Evaluación del recurso hídrico del ecosistema herbazal y arbustal siempreverde subnival del páramo en la parroquia rural Quimiag del cantón Riobamba

Abstract

In this research, the water resources of the ecosystems Herbazal and Arbustal evergreen sub-level of the tundra of Quimiag town in Riobamba were evaluated. Through direct observation methodology, the biophysical component of the water sources was analyzed. A non-experimental design was applied, with 9 water samples to be sent to the TOX-CHEM laboratory, and 22 physicochemical parameters were evaluated. It was observed that the oil and grease sample had a result lower than 0.3 mg/L and hexavalent chromium yielded values lower than 0.05 mg/L. In COD, the samples comply with the regulations obtaining results lower than the maximum permissible limit of <4 mg/L. Similar to BOD5, values lower than those allowed by the NTE INEN 1108:2014 standard were found. In nitrites and nitrates with <0.012 and <2.5 mg/L, the sulfates had values lower than 5 mg/L. The same was true for residual chlorine, phenols, and ammonia. Total Suspended Solids had a level lower than the 10% increase of the natural condition. Among the microbiological parameters, fecal coliforms were less than 1 NMP/100mL, so the water quality is good and is considered suitable for human consumption. The actual color, fluoride, total iron, hydrogen potential, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, and turbidity showed a slight variation in their results. However, this does not affect water quality, since they were within the permissible limit according to the Standard. It is concluded that the water resource analyzed is a high-quality water source and that no industrial or residential area in the surrounding area contributes to the conservation of the water resource.