Study of water quality in the wells of the "aguas verdes" area (Santa Elena) and its impact on the surrounding populations.

Abstract

From August 2007 to January 2008, a water quality study was conducted in the wells of the "Aguas Verdes" area (Santa Elena Peninsula) and its impact on the surrounding populations. We determined and quantified the bacterial load (total bacteria, total coliforms and Echerichia coli), detected pesticides, analyzed heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Ni), identified the components of nanoplankton in the well water, provided training in water purification using home techniques, and finally socialized with the people involved. Four samplings were carried out in the five selected wells between September and November. The laboratory methodology included microbiological, physical-chemical, pesticide, heavy metal and phytoplankton analyses. The results reported that only Well I is suitable for human and domestic consumption, that Well 5 presents a marked difference due to its high values of total dissolved solids, sulfates and chlorides, while Wells 2,3,4 can only be used for agricultural irrigation and animal husbandry. In general, the water in the wells was not contaminated with pesticides (organochlorine and organophosphorus). It can be concluded that the current situation in the Aguas Verdes area reflects the lack of the main basic services as well as deficiencies in education and health.