Water quality assessment of El Oconal Lagoon – Villa Rica (Pasco), autumn 2023

Abstract

The Pasco region is characterized by its wide variety of climates and altitudinal levels; therefore, also for its great terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity. Among its main lagoons, El Oconal, stands out for its rich biodiversity and given its ecotourism importance, the water quality in the El Oconal lagoon was evaluated and its trophic state was determined. To monitor the physical-chemical parameters (electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, pH, alkalinity, hardness and total phosphorus), eight sampling stations were defined, four of them close to the tourist area (sector 1) and four in the central western sector of the lagoon (sector 2). The evaluation was carried out in autumn 2023. According to the main results, a significant difference was found between the sectors evaluated for dissolved oxygen, total phosphorus and alkalinity. Likewise, of all the parameters evaluated, total phosphorus exceeded the value established as a water quality standard for the conservation category of lakes and lagoons; indicator of an excess of phosphorus in the lagoon, whose source is related to the recreational centers located in the northwest sector of the lagoon. On the other hand, it was determined that the lagoon has a state of ultraoligotrophic in sector 2 and supereutrophic in sector 1. It is concluded that the water quality of the El Oconal lagoon is deteriorated and needs recovery strategies leading to ecological balance.