Quality of drinking water and its effect on the health of the community of Kamla, North Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua

Abstract

This research was conducted in the indigenous community of Kamla in the Autonomous Region of the Nicaraguan Caribbean Coast (RACCN). Samples such as water suppliers were taken at seventeen sites. In each site, the physic-chemical parameters were evaluated: dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, turbidity, biochemical demand, nitrates, phosphates, total dissolved solids; Showing two parameters (pH and BOD5), such as those that are altering the quality; And, from the bacteriological point of view, were: Fecal coliforms and Escherichia coli, data that present a high contamination of the water examined, according to the comparisons with the Nicaraguan Norm (NTON 09 001 99) and Norma CAPRE. With respect to the results of the ICA method, the quality of the surface water was classified as average, thus requiring a suitable water treatment. In addition, an assessment of macro benthic invertebrates was carried out in the selected rivers in order to establish the biological quality index of these waters which showed negative results. The results of well water showed that it is not suitable for human consumption under current conditions, since the well water presents high bacterial contents Fecal coliforms and Escherichia coli, requiring an intensive disinfection treatment. Preventive and mitigation measures are in place to improve the quality of water resources in the community of Kamla, which will improve the quality of life of the inhabitants of the community.