Impact of Domestic Wastewater Discharge on Organic Load and Thermotolerant Coliforms in the Ichu River, Central Highlands of Peru

Kevin  Ortega-Quispe; Lucía Enriquez-Pinedo; María  Aliaga-Rojas; Nisbeth Carbajal Quispe; Eybi Solis-Porras; Dennis  Ccopi-Trucios

doi:10.51431/par.v6i2.967

Autores/as

Kevin Ortega-Quispe Institute of Nature Conservation and Climate Change (BIOCLIMATE), Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú, Huancayo 12006, Perú https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7436-2894
Lucía Enriquez-Pinedo Institute of Nature Conservation and Climate Change (BIOCLIMATE), Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú, Huancayo 12006, Perú https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0020-7178
María Aliaga-Rojas Institute of Nature Conservation and Climate Change (BIOCLIMATE), Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú, Huancayo 12006, Perú https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1728-951X
Nisbeth Carbajal Quispe Institute of Nature Conservation and Climate Change (BIOCLIMATE), Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú, Huancayo 12006, Perú https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9059-0176
Eybi Solis-Porras Institute of Nature Conservation and Climate Change (BIOCLIMATE), Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú, Huancayo 12006, Perú https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6570-6667
Dennis Ccopi-Trucios Institute of Nature Conservation and Climate Change (BIOCLIMATE), Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú, Huancayo 12006, Perú https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4026-4874

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51431/par.v6i2.967

Palabras clave:

Domestic wastewater, thermotolerant coliforms, microbiological contamination, organic load, Ichu River

Resumen

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of domestic wastewater discharge on the organic load and presence of thermotolerant coliforms in the Ichu River, located in the central highlands of Peru. Methodology: Water samples were collected at two points in the river, both upstream and downstream. The sample collection followed national protocols for water quality monitoring, and the samples were then analyzed to determine the levels of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), thermotolerant coliforms, and oils and greases, using standardized scientific methods. Results: The study revealed significant differences between the sampling points. The concentration of thermotolerant coliforms downstream exceeded environmental quality standards, indicating considerable bacterial contamination due to untreated domestic discharges. BOD5 and COD values were also higher downstream, reflecting an increase in organic pollution. Oils and fats remained within acceptable limits but were higher downstream compared to upstream. Conclusion: The results show the negative impact of untreated domestic wastewater on the Ichu River, with elevated levels of thermotolerant coliforms and organic pollution downstream. The study highlights the urgent need for corrective measures to improve water quality and protect both public health and the aquatic ecosystem.