Impact of the Citrus Industry on the Water Quality of the Filobobos River in Veracruz, Mexico

Abstract

Veracruz, Mexico, boasts abundant water resources. However, the region is facing challenges stemming from population growth and industrial expansion, leading to a notable increase in wastewater discharge into surface water bodies. This discharge has resulted in significant alterations to water quality. In this study, we analyzed the water quality in the Bobos River, Veracruz, with a focus on sustainability. A total of 12 samples were collected from various points along the reservoir. Parameters including temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), conductivity, total nitrogen (TN), nitrate, chemical oxygen demand (COD), total phosphorus (TP), phosphate, dissolved solids (DSs), and fecal coliforms (FCs) were measured and analyzed. The pH levels ranged from slightly acidic (6.40 ± 0.71) to slightly alkaline (8.65 ± 0.07), with the lowest dissolved oxygen concentration recorded at 0.15 ± 0.07 mg L−1. Conductivity varied between 0.26 and 3.81 mS. Total nitrogen concentrations ranged from 0.21 ± 3.8 to 0.491 ± 1.3 mg L−1. Dissolved solid concentrations were measured at 0.39 ± 0.05 mg L−1, while the final sampling point exhibited elevated values for temperature, nitrate, chemical oxygen demand, total phosphorus, and coliforms (30.35 ± 0.21 °C, 0.35, 389.00 ± 11.31, 13.20 ± 0.85 mg L−1, and 3.2 × 105 ± 3.707107 × 104, respectively). To address these concerning trends and safeguard public health and environmental integrity, the implementation of continuous monitoring and stringent control measures is imperative.