinvertebrados sector Santa Rosa, Macas-Ecuador, 2022

Abstract

The main objective of the current research study was to evaluate the water quality of the Wuapula River micro-watershed through the application of ICA-NSF quality index and the BMWP/COL biological index during the months of April, May and June 2022. It selected three georeferenced monitoring points (Wuapula Point 1, Wuapula Point 2 and Wuapula Point 3) with a 2 km stretch between the three points. The ICA-NSF index establishes 9 parameters to monitor in its methodology. Once these parameters were analyzed, the ICA'S were calculated at the three points established in the sampling plan with average results of 71.65 at point 1; being classified as good quality water, 62 at point 2 classified as regular water, and the value of point 3 was 66.25 qualified as water of regular quality, demonstrating that the water quality in this micro-watershed is regular, therefore it cannot be used for human consumption however for agricultural and livestock activities it can be used without any treatment. For the BMWP/COL biological index determined water quality in the 3 study points as acceptable according to the sensitivity of the macroinvertebrate families, it means water slightly contaminated with organic matter from human and natural activities. The study implemented a proposal to mitigate and reduce the contamination of the water quality of the Wuapula River with the commitment of the community of Santa Rosa to execute the proposal.