Water Quality in the Puyo River and Its Tributaries Based on Scientific Evidence and Challenges in Pastaza, Ecuador

Abstract

A bibliographic review of research on water quality in the Puyo River and its tributaries was conducted, compiling studies from scientific databases and institutional repositories that report physicochemical, microbiological, and heavy metal parameters. Results indicate that the main sources of contamination are wastewater discharges, the presence of fecal coliforms, and the accumulation of heavy metals such as lead and mercury, associated with urban, agricultural, and mining activities. Community perception aligns with technical findings, as the majority of the population considers the water to be of poor quality and associates it with health problems. Over the past twenty years, a progressive deterioration in water quality parameters has been documented, with increases in turbidity and pathogenic microorganisms, despite some isolated recovery efforts. It is concluded that the lack of attention from the municipality and prefecture, together with the absence of continuous monitoring, worsens the water crisis, demanding a comprehensive management and participatory governance approach.