Matute creek, Cartagena, Colombia: deterioration of water quality by human impact Arroyo

Abstract

In this study, the waters of Arroyo Matute in Colombia were evaluated by physicochemical and organoleptic analyses. The physicochemical characterization of the waters of Arroyo Matute showed that, until 2000, the creek was in good condition as a natural water source up to the middle part of the river. The waters could be used for irrigation or other activities although some parameters exceeded the MPL for drinking water. Significant differences were found between the seasons for nitrates, ammonium, alkalinity, hardness, chloride and COD. The incidence of waste dumping and general deterioration of water was evident in stations D and E in the urban area of Cartagena.