Evaluation of the level of bacteriological pollution in water and sediment of the estuary, and his relation with the quality ofthe underground water of the commune Cerrito de los Morreños, gulf of Guayaquil - Ecuador

Abstract

The Commune Cerrito de los Morrefíos is influenced by sewage dischargeddirectly bythe villagers and from the city ofGuayaquil, which affects waterquality, sediment and biota of the study area, resulting in the proliferation ofpathogens, which will have direct effects on the population because consumption of ground water (wells) and use of ecosystem services afforded by mangrove aquatic ecosystem and surrounding community. In the present work was used to coliform bacteria as indicators of organic pollution, applying the technique ofMost Probable Number (NMP). The average results analyzed, compared and correlated with the water matrix of the four selected stations of the estuary is as follows: the total bacteria concentrations were from 9.3 to 43.8 x 10² UFC/ml, total coliforms were found in concentrations of 22-54 x 10² NMP/IOOml and fecal coliforms from 9.3 to 92 x 10² NMP!l OOml, regarding the use ofwater in the estuary, according to the seasons, the number 3 and 4 by a low level of bacteria! concentration can be utilized in recreational activities (swirnming and fishing), while the analysis in community well water concentrations were <1.8 NMP!l OOml for total and fecal coliforms, however, in the prívate well showed the presence of total coliforms in concentrations greater than 1600 NMP!l OOml and 33-240 NMP!l OOml for fecal coliforms. What can be concluded that the quality of community well water consumed by residents ofthe community is suitable for domestic use, while the prívate well water pre-treatment needs for consumption. Sediment data show a tendency to be the siles themselves for the development of bacteria, which are related to direct discharges of domestic wastewater and organic waste from farm
animals in the community.