Keywords
Groundwater Wells
Water contamination
Water quality
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction. This study evaluated the groundwater quality of the Villanueva aquifer to determine its suitability for human consumption. Methods. Water samples were collected from eight sites in October 2020 and February 2021 for laboratory-based physicochemical and bacteriological analyses. Results. The laboratory results showed that pH values ranged from 6.23 to 7.8 during the rainy season. The highest electrical conductivity was recorded in February (1328.1 µS/cm), while the lowest was observed in October (877 µS/cm). Water hardness peaked in February, reaching 353.99 mg/L. In October, the water had the highest alkalinity value of 379.76 mg/L. The results of bacteriological analyses indicated high values (816.4 CFU of total coliforms and 160 CFU of fecal coliforms). Conclusion. The physicochemical quality of the water is influenced by the dissolution of limestone formations and the mineral load transported by the Ulúa River and deposited in the valley. Moreover, the high concentrations of bacteriological contaminants render the groundwater from the Villanueva aquifer unsuitable for human consumption.
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