Influencia de la geología regional, los ciclos estacionales y los asentamientos humanos en la caracterización de las aguas superficiales de la Cuenca de Linares-Cerro Prieto, N.L., México

Abstract

A physical, chemical, and bacteriological survey in the region of Linares, Nuevo León, NE Mexico, from 1986 to 1990, yields high Ca2+, Mg²+, Na+ , HC03- , SO_4² and Cl- values (calcium sulfate in Río Pablillo and cakium bicarbonate for its affluents Hualahuises and Camachito). There is a strong increase in their concentration in the dry season. The main minerals associated with weathering are calcite and gypsum. High E. coli counts ( ≥1600 NMP/100 mi) are found near domestic sewers. The system still retains a reasonable capacity for tolerating these discharges. Values as low as 4 NMP/100 ml were found in José López Portillo ("Cerro Prieto") reservoir, but in the dry season these values can rise to 500 NMP/100 ml with less than 2 NMP/100 mi in fecal coliforms. With the increase in population, common sense strongly advises to stop immediately the discharge of sewage into the rivers.