Multitemporal Total Coliforms and Escherichia coli Analysis in the Middle Bogotá River Basin, 2007–2019

Abstract

Currently, one of the main environmental problems that need to be addressed is the pollution inflicted upon different ecosystems by anthropic activities. One example of this problem can be seen in the Bogotá River, a major river in the Cundinamarca department of Columbia and the main water source supplying the Bogotá savannah, which reaches the Colombian capital city. The Bogotá River is highly affected by effluents and wastewater of domestic and industrial origin, among others. These pollutants are generated and accumulated throughout the entire basin, without ever receiving any type of treatment. The pollution levels to which the Bogotá River is subjected can be determined with the calculation of environmental indices, including microbiological contamination indicators such as total coliforms (TC) and fecal coliforms, which include Escherichia coli, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Serratia, Edwardsiella, and Citrobacter bacteria, living as independent saprophytes. This paper assesses the quality of the water in the Bogotá River, using microbiological indicators and data provided by the Regional Autonomous Corporation (CAR) of Cundinamarca to assess water samples, extracted based on the climatic bimodality exhibited in the basin in dry and wet seasons. The scope of this study was limited to the 35 monitoring Regional Autonomous Corporation of Cundinamarca (CAR) stations located throughout the middle basin. For these purposes, a multitemporal analysis of the TC and Escherichia coli variables was conducted for the 2007–2019 period, which evidenced the contamination levels in this section of the water body. In broad terms, the current state of the middle section of the Bogotá River basin is unacceptable, due to the different activities occurring within its riparian buffer zone, such as uncontrolled domestic, industrial, and/or commercial wastewater discharges. To optimize water treatability, the continuous improvement of existing treatment plants is expected, as well as the implementation of new sustainable treatment alternatives aimed at improving water quality.

El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Implication towards Crocodile River Water Quality in South Africa

“…The fluctuation in E. coli counts during the El Niño period at the White River site could be attributed to the change in rain patterns and the inadequate treatment of wastewater at the White River WWTP. This observation is similar to the one made by Castro Fernández [42], who stated that there is an untreated or inadequate discharge of water into the Bogotá River, leading to the accumulation of sludge and, consequently, E. coli in the river. Castillo et al [43] confirmed that this is a correlation between seasonal effects and the E. coli level that was evaluated in Casacara Rivers.…”

“…Castro Fernández [42], who stated that there is an untreated or inadequate discharge of water into the Bogotá River, leading to the accumulation of sludge and, consequently, E. coli in the river. Castillo et al [43] confirmed that this is a correlation between seasonal effects and the E. coli level that was evaluated in Casacara Rivers.…”

Sustainable Real Estate and Resilient Cities: Management, Assessment and Innovations

“…The paper is entitled "Multitemporal Total Coliforms and Escherichia coli Analysis in the Middle Bogotá River Basin, 2007-2019". With reference to Bogotá River in the Cundinamarca department of Columbia, highly affected by effluents and uncontrolled domestic, industrial, and/or commercial wastewater, in the paper the quality of its water is assessed using microbiological indicators and data provided by the Regional Autonomous Corporation of Cundinamarca, in order to determine the pollution levels and to highlight the importance of implementing new sustainable treatment alternatives aimed at improving water quality [14].…”

Design and Development of a Pilot-Scale Industrial Wastewater Treatment System with Plant Biomass and EDTA

“…Chromium is a heavy metal used in different industries due to its effectiveness in metal alloys and the preservation of leather in the tannery industry; it has led to the exaggerated use of this heavy metal, causing serious environmental, social, and health consequences. An example of this is in the south of Bogotá, Colombia, where the use of Chromium (VI) in more than 350 tannery industries has led to the discharge of Cr (VI), with concentrations of around 1000 mg/L of this heavy metal, causing the deterioration of the Tunjuelo River, leading to its decrease in its ecosystem services to the community surrounding the river [5][6][7]. Among the methods available to treat industrial effluents, adsorption is the most widely used method for wastewater treatment thanks to its low capital cost, versatility, which allows you to remove most contaminants, and ease of regeneration of the adsorbent [8][9][10][11][12][13][14].…”