Resumen

RAMIREZ, A; RESTREPO, R  y  VINA, G. CUATRO ÍNDICES DE CONTAMINACIÓN PARA CARACTERIZACIÓN DE AGUAS CONTINENTALES. FORMULACIONES Y APLICACIÓN. C.T.F Cienc. Tecnol. Futuro [online]. 1997, vol.1, n.3, pp.135-153. ISSN 0122-5383.

In this paper four indices of contamination, which qualify different water aspects are presented. Such indices allow for an overall assessment of the enviromental status of the water bodies. These indices have been derived from acumulative experiences in hidrobiological monitoring in the Colombian Petroleum Industry for six years. Multivariable estatistics was used. The indices were developed based on legislation from several countries, in accordance with the concentration of the different parameteres and water usages. This indices of contamination (ICO) are: ICOMI (mineralization), ICOMO (organics contamination), ICOSUS (suspended solids) and ICOTRO (trophia system). The indices are easy to estimate (mathematically and/or graphically) and allow the identification the type of environmental problem, existing as demostrated with examples and the near to zero correlations found. Thanks to the minimun number of variables, the aplication of these indices also disminishes monitoring and evaluation costs. In view of the adventages above mentioned it is worth considering integrating the indices in to the national legislation.

Palabras clave : contamination; indices of water quality; environmental assessment; environmental impact.

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