ANTHROPIC SYSTEM AND WATER QUALITY IN A HIGH ANDEAN BASIN IN PERU

Abstract

This research analyzed the impact of human activities on land use and water quality in the Doña Ana river basin, Chota district. It was found that 100% of the inhabitants carry out agricultural activities, mainly corn and potato cultivation, while 95% are engaged in livestock activities and 89% in forestry. To evaluate water quality, three sampling stations were selected and data were analyzed in the dry season and floods, using the Environmental Quality Standards (ECA) for water, category 3, which covers parameters such as fecal coliforms, pH, BOD5, nitrates, phosphates, turbidity. In the agricultural field, activities show a statistically significant relationship with water pollution. The results indicated that the levels of nitrates (2.3 to 12.3 mg/L) and phosphates (2.3 to 5.0 mg/L) exceed the permissible limits, compromising the quality of the water in this basin. On the other hand, forestry activities. On the other hand, forestry activities did not present a significant connection with pollution, while, in livestock use, only pasture management showed a significant link (p-value = 0.002) with water quality degradation. Regarding the values of the Water Quality Index (ICARHS) ranged between 46.01 and 46.60, which qualifies it as "BAD", these findings highlight the negative impact of anthropic actions on the region's water resources.