Impact of the Climate variability driven by ENSO on water quality in a highly intervened tropical Andean basin

Resumen

This study explored the relationship between climate variability driven by the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the water quality of a tropical Andean basin. Using non-parametric statistical methods, such as the Mann‒Kendall test, Sen's slope estimator, Pettitt test, Mann‒Whitney Wilcoxon test and principal component analysis, this study revealed significant differences in nitrogen, suspended solids, iron, and E. coli concentrations between El Niño years (NOY) and normal years (NOR) and between nitrites and iron in La Niña years (NAY) and NOR. Multivariate analyses have not revealed significant effects of ENSO on the water quality of the basin; the influence of climate factors is being minimized by anthropogenic drivers and basin intervention. However, this study recommends considering the impacts of ENSO events on water quality prediction and management processes, quality objectives, and decision-making processes. The findings highlight the importance of considering the impacts of climate variability in managing water quality in the basin.

Fecha de lectura	01 jun. 2024
Idioma original	Español
Institución de lectura	Pontificia Universidad Javeriana