Evaluation of water quality through physical–chemical variables and eutrophication indicators in the Apanás – Asturias Hydroelectric Reservoir, (RAMSAR, No. 1137), Jinotega

Authors

  • Yader Santiago Caballero Arbizú National Autonomous University of Nicaragua, Managua. Center for Research in Aquatic Resources of Nicaragua (CIRA). Environmental Radiochemistry Laboratory https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2742-6103

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5377/rtu.v12i33.15897

Keywords:

Hydroelectric Generation, norms, eutrophication, trophic status

Abstract

The reservoirs built for hydroelectric plants, in addition to providing energy, are also reservoirs of water for human and animal consumption, and irrigation in crops, for this reason, it is important to evaluate the quality of these waters periodically. In this study, the water quality of the Apanás-Asturias reservoir was evaluated using physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters and nutrients that indicate eutrophication. Samples were taken at three points of the reservoir: WWTP-Las Flores, Central Point, and Apanás-Asturias Connection on Sep-19 and Sep-20. The results obtained from the physical-chemical analyses showed that the water of the reservoir is of good quality, except for turbidity, true color, and iron. The concentrations of dissolved oxygen at the three points sampled in the Apanás-Asturias Reservoir were above the limit established by the Nicaraguan Technical Standard for the classification of Water Resources  (NTON, 2000) for waters intended for navigation and electricity generation (> 3.0 mg.l-1).  Fe at all sampled sites were found above the maximum allowable value under the Canadian Environmental Protection Standards (0.3 mg.l-1) and above the Irrigation Standards (5 mg.l-1). On the other hand, the microbiological results showed high concentrations of fecal contamination indicators in Sept-2019, especially at the WWTP-Las Flores Point in the Apanás-Asturias reservoir. The trophic state of the waters of the Apanás-Asturias reservoir in the WWTP-Las Flores and Punto Central sites is eutrophic in Sep-19 and Sep-20, while in the Apanás-Asturias connection site the trophic state is Mesotrophic based on chlorophyll a and total phosphorus.   

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

​APHA. (2012). Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. Washington.

​Casamor, J. (1992). Transporte y sedimentación del material en suspensión en embalses: El embalse de Camarasa.

​Castillo, E., Calderón, H., Delgado, V., Flores, Y., & Salvatierra, T. (2006). Situación de los recursos hídricos en Nicaragua. Boletín Geológico y Minero, 127-146.

​Custodio, E., & Llamas, M. (2001). Hidrología Subterránea. Tomo I y II. Barcelona, España : Omega, S. A.

​Deborah, C. (1996). Water Quality Assessments. A guide to use Biota, Sediments and Water in Environmental Monitoring. London.

​ENEL. (2013). Balance hídrico, Flujo de caudales, Erosión, Sedimentación y Batimetría del embalse Apanás - Asturias..

​García, C. (2016). Embalse del Guajaro. Diagnóstico Ambiental y Estrategias de Rehabilitación.

​Gautier, V. (2003). Impact of raw water turbidity fluctuations on drinking water quality in a distribution systems. Journal of Environmental Engineering and Science, 281-291.

​Gholizadeh, M., Melesse , A., & Reddi, L. (2016). A Comprehensive Review on Water Quality Parameters Estimation Using Remote Sensing Tecniques. Sensors, 16.

​Glasstone, S. (1979). Tratato de Químca Física. Madrid. España.

​González, R. (2004). Estudio sobre la calidad del agua y peligro de contaminación de los pozos de abastecimiento público, Río Viejo y Grande de Matagalpa en el Valle de Sebaco. Managua.

​Lampert, W., & Sommer, U. (2007). Limnoecology. In: Special Feature of aquatic habitats. New York: Segunda edición. Oxford University Press Inc.

​Likens, G. (1972). Eutrophication and aquatic ecosystems. Limnol. Oceanog, 3-13.

​Mackenzie, D., & Susan, M. (2005). Ingeniería y Ciencias Ambientales.

​Ramírez, R., & Viña, G. (1998). Limnología Colombiana aportes a su conocimiento y estadística de análisis. Bogotá. Colombia.

​Sriwongsitanon, N., Surakit, K., & Thianpopirug, S. (2011). Influence of atmospheric correction and number of sampling points on the accuracy of water clarity assessment using remote sensing application. Journal of Hydrology, 203-220.

​Wetzel, R. (1983). Limnology. San Diego: Academic Press.​​

Published

2023-03-17

How to Cite

Caballero Arbizú, Y. S. (2023). Evaluation of water quality through physical–chemical variables and eutrophication indicators in the Apanás – Asturias Hydroelectric Reservoir, (RAMSAR, No. 1137), Jinotega. Torreon Universitario Magazine, 12(33), 143–156. https://doi.org/10.5377/rtu.v12i33.15897

Issue

Section

Sciences