Abstract
This article provides a deep analysis of the water quality at the upper basin of the Bogota River (Colombia) between 2008 and 2017. The Water Quality Index has been the indicator employed to determine the ecological status of the river. This index was chosen in order to normalize the analysis, given that it is commonly used by the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies, a government agency of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development of Colombia, to determine the state of surface effluents. The results obtained were organized in a double-entry matrix in order to relate the variables of the sample period and the sampling station. The research revealed an insufficient quality of water, demonstrating that the high stretch of the Bogota River basin has, in general, regular or acceptable water quality, while only five stations showed an acceptable status. Surprisingly, the stations located close to the wastewater treatment plants of the municipalities of Choconta, Suesca, Gachancipa, and Tocancipa, as well as Rio Negro, have a poor water quality, discharging a high load of contaminants into the river. Although great efforts have been made by Colombian authorities to restore the critical state of the majority of their aquatic ecosystems, recent implementation of policies and instruments have not shown significant achievements yet. For this reason, this study aims to present a powerful decision-tool for the monitoring and evaluation of correction measures implemented on this river basin. The data used in this research were provided by the Regional Autonomous Corporation of Cundinamarca.
Highlights
From the past few decades, growing pressures and overexploitation of hydric resources have provoked an extreme quality decay of surface and groundwater
Data used as input for the Water Quality Index (WQI) calculation corresponded to the results of the Bogota River water quality monitoring conducted by CAR
These data were delivered in portable document format (PDF)
Summary
From the past few decades, growing pressures and overexploitation of hydric resources have provoked an extreme quality decay of surface and groundwater. Industrial pollution, agriculture activities and increasing citizen demands are some of the major factors responsible for the water deterioration. Authorities are already implementing measures in order to stop the entrance of contaminants on water bodies. For this reason, monitoring may be the most important activity for the correct management of hydric resources. Detection of dangerous trends in water quality is the only way to detect the negative impacts of pollution and to implement correction and prevention measures.
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