Study of the water quality of the Paso de Ovejas micro-watershet, Veracruz

Abstract

Water is an important element important for livelihoods. In recent decades, it has become vitally important for people to have access to clean water available for their use. In the state of Veracruz, there are various hydrological sources of vital importance, such as the Paso de Ovejas micro-watershed, which needs to be studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of water used for agricultural production in the micro-watershed of Paso de Ovejas, Veracruz. Chemical parameters (pH, conductivity, acidity, alkalinity, chlorides, and total organic matter) were determined from water samples taken from different rivers that are part of the micro-watershed. The water samples were moderately alkaline (pH 8.11 - 8.33). Moderate conductivity (286.10 - 338.33 µS/cm) was recorded in all samples, while alkalinity (946.66 - 946.66 mg/L CaCO₃) and organic matter content (147.36 - 147.56 mgO₂/L) were observed to be elevated in both samples.  The results obtained for water quality parameters in the sample taken in the middle part of the rivers had better quality compared to the sample taken at the shore; this is especially pronounced in terms of conductivity. Due to the high alkalinity levels, the water samples are suitable for irrigation. However, they may not be suitable for human consumption, so further study is required to determine this.