NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF TUMBES

FACULTY OF ECONOMIC SCIENCES

YEAR OF UNITY, PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT

THEME:
The contamination of the Tumbes river

COURSE:
Natural Resources and Environmental Management

author
Cindy Malú Ortiz Peña

Teacher:
HIDALGO SANDOVAL Eder Esaud
 NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF TUMBES
FACULTY OF ECONOMIC SCIENCES
PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT

INTRODUCTION

In the current context, the worrying issue of river pollution

Tumbes emerges as an unavoidable relevant topic that demands a
urgent attention and decisive actions. This report delves into reality
environmental that this vital watercourse faces, exploring the factors that
contribute to its deterioration and the significant impacts that this pollution
exercises on the local ecosystem and the quality of life of communities
riparian. Through a thorough analysis backed by current data and
precise methodologies, we seek to shed light on the magnitude of the challenge that
it faces the Tumbes River, highlighting the urgent need for strategies
integral and collaborative efforts to reverse this situation and preserve health
environmental of this important water source.
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FACULTY OF ECONOMIC SCIENCES
PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

INTRODUCTION. 2

OBJECTIVES........................................................................................................ 4

General objective...............................................................................................4
Specific objectives.........................................................4
THE TUMBES RIVER.................................................................................................5

Geographic Location.......................................................................................5
Tumbes River Basin....................................................................................5
Flow of the Tumbes River.....................................................................................6
CONTAMINANTS OF THE TUMBES RIVER..............................................................7

CONSEQUENCES OF THE POLLUTION OF THE TUMBES RIVER....................8

Impact on human health.................................................................8

Impact on biodiversity.........................................................................8
Alteration of aquatic ecosystems.........................................................8
Problems in agriculture.9
Impact on the local economy..............................................................9
Aesthetic and recreational damages..........................................................................9
Impacts on the economy and society...........................................................9
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO TAKE CARE OF THE TUMBES RIVER?............................10

HOW CAN WE TAKE CARE OF THE TUMBES RIVER?

14

BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES..................................................................15
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FACULTY OF ECONOMIC SCIENCES
PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT

OBJECTIVES

General objective
The purpose of this report is to evaluate and analyze the
pollution of the Tumbes River, identifying its main sources and
determining the scope of the environmental and social impacts generated.
In addition, it aims to propose measures and strategies to mitigate and prevent the
pollution, in order to contribute to the restoration and preservation of the
water quality in this important river course.

Specific objectives
Identify the sources of pollution: Determine the main ones.
sources of pollution affecting the Tumbes River, both point sources
as diffuse, with the purpose of understanding the diversity of agents
contaminants present in the environment.

Evaluate environmental and social impacts: Analyze the effects of

the contamination of the Tumbes River in aquatic ecosystems, the
local biodiversity and the health of dependent communities
directly from this water resource, highlighting the risks and their
consequences.

Propose mitigation and prevention strategies: Develop

recommendations and practical strategies to mitigate and prevent
pollution of the Tumbes river, considering technological aspects,
normative and community participation, with the aim of promoting the
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FACULTY OF ECONOMIC SCIENCES
PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT

environmental sustainability and ensuring the well-being of populations

linked to this resource.

THE TUMBES RIVER

The birth and development of the Tumbes River take place in Ecuador under the
name of Puyango, in the well-known "sierras of Zaruma", where the rains
seasonal waters from the upper part of its basin provide water. As it
advances mostly to the south, enters Peruvian territory, where its name
it transforms into the Tumbes River, finishing its course as it flows into the

Pacific Ocean after approximately 130 kilometers.

