Evaluation of nitrate concentrations in groundwater of Llío and San Pablo, Guano – EC

Abstract

This paper analyzes the groundwater of the Chambo aquifer in the Llío and San Pablo sector, with emphasis on the temporary alternation of nitrate concentration, identifying the anthropogenic activities that may influence this area. This from the cartographic definition of the areas of begging influence the crossing of geological, hydraulic and anthropic activities. The temporality of the geochemical data is 5 years (2016-2020), these results show that water quality meets the requirements of the Ecuadorian national standard,  and that the main composition of water is bicarbonated type of calcium-magnesium. Even if the groundwater in this sector meets the standard, variation in nitrate concentration is evident. This type of concentration is presented by the effect of agricultural activities on the surface of the soil, where nitrates occur naturally due to the nitrogen cycle, and that are dragged into the water table by infiltration when the rainy season occurs. In addition, it was found that the type of rock found underground cannot naturally generate nitrates.