Hydrochemical Characterization of Water in Santa Rosa Community, Southern Ecuador

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the quality of surface water, groundwater and tap water through the analysis of physicochemical parameters and hydrochemical composition. For this purpose, surface water, tap water and groundwater samples were collected. The sampling was carried out in the dry season (November 2022). Physicochemical parameters included pH, electrical conductivity, temperature, and total dissolved solids, and the major ions included HCO3-, SO42-, Cl-, NO3-, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+ and K+. The results indicated acid conditions in 25% of the surface water samples, mainly in mining environments. Surface waters are dominantly of HCO3- - SO42- - Ca2+ type, while the prevailing facies of tap waters are of HCO3- - Ca2+. The dominant ions in groundwater samples are Cl- - Na+ - K. The spatial distribution of the major ions showed a higher amount of SO42- in the mining areas and two streams Los Gringos and El Panteon, while the dominant ion along the Santa Rosa River course was HCO3-. The high Cl- contents in groundwater in the Santa Rosa urban zone may be related to anthropogenic pollution. These results evidence the need to implement monitoring and control strategies of the human in the Santa Rosa city to guarantee the quality of the water and therefore the safety of its consumers within the Santa Rosa cantony.