Análisis del estado de calidad del agua utilizando el índice NSF y propuesta de tratamiento de agua para la microcuenca Nagsiche en Salcedo, Cotopaxi

Abstract

In this study, the water quality of the Nagsiche River basin, located in the province of Cotopaxi, was assessed using the NSF-WQI (Water Quality Index) method. The objective of this research was to determine the water quality of the Nagsiche River basin by applying the Water Quality Index proposed by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF-WQI). Methods: The present study consisted of: (1) identifying the Yanahurco, Cusubamba, and Panzaleo sectors as sampling points; (2) collecting and analyzing samples according to the parameters established by the NSF-WQI; (3) calculating the water quality indices in the three sectors — Yanahurco (66.71), Cusubamba (60.97), and Panzaleo (57.65); and (4) classifying the water quality of the Nagsiche River basin as “Regular” quality, along with a proposed treatment strategy. Results: The study demonstrated: (a) differing climatic, topographic, social, and economic conditions, as well as varying uses of water resources; (b) high levels of organic pollution, based on biochemical oxygen demand (BOD₅) values of 14 mg/L in the upper basin, 102.3 mg/L in the middle basin, and 175.2 mg/L in the lower basin; and (c) water quality in the Nagsiche River micro-basin classified as “Regular” according to the NSF-WQI methodology, with a corresponding treatment proposal. Discussion and Conclusions: The comprehensive evaluation of water quality in the Nagsiche River basin, applying the National Sanitation Foundation Water Quality Index (NSF-WQI), allowed an objective determination of the environmental status of the water resource across its upper, middle, and lower sections. The results highlighted significant variations related to the degree of anthropogenic intervention, showing a clear trend of progressive deterioration in water quality toward the lower zones of the basin.