Aplicación de técnicas de teledetección para evaluar los cambios en el uso del suelo y la calidad del agua en la Laguna de Yahuarcocha, periodo 2011-2019

Abstract

This study analyzes land use changes and their impact on the water quality of Yahuarcocha Lagoon between 2011 and 2019, utilizing remote sensing techniques and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The study establishes a relationship between anthropogenic activities and the conditions of the aquatic ecosystem. Significant changes in land use were observed, including a 12% reduction in shrub vegetation areas (equivalent to 295 hectares) and an 18% increase in areas dedicated to agriculture, representing an additional 443 hectares. These transformations have intensified the pressure on the lagoon, increasing nutrient loads derived from the use of fertilizers and pesticides. Water quality results from the 2018 monitoring points reveal dissolved oxygen (DO) percentage levels ranging from 42.5% to 88.7%, exceeding the water quality criteria of TULSMA 097A, Table 2, for the preservation of aquatic and wildlife. The Water Quality Index (WQI) ranges from Good to Fair, indicating the presence of anthropogenic activities around the lagoon. Regarding methodology, MapBiomas and Landsat 8 land cover images were processed using ArcGIS tools to evaluate land cover changes and calculate the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI). Water quality was analyzed using the NSF Water Quality Index (WQI), considering key parameters such as fecal coliforms, pH, turbidity, and nutrients. Findings highlight the need to implement sustainable management strategies and continuous monitoring to mitigate the deterioration of water quality and biodiversity loss in the lagoon. They also emphasize the potential of remote sensing as a fundamental tool for water resource conservation and territorial planning.