Quality and potential use of the hydrographic network of north-central Sinaloa, Mexico

Abstract

The ecological quality of the water indicates the stability of the ecosystem and guarantees its convenience of use. The objective was to investigate the water quality index (ICA) and the pertinence of use of the hydrographic network of north-central Sinaloa. Forty surface water samples from different water resources (RH) were collected: Drains (n = 26), rivers (n = 8) and bays (n = 6), including flow intakes (fresh water) and mouth (saltwater). The physicochemical parameters, nutrients, metals, and fecal indicators were evaluated and compared with national standards and under a multivariate and correlation analysis. The ICA was determined only in flow water samples. The RH were differentiated by certain physicochemical parameters (pH, EC, and TDS), nutritional (P and NO₃) and microbiological (p < 0.05). The multivariate analysis revealed a particular contamination profile at RH: Fecal indicator and nutriments were identifying as a risk factor. The fecal concentration in the water samples (65 %) exposes the health risk (> 200 MPN·100 ml^-1), and its values showed correlation with the other quality parameters. The flow of all rivers and most of the drains (64 %) present a "good" ICA, which is in line with its relevance for aquatic life and agricultural activity, but not recreational. While the mouth of the RH is relevant for the recreational and aquaculture use. Our findings evidence a similar anthropogenic management of RH and warn about its potential use. In addition, they remark the importance of restoring the water quality to reduce the environmental and health implications.