EVALUATION OF THE SURFACE WATER QUALITY OF THE RAMSAR WETLAND LOS PANTANOS DE VILLA DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The document assesses surface water quality in the Los Pantanos de Villa Ramsar wetland during the COVID-19 pandemic (2021). Three bodies of water were analyzed: spring (Las Palmeras), canal (Sangradero) and lagoons (Las Delicias and Mayor), using physicochemical and microbiological parameters. The results show favorable conditions in terms of pH (7.0 to 8.5) and electrical conductivity (2630 to 10,390 μS/cm), typical characteristics of a coastal wetland. However, high levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), nitrates, oils and fats, and dissolved oxygen were identified, which exceed Peru's water quality standards and international standards such as ASEAN, CONAGUA and Ecological Water Quality Criteria. The Water Quality Index (ICA-PE) determined that spring has a regular quality, while the canal and lagoons have a poor quality, indicating constant contamination with possible risks to the health and ecosystem services of the wetland. The study highlights the need to implement integrated management plans, environmental education and conservation strategies to reduce negative impacts on this key ecosystem.