Evaluation of the physicochemical-microbiological quality of surface waters in The Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico

Abstract

Abstract. The Highlands is located northeast of the state of Jalisco (Mexico), concentrates a population of 829,313 Inhabitants (2020), which represents 9.93% of the state population, this area contributes with more than 35% of the state's agricultural GDP, the sources of waters contamination of the region are related to the economic activities that take place in each municipality. The objective of this work was to quantitatively evaluate the quality of the surface water of the 20 municipalities that make up the study area, by analytical determination physicochemical and microbiological parameters. 55 sampling points were established in the main water bodies; the samplings were carried out from November 2020 to March 2021. The results indicate that most of the water bodies sampled present different degrees of contamination, which is essentially related to the discharge of domestic, livestock and industrial wastewater, with insufficient, or no treatment to rivers, streams and dams.