INFLUENCE OF THE CROPS PISCICULTURE IN THE QUALITY OF THE WATER OF GUAMUEZ LAKE, NARIÑO

Abstract

Fish farming is a global alternative in the production of quality food and high protein content; However, the consequences of the activity are reflected in alterations of different variables in the aquatic ecosystem. The present study was developed during the low rainfall season in Guamuez Lake, between three cultivation zones and a control point. It takes samples of water at different depths of the water column, depending on the bathymetry of the zone. It was evaluated the influence of the intensity of the extensive crops, semi-intensive and intensive cultures of rainbow trout in floating cages, analyzing the physicochemical parameters dissolved oxygen, temperature, electrical conductivity, pH, turbidity, BOD5 and COD and nutrients such as ammonium, nitrites, nitrates and total phosphorus. The environmental contamination of the variables was evaluated through an analysis of variance. The physicochemical parameters, as well as the water nutrients, present significant differences (p<0,05) between the zones and depths of sampling, showing more significant alterations as the intensity of cultivation increases. Finally, rainbow trout farming in floating cages affects water quality negatively, mainly in crops with higher productive intensity. Although the values ​​do not represent a risk for water quality in the lake, the sowing densities that are handled in the crops and the handling of food rations must be taken into account since they could cause changes in the aquatic environment if responsible handling of these parameters is not done.