Evaluation of the water quality in the Surco Channel within the Special Regulation Zone of Los Pantanos de Villa wetland (Lima, Peru)

Abstract

The Surco Creek is one of Lima's main irrigation channels and is affected by the discharge of domestic wastewater and solid waste. It is connected to the Pantanos de Villa wetland through the Rimac aquifer, and its lower course is included within the Pantanos de Villa Special Regulation Zone (ZRE PV), an environmental protection area managed by the Pantanos de Villa Municipal Authority (PROHVILLA) and the Municipality of Metropolitan Lima (MLM). The lower course of the Surco Creek flows through urban areas with deficient basic sanitation and poor solid waste management, which constitute a potential threat to its integrity. The water quality of the Surco Creek was evaluated in terms of physicochemical and microbiological parameters and compared with the values established by the environmental quality standards for the conservation of aquatic environments (ECA-4). Concentrations of phosphorus, ammonium, ammonia and thermotolerant coliforms greatly exceeded the limits established by ECA-4. Increases in nutrients and the discharge of urban effluents have severely compromised the integrity of the wetland, resulting not only in a degraded ecosystem, but also a threat to the health of the local population. This situation stems from deficiencies in management and oversight resulting from a limited legal framework, and consequently a state action plan for this area of the ZRE PV is urgently needed.