Abstract

ASTIZ, Simón. Water resource degradation in the Cataniapo River, Amazons, Venezuela. Tecnol. cienc. agua [online]. 2012, vol.3, n.3, pp.05-20. ISSN 2007-2422.

The Cataniapo River basin--which is the only source of water for the town of Puerto Ayacucho, in the Venezuelan Amazon--is being subjected to intense environmental pressure by unplanned agricultural and urban local development. In order to describe the spatial-temporal variation in water quality, water and sediment samples were collected quarterly from the upper, middle and lower sections of the Cataniapo River between 2000 and 2003. The following parameters and compounds were determined: suspended solids, alkalinity, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, total and fecal coliforms, hydrocarbons, heavy metals (Pb, Hg, Ni, Zn, Cu and Cr) and organochlorine insecticides. Analyses were performed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry and field sensors. Values for pH oscillated around 5 units in the three sections of the river, which is considered normal for this type of clear water according to existing historical records. Nevertheless, temporary acidification was observed during the period of low waters, or the dry season, when pH values decreased to roughly 4. Continuous and elevated concentrations of total and fecal coliforms of up to 14 000 and 2 800 organisms per 100 ml^-1, respectively, were detected. The highest concentrations of heavy metals found in the water were Cu 0.09; Cr 0.05; Pb 0.24; Zn 0.33; Ni 1.32; Hg 0.02 mg l^-1); with Pb, Ni and Hg being higher than the international norms recommended for the normal development of aquatic life, in general, and for human consumption, in particular. The presence of two organochlorinated insecticides were found Aldrin (0.072 μg l^-1) and β-BHC (0.126 μg l^-1) which are banned from the basins due to their "protected area status." The results obtained by this investigation revealed a deterioration in the quality of the water in the lower Cataniapo River. Although this is localized and moderate, it needs to be addressed by implementing alternative ecological management strategies that include the careful use of available aquatic resources.

Keywords : water quality; Cataniapo River; pollution; heavy metals; agrochemicals; Venezuelan Amazon.

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