Gestión integrada de recursos hídricos. Caso de estudio: alternativas para el tratamiento de agua en viviendas unifamiliares del sector rural pertenecientes a la Microcuenca Santiago de la Quebrada El Alumbre del cantón y provincia de Loja

Abstract

Abstract: Limited access to safe drinking water in rural areas of Loja Canton represents a significant public health and environmental issue. In response to this situation, treatment alternatives were analyzed, and a cost-effective multi-stage filtration system was proposed for drinking water treatment in the Punzara Alto neighborhood. The study included the evaluation of source water flow and the physical, chemical, and microbiological characterization of water at the intake point and in five households within the sector. The proposed system achieved over 99% bacteriological removal, turbidity and color reduction ranging from 70% to 98%, and up to 100% removal of metals such as iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn), while maintaining a neutral pH and constant flow rate. Laboratory results indicated that parameters such as true color, barium, nitrites, total coliforms, and fecal coliforms exceeded the maximum permissible limits established by current regulations. The treatment system consists of gravel, sand, and activated carbon derived from corn cobs impregnated with chitosan, complemented by chlorination disinfection, achieving a 99% reduction in total and fecal coliforms. This alternative proves to be an effective solution for integrated water resource management in rural settings.