Evaluation of water quality of Santa Rosa de Agua

Abstract

Santa Rosa de Agua is a community located at the shores of Lake Maracaibo. This work analyzed the quality of the water in this area, according to standard procedures. All of the total samples, 82.5% and 66.6% of total and faecal condition values, respectively, were higher than those allowed for recreational waters in Venezuela. Predominant bacterial genus found were Escherichia, Enterobacter and Klebsiella. The study of viruses allowed the observation of citoplatic effect in 5 out of the 6 areas assayed. Chlorine showed high values. A positive correlation was observed between the total coliforms and the phosphates values (r =0.6619 P Ë‚ 0.01). In all samples DO was found to be below the permitted value (5 ppm). The BDO was found to be above the maximum proposed value for recreational waters. In 100% of the samples, both the mean and average for total and fecal coliforms and the physicochemical parameters, did not comply wich the allowed limits established in Venezuela for recreational waters. This indicated that these water should not be used for recreational purposes.

Keywords

• pollution
• microorganisms
• chemical
• water