Vinueza D., Ochoa-Herrera V., Maurice Laurence, Tamayo E., Mejia L., Tejera E., Machado A. (2021). Determining the microbial and chemical contamination in Ecuador's main rivers. Scientific Reports - Nature, 11 (1), 17640 [14 p.]. ISSN 2045-2322.
Titre du document
Determining the microbial and chemical contamination in Ecuador's main rivers
Année de publication
2021
Auteurs
Vinueza D., Ochoa-Herrera V., Maurice Laurence, Tamayo E., Mejia L., Tejera E., Machado A.
Source
Scientific Reports - Nature, 2021,
11 (1), 17640 [14 p.] ISSN 2045-2322
One major health issue is the microbial and chemical contamination of natural freshwater, particularly in Latin American countries, such as Ecuador, where it is still lacking wastewater treatment plants. This study analyzed the water quality in twelve rivers of Ecuador (Coastal, Andean, and Amazonian regions). All rivers showed levels of E. coli and total coliforms above the maximum limit according to International and Ecuadorian legislations. The most polluted rivers were Zamora, Esmeraldas and Machangara. Also, E. coli pathotypes were found in six rivers. Several physicochemical and metal parameters were detected in high levels, such as CODTOTAL (in eight rivers), TSS (in six rivers), TS (in two rivers), Al (in nine rivers), Zn (in eight rivers), Pb (in three rivers), Cu (in three rivers), Fe (in two rivers), and Mn (in Machangara River). Our results agree with other studies in Latin America (such as Colombia, Brazil, and Peru) reporting similar contamination in water resources used for agriculture, livestock, and human consumption. Overall, Guayas, Guayllabamba, and Machangara Rivers showed the highest levels of physicochemical parameters (such as CODTOTAL and TSS) and metal concentrations (such as copper, zinc, aluminum, iron, and manganese). Further studies should evaluate contamination sources and public health impact.
Plan de classement
Sciences fondamentales / Techniques d'analyse et de recherche [020]
;
Pollution [038]
;
Hydrologie [062]
;
Biotechnologies [084]
Description Géographique
EQUATEUR
Localisation
Fonds IRD [F B010082828]
Identifiant IRD
fdi:010082828
