Abstract

AMADO ALVAREZ, Jesús et al. Water quality in the basin of the Amajac river, Hidalgo, Mexico: Diagnosis and prediction. Phyton (B. Aires) [online]. 2006, vol.75, pp.71-83. ISSN 1851-5657.

A water quality index as a standardized method to compare the category in an integral way, between locations and through time, of the different water, river and stream storages of the Amajac river basin was developed. In addition, it is possible to predict the degree of contamination and establish planning strategies in the management of the water resources for the river basin in issue. The used methodology was based in the quantitative expression of water quality. Three samplings were made (2005-2006) and Dissolved Oxygen, Coliform in feaces, pH, Oxygen Biochemical Demand, Nitrates, Total Phosphorus, Turbidity and Dissolved Total Solids were determined. To predict integral water quality (IWQ), a multiple regression analysis between IWQ and the eight parameters was made. Later on, behavior patterns were identified and mathematical models were developed for each variable. Results indicate that water quality for urban, the drinking water, fishtank and agricultural uses was of medium quality (WQI= 50-69) in 29% of the sampling sites within the hydrologic basin of the Amajac River. At the same time, 59% of the locations were of bad quality (IWQ = 30-49). Finally, 12% of the sites were highly contaminated (IWQ < 30). The best fit for the analyzed parameters was obtained with the cubic models.

Keywords : Integral water classification; Hydrologic river basin; Mathematical models.

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