Determinación de poblaciones vulnerables en sectores críticos de la Cuenca del Río Rocha en Bolivia

Abstract

Rivers are ecosystems that are constituted as indicators of environmental quality thanks to the different types of environmental, and socioeconomic services they offer. Due to the constant expansion of cities, the pollution of rivers is becoming increasingly critical, especially in those rivers that cross or are close to urban centers. In developing countries, such as Bolivia, rivers are an accessible and invaluable source of water for use and consumption, so preserving their quality is essential. There are numerous studies of the water quality of the Rocha River carried out by various institutions that verified the increase in contamination in the body of water. However, the vulnerability for populations and ecosystems have not yet been identified for the entire basin. This research compiled and crossed the available information on anthropogenic activities, water quality, and population distribution to expose the impact on water quality and thus identify vulnerable populations in critical sectors of the Rocha River basin. This study is the base for formulating mitigation actions in the identified areas, to reduce the risk to public health and ecosystems. Keywords: sensitive ecosystems;public health;environmental degradation