Evidencing anthropogenic pollution of surface waters in a tropical region: a case study of the Culiacan River basin

• Published in: Environmental monitoring and assessment 2024-10, Vol.196 (10), p.901, Article 901
• Main Authors: Bustos-Terrones, Yaneth A., Loaiza, Juan G., Rangel-Peraza, Jesús Gabriel, Rojas-Valencia, Ma. Neftalí
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agricultural practices; Agriculture; Anthropogenic factors; Aridity; Atmospheric Protection/Air Quality Control/Air Pollution; Climate change; Contamination; Earth and Environmental Science; Ecology; Ecotoxicology; Environment; Environmental Management; Environmental Monitoring; Intensive farming; Mexico; Monitoring/Environmental Analysis; Multivariate statistical analysis; Parameter identification; Parameter modification; Parameters; Pollution; Pollution index; Pollution sources; Population growth; Quality assessment; Quality control; River basins; Rivers; Rivers - chemistry; Semi arid areas; Statistical analysis; Statistical methods; Surface water; Sustainability; Sustainable agriculture; Sustainable practices; Sustainable use; Tropical environment; Tropical environments; Water crises; Water management; Water Pollutants, Chemical - analysis; Water pollution; Water Pollution, Chemical - statistics & numerical data; Water Quality; Water quality assessments; Water use
• ISSN: 0167-6369; 1573-2959; 1573-2959
• DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-13018-x

Nowadays, one of the most critical challenges is reduced access to water. Climate change, industrialization, and population growth have caused many countries to suffer from water crises, especially in arid and semi-arid areas. The Culiacan River basin in Sinaloa is a region of great importance in Mexico due to its intensive agricultural activity. Hence, water quality assessment has become a necessity to ensure sustainable water use. This study describes the spatiotemporal water quality features of the Humaya, Tamazula, and Culiacan Rivers within the Culiacan River basin and their sources of contamination. Twenty-two water quality parameters were analyzed from samples taken every 6 months from 2012 to 2020 at 19 sampling sites in the basin. A multivariate statistical analysis revealed significant correlations ( r  > 0.85) between the water quality parameters. The modified Integrated Water Quality Index (IWQI) identified severe pollution in samples from the urban river section of the basin, while good water quality conditions were found upstream. Severe contamination was observed in 26.32% of the samples, whereas only 13.45% evidenced good water quality. The Water Quality Index (WQI) indicated that 94.74% of the samples presented fair water quality, suggesting that the surface waters of the Culiacan River Basin are suitable for agricultural irrigation. This study provides insights into the current water quality status of the surface waters in the Culiacan River Basin, identifying significant pollution sources and areas of concern. The spatiotemporal dynamics of water quality in the Culiacan River basin revealed the importance of continuous monitoring and effective water management practices to improve water quality and achieve sustainable agricultural practices.