Caracterización de residuales líquidos contaminantes con implicaciones en la Bahía de Guantánamo, Cuba

An exploratory, experimental, and descriptive study was conducted to characterize the liquid waste from prioritized contaminating sources in the Guaso River basin of Guantánamo with implications for the Guantánamo Bay. Samples were taken during the dry period, specifically in March and April 2024, and processed at the laboratory of the National Analysis and Technical Services Company, Guantánamo Base Business Unit of the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources. The selection criteria for the main polluting sources included the category of receiving bodies, the pollutant load generated and disposed of, as well as the location based on proximity to water supply sources, sanitary protection zones, and the bay. The characterized liquid waste showed high pollutant loads, with alterations in parameters such as Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Chemical Oxygen Demand, nitrates, coliforms, and E. coli, confirming the existence of pollution in the Guaso River and Guantánamo Bay and identifying its causes. Water pollution and associated environmental impacts are key management issues in the Guantánamo-Guaso watershed, with significant deterioration in the middle and lower parts due to the high organic load disposed of by the polluting sources.