Impact of Tourism on the Water Quality of the El Oconal Lagoon, Pasco, Peru: A Study for Conservation Porpuses

Sánchez B.B.R.; Paredes H.J.C.; Flores-Gómez S.; Zafra-Trelles A.M.; Cristóbal M.A.; Miguel J.M.G.; Paredes H.C.C.; Caldas L.F.V.; Basilio D.L. · International Journal of Environmental Impacts (2025) · DOI: 10.56578/ijei080609

Resumen

El Oconal Lagoon suffers from anthropic pressure and environmental deterioration. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the water quality and pollution indicators of El Oconal Lagoon for conservation purposes. The study was conducted during the winter and spring of 2023, as well as the summer and fall of 2024. The main tributary, the drainage, two coastal station near a tourist center, and one stations at the pelagic zone were selected as study stations. The most important physical (temperature, electrical conductivity, transparency, turbidity, and total dissolved solids), chemical (pH and dissolved oxygen), and microbiological parameters (thermotolerant coliforms and phytoplankton) were evaluated. Water quality was assessed according to Peruvian water quality standards, Palmer pollution and trophic status indexes. El Oconal Lagoon showed anthropic impact, mainly at sites near touristic areas, where thermotolerant coliforms ranged between 252 and 1550 MPN·100 mL⁻¹ and Escherichia coli between 4 and 102 MPN·100 mL⁻¹, in both cases with levels higher than the values established in the water quality standards. Likewise, the Palmer pollution index showed lower contamination in the pelagic zone, moderate contamination in the tourist area, and probable high contamination in the drainage. The lagoon was found to be in a mesotrophic condition. These results provide evidence that the competent authorities must manage wastewater in the lagoon to preserve the health of its ecosystem.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de Trujillo; Universidad Nacional Daniel Alcides Carrión; Universidad Nacional José Faustino Sánchez Carrión