Análisis de datos de calidad de agua para la zona norte de Chile
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Date
2025
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Universidad de Concepción
Abstract
Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo evaluar la calidad de las aguas superficiales y subterráneas en las regiones de Atacama y Coquimbo, utilizando datos proporcionados por las estaciones de la Dirección General de Aguas (DGA) entre 2004 y 2024. Para ello, se aplicaron las normas chilenas NCh 1333 y NCh 409/1, referidas a los usos en riego y consumo humano, complementadas con normativa internacional en los casos no regulados.
El análisis se basó en la normalización de los parámetros fisicoquímicos disponibles en cada estación de monitoreo. Estos valores fueron luego incorporados en la fórmula del Índice de Calidad del Agua (ICA), lo que permitió clasificar el estado general del recurso hídrico en ambas regiones.
Los resultados indican que la Región de Coquimbo presenta un mayor número de estaciones con parámetros que exceden los límites normativos, tanto en aguas superficiales como subterráneas. Esta condición se asocia a la influencia de factores geológicos naturales y a los impactos generados por la actividad minera. En la Región de Atacama, se observa una situación similar.
De acuerdo con SERNAGEOMIN (2023), esta región concentra el 22,7 % de la superficie nacional de concesiones mineras y más de 3.100 faenas activas, en comparación con las 980 registradas en Coquimbo.
El análisis conjunto de ambas regiones permite concluir que la calidad de las aguas superficiales y subterráneas está determinada por una combinación de factores naturales, como la geología local, y por actividades antrópicas, especialmente la minería. En particular, las estaciones de monitoreo ubicadas en las proximidades de explotaciones mineras presentan los niveles más altos de alteración, lo que evidencia una relación directa entre la presión minera y el deterioro de la calidad del recurso hídrico.
This research aimed to assess the quality of surface and groundwater in the regions of Atacama and Coquimbo, using data provided by monitoring stations of the General Water Directorate (DGA) between 2004 and 2024. For this purpose, Chilean standards NCh 1333 and NCh 409/1 related to irrigation and human consumption, respectively were applied, supplemented by international regulations in cases not covered by national legislation. The analysis was based on the normalization of the physicochemical parameters available at each monitoring station. These values were then incorporated into the Water Quality Index (WQI) formula, allowing for a general classification of water quality in both regions. The results indicate that the Coquimbo Region has a greater number of stations with parameters exceeding regulatory limits, in both surface and groundwater. This condition is linked to the influence of natural geological factors as well as the impacts of mining activity. A similar situation was observed in the Atacama Region. According to SERNAGEOMIN (2023), Atacama accounts for 22.7% of the national surface area under mining concessions and more than 3,100 active mining operations, compared to 980 registered in Coquimbo. The joint analysis of both regions leads to the conclusion that the quality of surface and groundwater is determined by a combination of natural factors such as local geology and anthropogenic activities, especially mining. Monitoring stations located near mining operations show the highest levels of alteration, evidencing a direct relationship between mining pressure and the degradation of water quality.
This research aimed to assess the quality of surface and groundwater in the regions of Atacama and Coquimbo, using data provided by monitoring stations of the General Water Directorate (DGA) between 2004 and 2024. For this purpose, Chilean standards NCh 1333 and NCh 409/1 related to irrigation and human consumption, respectively were applied, supplemented by international regulations in cases not covered by national legislation. The analysis was based on the normalization of the physicochemical parameters available at each monitoring station. These values were then incorporated into the Water Quality Index (WQI) formula, allowing for a general classification of water quality in both regions. The results indicate that the Coquimbo Region has a greater number of stations with parameters exceeding regulatory limits, in both surface and groundwater. This condition is linked to the influence of natural geological factors as well as the impacts of mining activity. A similar situation was observed in the Atacama Region. According to SERNAGEOMIN (2023), Atacama accounts for 22.7% of the national surface area under mining concessions and more than 3,100 active mining operations, compared to 980 registered in Coquimbo. The joint analysis of both regions leads to the conclusion that the quality of surface and groundwater is determined by a combination of natural factors such as local geology and anthropogenic activities, especially mining. Monitoring stations located near mining operations show the highest levels of alteration, evidencing a direct relationship between mining pressure and the degradation of water quality.
Description
Tesis presentada para optar al título de Ingeniero Civil Agrícola
Keywords
Calidad del agua, Aguas subterráneas- Chile, Aguas Superficiales - Chile