importance of citizen participation to reduce the effects on water bodies due to wastewater discharges

Case study Santander Colombia

Abstract

Environmental impacts are one of the major problems that affect all countries, as they contribute to the deterioration of natural resources, mainly water, and alter both the biotic and abiotic environment, in addition to causing health problems due to the increase in solid waste, the generation of offensive odors and the proliferation of vectors and rodents. This research seeks to raise awareness through the acquisition of environmental habits that contribute to reducing the alterations caused to the environment. The study identifies and evaluates the main anthropic activities that generate wastewater (AR) of a municipality in Colombia, which conceives a direct affectation to the ciénaga Yarirí water body. The impacts were identified and evaluated, and it was determined that the discharge is generating severe alterations to the water body, by not complying with the maximum permissible values for wastewater. The increase in the load of pollutants and the consequent deterioration of the ecosystem worry the inhabitants of the area who are supplied with this body of water and sound an alarm to environmental and municipal authorities.