Poultry Production and Water Alterations

<p>This research presents a technical assessment of the environmental and social impacts generated by poultry production on the Frío River water source, located in the department of Santander, Colombia. The main objective was to analyze how the practices associated with this productive activity alter the physical, chemical, and biological components of the water, as well as their influence on the socioecological environment. A mixed methodology with a predominantly technical and scientific focus was applied, based on environmental monitoring, inspection visits, and laboratory analysis of water samples at both inlet and outlet points within the area of influence. Tools such as the Water Quality Index (WQI) and the Conesa environmental impact assessment methodology were employed. The results show a significant deterioration in water quality, reflected in the large organic load (biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand), the presence of fecal coliforms, and changes in parameters such as pH, turbidity, and nutrient concentration. Untreated wastewater discharge, inadequate disposal of chicken manure, and poor solid waste management pose direct environmental and health risks to surrounding communities and local ecosystems. These findings identify critical points for environmental management in rural areas with high poultry farming activity and underscore the need to implement continuous monitoring strategies, effective regulation, and comprehensive environmental management plans. Furthermore, they emphasize the importance of incorporating sustainability criteria into agricultural production systems, based on principles of prevention, mitigation, and efficient use of water resources, as key elements for preserving the ecological functionality of water sources and promoting territorial sustainability.</p>