Comparison of Physicochemical Water Parameters in Environmental Management and Monitoring Instruments in Cajamarca, Peru; [Comparação de Parâmetros Físico-Químicos da Água em Instrumentos de Gestão E Fiscalização Ambiental em Cajamarca, Peru]

Marie Llique Ahumada Y.; Sofia Medina Acuña M.; Leonardo Vivanco Enríquez J. · Produccion y Limpia (2025) · DOI: 10.22507/pml.v20n2a3850

Resumen

Introduction: This study compares the physicochemical parameters reported in the Early Environmental Assessment (EEA), conducted by the Environmental Oversight Agency, with the results of environmental monitoring recorded in the Environmental Management Instrument(EMI)ofthemining project. Objective: To identify significant similarities and differences between both reports. Materials and Methods: The research is based on official data from the Interactive Environmental Oversight Portal and the Institutional Repository (OEFA). Statistical tests (Shapiro-Wilk, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, and Welch’s ANOVA) were also applied. Furthermore, to assess the environmental quality status of the lagoons, the results were compared with the current Peruvian Environmental Quality Standards for Water (EQS) as well as international benchmarks. Results: It was found that the parameters of electrical conductivity, temperature, total dissolved solids, and sulfates are within acceptable limits. However, dissolved oxygen meets general standards but not the more stringent Canadian standard, and acidic pH values (4.23–4.97) were detected in all lagoons, possibly due to geological causes or acid rock drainage induced by nearby mining activity. Information gaps were also found in the historical records reported by the mining unit, and substantial coincidences and discrepancies were identified between the EEA and EMI data, indicating possible weaknesses in the environmental baseline and monitoring mechanisms. Conclusions: It is inferred that strengthening the implementation of EQS and establishing a continuous, transparent, and preventive environmental monitoring system is essential.

Instituciones: Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú; Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería; Universidad Nacional Amazónica de Madre de Dios; Universidad Privada del Norte; Universidad Nacional de Educación Enrique Guzmán y Valle