Caracterización fisicoquímica y microbiológica del agua procedente de vertientes subterráneas para consumo humano en dos comunidades de la Parroquia San Luis

Abstract

The main objective of the following instigation seeks to characterize physicochemically, microbiologically and parasitologically the water consumed in the communities of "San Antonio de Padua" and "La Candelaria". The two communities in San Luis parish depend on water from the subway springs "Algodón Pogio", "Sanblag" and "Urpiunga". Chlorination aids disinfection, but contamination risks persist due to neglected pipes, presence of animals and agricultural activities, therefore. The methodology implemented in this research has a quantitative approach, with a descriptive design, non-experimental, longitudinal and observational scope, since no variables were manipulated and it was developed in the period November-December 2023. The study population consisted of water samples obtained from subway springs, collection tanks, distribution tanks, and home networks in the upper, middle and lower zones. Physical parameters were analyzed, such as pH, apparent color and turbidity; chemical parameters such as arsenic, cadmium, copper, free residual chlorine, chromium, fluoride, mercury, nitrates, nitrites and lead, using HACH and Standard Methods for examination of water and wastewater. In addition, the membrane filtration technique was used to measure microbiological parameters: fecal coliforms, centrifugation technique to analyze the parasites cryptosporidium spp, and giardia spp. According to the results obtained, it was concluded that the water quality according to the Ecuadorian technical standard INEN 1108:2020 most of the parameters analyzed comply, however, pH, free residual chlorine and fecal coliforms do not comply with this standard. The low levels of free residual chlorine, high pH levels and the presence of fecal coliforms. It is advisable to install a water treatment system, identify Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae. In addition, avoid the presence of animals at the collection points to ensure that this population has access to safe water, suitable for consumption and different daily activities