Estrategias ambientales que conduzcan al mejoramiento de la calidad de agua de las principales fuentes de consumo de la población perteneciente al municipio de Andagoya, Chocó, Colombia.

Abstract

Andagoya is a municipality located in the central west of the country, within the department of Chocó, it is a territory historically affected by mining exploitation, which has generated negative impacts on natural resources, the quality of life of the population, and economic activities of the area. This scenario, linked to inadequate institutional management and articulation, limits the development of studies in the area, evidenced by the lack of sewage and aqueduct systems. These factors have triggered a delay in the full guarantee of fundamental rights such as sufficient, healthy, acceptable and accessible access to water by the community, a situation that forces the population to use sources of water supply that are not suitable for human consumption, which potentiates the appearance of biological risk factors to public health. The objective of this research is to determine the environmental strategies applicable to the main sources of water consumption owned by the population are located in the municipality of Andagoya, department of Chocó, Colombia, aimed at improving the quality of water resources. From the estimation of microbiological and physicochemical variables in 10 established sampling points together with the perception that said population has about this type of supply sources. To address the above, a mixed-type investigation with a descriptive scope is carried out, in the first place a microbiological analysis is carried out using the Most Probable Number technique and plate count of the different sources of water consumption, whose results are contrasted with the requirements of the current legal regulations. Similarly, the presence-absence of heavy metals in the Condoto River is determined using the atomic absorption spectroscopy methodology. In addition, as part of the reconnaissance of the land, the perception of the population of Andagoya regarding the health conditions of the water consumed by the inhabitants is investigated through information collection tools. In general, as results, it is obtained that in the microbiological estimates seven of the 10 samples analyzed are contaminated by total coliforms and Escherichia coli; physical chemical tests confirm the presence of heavy metals in the Condoto River. On the other hand, it is identified that the majority of those surveyed consider that the water they consume is of quality; however, they have presented effects on health and quality of life. Finally, the management strategies for the problem include the formulation of an environmental management system made up of three components, the first of which is the incorporation of unconventional techniques, the second is the appropriation of water resources through social pedagogy, and the third is the strengthening of governance and community management.