Geographical Location
Throughout its course through Peruvian territory, the Tumbes River can be divided
in three notable stages. In the first phase, which covers the first 50
kilometers, the river acts as a boundary between Peru and Ecuador, from the landmark

Trapezoid to the Zapallal pond. During this phase, the river continues
generally a direction from east to west, forming an extensive bed that has
giving way to terraces of different levels. The second stage begins at
crossing the Amotape hills, where the topography imposes its dominance,
creating canyons and waterfalls that culminate after approximately 30
km, at the Tiger Jump. From this point, the river delves into a terrain
of gentle slope, becoming the only navigable river on the coast
Peruvian. Heading north, it welcomes the city of Tumbes in its
right margin, especially highlighting at its mouth. When it
about the Pacific, gives rise to an extensive delta where channels are formed
known locally as estuaries, visible during low tides, surrounded
of vegetation in its muddy bottoms. The predominant vegetation in this
the area is the mangrove, whose intertwined roots cling to the muddy bottom.
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FACULTY OF ECONOMIC SCIENCES
SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL ADMINISTRATION

Tumbes River Basin

The Tumbes River basin originates from various ravines located
mainly in the Chilla and Cerro Negro mountain range, located in the
provinces of El Oro and Loja, Ecuador. In its early stages, the river crosses
mountainous lands with altitudes around 3,500 m. Four tributaries
mainly, namely, the rivers Calera, Amarillo, Luis, and Ambocas converge to
to give rise to the Pindo River or the Greater River. After joining the Yaguachi River near

From Balsas, the watercourse takes the name of the Puyango River and, moving ahead in
western direction, reaches the Cazaderos ravine, where it transforms into
the Tumbes River. Then, it heads north for about 80 km until
flow into the Pacific Ocean near the city of Tumbes, in Peru.
The total area of the Tumbes basin covers approximately 5,656.
km2, of which 1,864 km2 belong to Peruvian territory. The total length
The river in Peru is approximately 130 km long.

Flow of the Tumbes River

The Tumbes River stands out as the main watercourse in the department,
being one of great importance on the Peruvian coast due to its flow,
length and trajectory. Its extensive journey, origin in equatorial latitudes, the
rainy regime that nourishes it and the presence of tributaries along its course
they are determining factors that explain both their considerable flow and their
notable regularity, an aspect that differentiates it from the Zarumilla River, another river in the

region. Over the years, average flows have been recorded that
oscillate between 180 m3/s and 220 m3/s, with exceptional peaks that
surpassed 900 m3/second, as was the case in 1958. Conversely, in
1961, the average annual discharge was significantly low, reaching
only 9 m3/sec.
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PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL OF ADMINISTRATION

CONTAMINANTS OF THE TUMBES RIVER

Undoubtedly, the essential vital liquid for human survival.

it is pure water, as it plays a fundamental role in numerous
daily activities. Despite this, the increasing pollution experienced
in recent decades has generated significant problems in various
places around the world, affecting the quality and purity of water.

Rivers are natural water currents that flow into various

points, such as lakes, ravines, tributaries, or streams, and finally flow into
the sea. This water resource, representing approximately 2% of the
freshwater surface, supplies a large part of the world's population
for various everyday, commercial, hygienic, and care activities
environmental.

However, due to the inadequate management of waste coming from

commercial, industrial, and domestic sectors, the rivers are experiencing
pollution with various materials, substances, and chemicals,
which results in the loss of quality, purity, minerals, and vitamins of the water.

It is relevant to highlight that the causes and sources of pollution vary according to
the territory and activities close to the water source. At a global level, the
main causes include:

The lack of information or environmental education

The poor management of physical waste
Biologicals and chemicals
The use of pesticides and fertilizers
The lack of waste treatment
The misuse of industrial pipes and sewers
Black waters
Radioactive material
Exploitation of mineral resources and oil extraction wells
Deforestation
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Agricultural projects without planning.

It can be observed that a large part of these causes of pollution in the

rivers are the result of irresponsible and unsustainable human actions. These
behaviors not only affect ecosystems, but also generate
negative impacts on health, work, personal life, and social aspects of thousands of
people.

