Geospatial assessment of pig farms impacts on water quality in the Guararé river

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Understanding the status of both surface and groundwater bodies is essential for the proper management of the country's priority watersheds, such as the Guararé River in Panama. The objective of this project was to establish the relationship between pig farms, pollution points, and their potential impact on water quality. To achieve this, samples were taken at specific points in the watershed, and Geographic Information System (GIS) tools were used. The research aimed to identify sources of pollution and understand how they affect the region's aquatic ecosystem. Two sampling campaigns were conducted, with water quality analyses performed on-site and in the laboratory. These studies provided data on critical water quality parameters. Subsequently, pollution maps were created to identify and visualize critical and potentially critical sites in the sub-watershed. The results show that, although there is some correlation between the density of pig farms and certain water quality parameters, water contamination appears to be more closely associated with population density and other human activities. These findings serve as a basis for establishing intervention strategies, promoting integrated water resource management in the region, and reducing negative impacts on water bodies.

Agua, Saneamiento & Ambiente

Geospatial assessment of pig farms impacts on water quality in the Guararé river