Abstract
Arsenic (As) is a toxic element present in the environment posing a threat to consumers health. To identify the arsenic content in rivers, páramos, and wells in the city of Cuenca, and in rivers in the city of Azogues, two monitoring campaigns in the period August-November 2017 were conducted, respectively during a low and high flow hydrological period. The measurements encompassed physicochemical quality indicators such as pH, color, turbidity, and conductivity. Results show that the páramos and wells are free of As, while this toxic substance is present in surface water with higher levels in periods of high flow. A significant association between the concentration of As and the pH of river water was found. The risk of chronic toxicity from consumption is almost non-existent because the observed As levels exceed only exceptionally the permissible limit established by the Ecuadorian TULSMA (Unified Text of Secondary Environmental Legislation) regulation. The presence of As in surface water is the result of anthropological activities such as the use of pesticides. A permanent monitoring of the quality of water resources for human consumption is necessary, particularly in the rainy season, due to the diffuse and difficult to control pollution processes.
Highlights
Results show that the páramos and wells are free of As, while this toxic substance is present in surface water with higher levels in periods of high flow
The Machangara and Tarqui rivers do not register As values in the low flow regime (LF1) but the toxic substance is detected in the high flow regime (HF1)
The study reveals that groundwater and páramos in the studied region are free of As, and it is most appropriate to maintain the conservation state of these ecosystems
Summary
The quality of water supply is a concern since supplies come. G. Pauta et al.: Analysis and risk assessment of arsenic in water sources from surface bodies and underground reserves. Arsenic disturbs the ecosystem; it is a carcinogenic substance classified by the WHO (2011) as one of the ten most dangerous. The presence of As in water supply should be monitored (Mañay, Pistón, Cáceres, Pizzorno, & Bühl, 2019) especially in rural environments, where the chemical quality can be seriously compromised by the existence of toxic substances, such as pesticides. IARC (2018) classifies As in group 1 of carcinogenic substances, and it is considered a public health problem that must be controlled to ensure safe water consumption (Carabantes & De Fernicola, 2003). The results of this research will be transferred to the water managers and will be used for the implementation of public policies aimed at protecting the health of the population
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