Evaluation of the Concentration and Health Risks of Phosphates and Nitrates of a High Andean River

Abstract

In developing countries, river monitoring is very limited. Despite environmental and health problems, there is a paucity of information regarding the contaminants phosphates and nitrates. Thus, concentration and health risks, of phosphates and nitrates of the Ichu river waters, in Huancavelica, Peru, were evaluated. Sampling was carried out at six different points. Important water quality parameters were analyzed, such as pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO) and electric conductivity (EC). The results revealed that the phosphate and nitrate varied between 0.475 to 0.575 mg/L and 11.10 to 14.00 mg/L, respectively. The concentration of phosphates and nitrates was 0.520±0.02 mg/L and 13.10±0.48, respectively. The Ichu River water had the quality that corresponded to its category, when compared to the permitted limits of the Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) for water. It did not present contamination according to the nutrient contamination index and the health risk was from chronic low intake. Besides, it presented a moderate relationship between nitrate and phosphate, due to the low concentration of phosphates during the dry season. What is new about this research is the approach to potential health risks of exposure to nitrates and phosphates, in a high Andean river in Huancavelica, Peru.