A Multitemporal and statistical analysis of physicochemical parameters monitored in the upper basin of the Bogotá River

Abstract

Anthropic activities have progressively left their mark in the environment where man benefits from the ecosystem goods and services, which has transcended socio-environmental conflicts throughout history. Proof of this is the drastic changes suffered by the Bogotá River due to the uncontrolled discharges from the continuous growth of populations and activities surrounding the body of water. In the present study, the variability of the environmental parameters in the upper basin of the Bogotá River between the years 2007 to 2019 is exposed after the issuance of the Agreement 43 of 2006 of the CAR, for which a multi-temporal analysis was carried out and statistical data. The results show that throughout the twelve (12) years of monitoring there is no contamination due to nitrates, nitrites, or sulfates in the upper basin of the Bogotá River, similarly, the monitored pH remained within the objectives of quality except for 3 years in which the maximum value allowed in the upper part of the basin was exceeded. However, the increasing deterioration of the water quality in the Bogotá River is mainly attributed to the total suspended solids that shows a permanent non-compliance in the upper and lower upper basin, added to the non-compliance in the lower upper basin according to the quality objectives for the dissolved oxygen, BOD and COD parameters. Consequently, the results show the scarce impact derived from the actions developed by the local and environmental authorities to ensure the quality objectives in the upper basin of the Bogotá River, and the effect of weak water governance in the basin.