Diagnóstico de la calidad del agua para uso agrícola y ganadero en dos tributarios de la cuenca alta del río Cañar

Abstract

In this study, the Silante and San Pedro Rivers micro-watersheds were diagnosed, including their morphometric characteristics with geo-referenced information. In addition, it focuses on analyzing the physicochemical and microbiological properties of water for agricultural use. Likewise, surveys were applied to residents performing different activities within the study area, revealing the current state of the micro-watersheds. Additionally, the water quality was determined through the application of the United States ICA-NSF. Consequently, from the process of identification and evaluation of the morphometric characteristics, it was observed that the Silante River micro-watershed is in a youthful stage with significant erosive potential, while the San Pedro River micro-watershed is in a mature stage and a state of equilibrium; both micro-watersheds present problems such as garbage, household drainage, and waste from agriculture and livestock. The water quality in the study area had an average value of 53.29, which in The ICA-NSF index represents the medium quality water suitable for irrigation, and with prior potabilization, treatment can be used as drinking water. Keywords: micro-watersheds, water quality, ICA-NSF, characterization, waste, crops