Incidence of the Leachates from the Quevedo Emerging Cell on the Water Quality of the Limón Stream, San Cristóbal Parish, Quevedo Canton

Abstract

The present study aimed to assess the impact of leachates from the emerging cell on the water quality of the Limón stream in Ecuador. Five sampling points were selected as references using the NTE INEN 2176:2013 standard. Subsequently, these samples were analyzed in a laboratory using the standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater for the respective physicochemical analysis. The analysis results were compared with the Unified Text of Secondary Legislation of the Ministry of the Environment, and the water quality index (WQI) was determined according to the National Sanitary Foundation (NSF). Additionally, an environmental diagnosis was conducted based on the cause-effect matrix by Leopold to propose a strategy for the restoration and ecological recovery of the affected components. According to the obtained results, the sampling points closer to the leachate discharge showed high concentrations of dissolved oxygen, iron, fecal coliforms, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total suspended solids (TSS), which exceeded the maximum permissible limits according to legislation. This resulted in a “fair” water quality index classification according to the WQI classification. These findings highlight the importance of considering and assessing the environmental impacts. A total of 24 impacts were identified on physical, biotic, and anthropic components, with 4.76% being highly significant, 42.86% significant, and 52.38% negligible. In conclusion, the results indicate a scenario of environmental deterioration at the leachate discharge stations, urging the urgent implementation of corrective measures to address the detected high contamination.