Hydrochemical stability and microbiological vulnerability of groundwater in the Morroa aquifer (Colombia): implications for drinking water safety
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65093/aci.v17.n3.2026.59Keywords:
fecal coliforms, alkalinity, human supply, sanitary riskAbstract
The Morroa aquifer in Sucre, Colombia, is a strategic source for human supply. This study evaluated the physicochemical and microbiological quality of ten abstraction points during the second half of 2025. pH, total alkalinity, total hardness, calcium hardness, chlorides, total coliforms, and fecal coliforms were determined using standardized procedures. The water was slightly alkaline (pH 7.81–8.23) and showed high alkalinity (205.6–263.2 mg CaCO₃/L), with low relative variability. Hardness and chlorides were more spatially heterogeneous, particularly because of a localized chloride increase at P3. Total and fecal coliforms were detected at P2, P7, P8, and P10, preventing direct consumption. Although the physicochemical composition was relatively stable, microbiological contamination compromises the sanitary safety of the resource and requires disinfection, protection of abstraction points, and periodic monitoring.
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