Physicochemical characteristics of the lower area of four tributaries of the Atrato River, as an approximation to the analysis of its polluting contributions

Abstract

An evaluation of the physicochemical quality of the water was made in the Caraño, La Yesca, and Quito and Cabí streams. In each sampling station, 3 sampling points were established in the mouth area with the Atrato River. in situ variables were monitored and samples taken for water laboratory analysis. Two samples were taken in 2016. The Kruskal-Wallis analysis determined as statistically significant variables (p<0.05) dissolved oxygen, TDS, suspended solids, turbidity, conductivity and nitrates, which had an influence on the problem of contamination. The trend less correspondence analysis (DCA) grouped the suspended solid variables, turbidity and nitrates as the variables of importance in the quality of the water resource associated with pollution by mining in the Quito and Cabí rivers and contamination by domestic discharges in the Caraño streams and The Tinder.