Environ Geochem Health. 2025 Dec 11;48(1):43. doi: 10.1007/s10653-025-02930-x.
ABSTRACT
River water quality in agricultural areas is crucial for human health, ecological well-being, and productivity. Pollution and high concentrations of ions, particularly in developing countries, are caused by both natural and human-induced factors, including the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, making prompt action necessary to address pollution. Thus, this work evaluated the hydrogeochemistry and water quality of the Duero River, located in the northwest part of Michoacán State, México. Twelve sites were selected to cover its entire course, from its source to its mouth, passing through the Zamora Valley, known for its high agricultural productivity. Three sample collections were conducted to cover both the dry and rainy seasons. Physicochemical parameters (temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, redox potential, solids, total hardness, total alkalinity, BOD5, COD, total phosphorus (TP), N-NH3, NO3–), major ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, HCO3–, SO42-, Cl–), and fecal coliforms (FC) were analyzed. The results indicated that the river water had a slightly alkaline pH. Water from the first part of the river is suitable for agricultural irrigation, and only the water from the first site, which corresponds to the source of the river, is suitable for human use and consumption. The analysis revealed that most of the sites examined are contaminated with fecal matter. Statistical analysis indicates similarities between COD, total phosphorus, TDS, alkalinity, total hardness, N-NH3, and electrical conductivity (EC). These findings suggest that agricultural activities in the area likely influence the contamination of the Duero River. The chemistry of river water is mainly controlled by the weathering of rocks, dissolution of carbonates, and ion exchange reactions.
PMID:41379371 | DOI:10.1007/s10653-025-02930-x
