Coliform and Metal Contamination in Lago de Colina, a Recreational Water Body in Chihuahua State, Mexico
2011

Contamination of Colina Lake in Chihuahua, Mexico

Sample size: 80 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Hector Rubio-Arias, Nora I. Rey, M. Quintana Rey, G. Virginia Nevarez, Oskar Palacios

Primary Institution: Autonomous University of Chihuahua

Hypothesis

Domestic tourism contaminated this water body, potentially impacting visitor health.

Conclusion

Local tourism is contaminating the recreational area of Colina Lake, posing a public health threat.

Supporting Evidence

  • Fecal coliforms were detected in about 45% of water samples after Holy Week.
  • Coliform presence is widely used to establish water quality.
  • Aluminum levels were higher after the Holy Week vacation period.
  • Most heavy metals concentrations increased after the Holy Week vacation.
  • Local tourism is likely contaminating the recreational area.

Takeaway

The water in Colina Lake got dirtier after many people visited during Holy Week, which could make people sick.

Methodology

Water samples were collected from 20 points before and after the Holy Week vacation, and analyzed for coliforms and heavy metals.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to limited sampling times and locations.

Limitations

The study only focused on one recreational area and may not represent other locations.

Participant Demographics

Visitors to Colina Lake during the Holy Week vacation period.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/ijerph8062386

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