CONSEQUENCES OF THE POLLUTION OF THE TUMBES RIVER

The pollution of the Tumbes River has various consequences that affect
both to the environment and to people's health. Some of the
the most notable repercussions are as follows:

Impact on human health

Water-related diseases: River pollution
Tumbes can cause the presence of pathogens and toxic substances.
in the water, which increases the risk of waterborne diseases
water, such as gastroenteritis, hepatitis, and gastrointestinal problems.

Impact on biodiversity
Loss of aquatic species: Pollution can have a
negative impact on the aquatic fauna and flora of the Tumbes River, leading to
the loss of biological diversity. This affects fish, crustaceans and
other forms of aquatic life.

Alteration of aquatic ecosystems

Changes in water quality: The presence of contaminants can
modify the physical and chemical properties of water, affecting
negatively affecting the quality of the aquatic habitat and compromising the
survival of species.
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SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
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PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT

Problems in agriculture
Soil and crop pollution: The contaminated water from the river
Tumbes can affect the surrounding soils and crops that
they depend on this water source, compromising security
food of the region.

Impact on the local economy

Loss of fishery resources: If pollution affects quality
of water and fish health, there may be a decrease in the
fishing catches, which negatively impacts the economy of
the communities that depend on fishing.

Aesthetic and recreational damages

Visual and tourist impact: Pollution can cause deterioration

in the appearance of the Tumbes River, affecting its tourist appeal and
recreational. This, in turn, can have economic consequences for
the activities related to tourism.

It is essential to implement mitigation and control measures of the

pollution to preserve the health of the Tumbes river and ensure an environment
sustainable for the communities that depend on it.

Impacts on the economy and society

When improved and more reliable water supply sources are available
accessible, the time and effort required to obtain them is reduced,
thus allowing more time to be dedicated to other activities. This not only contributes
not only increases personal security, but also reduces problems
osteomuscular by reducing the need to make extensive trips or
dangerous in search of water. Improving these supply sources not only
it has an impact on physical health, but it also carries benefits
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SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL ADMINISTRATION

economic by reducing healthcare costs, as people fall ill

they incur in fewer medical expenses and are more productive.

Given that children are especially susceptible to diseases

transmitted by water, access to improved water supply sources can
having a positive impact on their health, thus avoiding the loss of school days
and generating long-term benefits in their lives.

Why is it important to take care of the Tumbes River?

The Tumbes River has great importance both environmentally and
socioeconomic for the region where it is located. Some aspects
highlights of its importance are as follows:

Water supply
The Tumbes River is a vital source of water for various activities.
including human consumption, agriculture, and industry. Its water is
used for irrigation of crops and the supply of drinking water to
communities along its course.

2. Biodiversity and ecology

The Tumbes River harbors a rich aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity in its
surroundings. Its waters support a variety of fish species,
birds and other organisms, contributing to the health and balance of the
local ecosystems.

3. Support for fishing

Many communities depend on the fisheries of the Tumbes River as
source of food and economic support. Fishing in the river provides
important resources for food security and the local economy.

4. Agriculture and rural development

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PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL OF ADMINISTRATION

The Tumbes River is essential for agriculture in the region. Its waters are
used for crop irrigation, which contributes to the development of the
agriculture and the generation of income for rural communities.

5. Cultural and recreational

The Tumbes River has significant cultural value for the communities.
locales, forming part of their identity and traditions. Additionally, it can
be a place of recreation and tourism, attracting visitors interested in
enjoy the natural beauty and participate in recreational activities
aquatic.

6. Regional ecological balance

The river plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance
ecological region. Its waters contribute to the stability of the
terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, ensuring the survival of the
species and the preservation of biological diversity.

7. Mitigation of droughts and floods

The Tumbes River can play an important role in mitigation.
of climate extremes, helping to reduce the impacts of droughts and
flooding by providing a constant flow of water.

Based on the above, the Tumbes River is a fundamental resource that sustains the
life and prosperity in the region. Their care and sustainable management are
essential to ensure that it continues to play its crucial role in the
socioeconomic and environmental development of the area.

