Prevención y control de contaminación de recursos hídricos de la mancomunidad del Chochó Andino : Análisis de tecnologías sostenibles en el tratamiento de aguas residuales contaminantes de las subcuencas de los ríos Alambi y Chirape.

Abstract

Abstract.-The present investigation was carried out in localized sections of the sub-basins of the Alambi and Chirape rivers of the Mancomunidad del Chocó Andino. Water quality was determined using the following parameters: dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, turbidity, dissolved solids, BOD₅, COD, fecal coliforms, surfactants and cyanide during the rainy season. The water quality parameters were compared with data from academic research conducted in this area and also with the quality criteria established in the national environmental legislation, according to the use of the resource. Then, with the calculation of the water quality index, it was found that in the analyzed points of the Chirape River, the water quality is regular and its possible use is agricultural. On the other hand, for the Alambi River, water quality is poor and cannot be used unless it is treated. Next, the activities causing pollution and the most important environmental aspects were identified: sewage, gray water, solid waste, agrochemical waste, organic waste, bad odors and vectors. Based on the information obtained, significant environmental impacts were determined: water contamination, soil contamination, depletion of natural resources, and atmospheric contamination. Sustainable technologies for wastewater treatment were analyzed, according to the characteristics of this territory, using environmental and social indicators. It was determined that the peat bed is appropriate for this type of wastewater because it consumes less energy during its operation, due to its low odor emission and high elimination of biochemical oxygen demand, dissolved solids and pathogens. Finally, the results achieved were presented to social actors of the Mancomunidad involved in the integrated management of water resources, after identifying them.