Abstract

MOSQUERA-TORRES, Yarly E.; QUEJADA, Eduar García  and  CORDOBA, Deymer A. Mena. Assessment of rainwater quality in the biogeographical pacific. Preliminary study Quibdó, Chocó, Colombia. Ing. compet. [online]. 2024, vol.26, n.2, e-20212985.  Epub May 14, 2024. ISSN 0123-3033.  https://doi.org/10.25100/iyc.v26i2.12985.

This research allowed us to understand the physical-chemical and microbiological quality of rainwater collected in the downtown area and Medrano neighborhood of the city of Quibdó - Chocó. This population has a high precipitation rate which ranges from 1500mm/year and 8500mm/year, both currently and in the future, although this situation contrasts with the low drinking water coverage, which is only 28.5%. To carry out this study, 5 sampling points were identified, and 4 samples were collected at each point with a periodicity of 1 weekly sampling for 4 weeks, for a total of 20 representative samples. The selected roof tops coverings were made of zinc, asbestos cement, and mantle, and are located in areas of high vehicular and pedestrian activity. The collected samples were analyzed in an accredited laboratory for this purpose. The parameters evaluated for rainwater quality were: apparent color, real color, conductivity, pH, total alkalinity, nitrites, nitrates, total coliforms, and Escherichia Coli. The result of the microbiological analyzes was POSITIVE in 100% of the cases, while 15% of the physical analyses and 34% of the chemical analyses also yielded negative results. Due to the presence mainly of colony-forming units of Escherichia Coli and total coliforms, it was concluded that rainwater in the downtown area and Medrano neighborhood of the city of Quibdó - Chocó, does 5not meet the standards established in the evaluated parameters and required by the regulations, which means that it is not safe for human consumption due to its level of contamination.

Keywords : rainwater quality; biogeographical pacific; physical - chemical and microbiological characteristics; Quibdó; Chocó; Colombia.

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