HOW CAN WE TAKE CARE OF THE TUMBES RIVER?

Water resources are our main natural heritage, since
they provide us with an essential source that positively benefits our health and
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FACULTY OF ECONOMIC SCIENCES
PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT

progress. However, we currently face a significant challenge,

since as a society we must collaborate to reduce pollution in the
rivers, oceans, lakes, seas and other available water sources.

In this context, following the proposals of the World Organization for

health (WHO), water emerges as the fundamental liquid for well-being
of the human body at all stages of life. It contributes to the maintenance
of the vital cycle, prevents diseases and promotes social and labor development.
In summary, the quality of water in a region is crucial to ensure
the well-being of the environment and living beings.

To mitigate pollution in rivers and ensure a source of hydration

reliable and of high quality in homes and businesses, is crucial:

1. Increase the use of natural nutrients and pesticides: The sector

agricultural, commonly associated with the use of fertilizers and pesticides
chemicals, should be directed towards natural alternatives. These include:
pesticides and nutrients of natural origin that promote practices
more ecological and sustainable agricultural practices, benefiting both the bodies
of water as well as the ecosystem.

2. Implement wastewater treatment: The waters

wastewater generates high pollution when discharged into rivers without
previous treatment, damaging the quality of the water. It is essential that the

industries reduce their chemicals and have

collaboration of specialized companies to purify this water.

3. Combat deforestation: Forests play a role

fundamental as water sinks, whether at the atmospheric level or
underground. Therefore, deforestation increases the possibilities of
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FACULTY OF ECONOMIC SCIENCES
SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL ADMINISTRATION

water pollution, highlighting the importance of eradicating it

practice.

4. Reduce the use of oils and batteries: Oil harms purity.

water and aquatic biodiversity, while the batteries contain
minerals that, upon coming into contact with bodies of water, affect the
marine life and give a grayish tone to the liquid. Its recycling and reuse
they are imperatives to mitigate these impacts.

5. Minimize plastic consumption: To counteract pollution

of water, it is essential to reduce the use of disposable plastics and promote
the recycling of this material. Given the persistence of plastic in the
environment, its decomposition into microplastics exacerbates pollution
of rivers and aquatic life.
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FACULTY OF ECONOMIC SCIENCES
PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT

CONCLUSIONS
The situation of the Tumbes River reflects a complex interconnection between health
environmental, economic sustainability, and social well-being in the region. The
pollution of its waters, with its consequences on human health, the
biodiversity, fishing, and agriculture pose a significant challenge that
requires a comprehensive and urgent response. The fundamental importance of the river
Tumbes in water supply, the preservation of biodiversity and its
central role in the life and culture of communities highlights the need
critique of addressing sources of pollution and promoting practices of
sustainable management. The adoption of effective measures to mitigate the
pollution, conserve riparian ecosystems and promote the use
the river steward will not only protect this vital resource, but will also
will contribute to safeguarding the quality of life of the communities that depend
directly from him. Environmental awareness, cooperation between actors
governmental and the active participation of society are elements
essential to ensure a sustainable future for the Tumbes River and the
communities that surround it.
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FACULTY OF ECONOMIC SCIENCES
PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL OF ADMINISTRATION

BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES

CHAVEZ, F.J. 2006. Simulation and Optimization of a Sewage System

Urban. Thesis to obtain the degree of Civil Engineer. Faculty of Sciences and
Engineering. Pontifical Catholic University of Peru. Lima - Peru. 233 pp

Admin. (2022, December 26). What are the causes of pollution in

the rivers? [Link] to access the provided URL to fetch content for translation.

Tumbes River - Red. [Link]

Tumbes

UN-Water. Updated 2021 summary on progress towards SDG 6:

water y sanitation for everyone.
Unable to access external links.
Summary Progress Update 2021 Version July 2021 [Link].