Analysis of Deforestation and Water Quality in the Talgua River Watershed (Honduras): Ecosystem Approach Based on the DPSIR Model

Selvin Antonio Saravia-Maldonado, Luis Francisco Fernández-Pozo (), Beatriz Ramírez-Rosario and María Ángeles Rodríguez-González
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Selvin Antonio Saravia-Maldonado: Doctoral Program in Sustainable Territorial Development, International Doctoral School, Universidad de Extremadura—UEx, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
Luis Francisco Fernández-Pozo: Environmental Resources Analysis (ARAM) Research Group, Universidad de Extremadura—UEx, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
Beatriz Ramírez-Rosario: Environmental Resources Analysis (ARAM) Research Group, Universidad de Extremadura—UEx, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
María Ángeles Rodríguez-González: Environmental Resources Analysis (ARAM) Research Group, Universidad de Extremadura—UEx, 06006 Badajoz, Spain

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 12, 1-22

Abstract: With increasing urbanization and industrialization, soil and forest resources are facing considerable pressure, as well as the demand for water for domestic, agricultural, and industrial activities. Therefore, it is essential to conduct regular assessments of water quality and ensure that water is consistently maintained in the context of ecosystem services (ESs). Our objective was to apply the driving forces–pressures–state–impacts–responses (DPSIR) model to understand the cause–effect relationships and interactions with anthropogenic pressures on deforestation and water quality in the Talgua River watershed and associated valley and plain areas in central-eastern Honduras. Physicochemical and microbiological analyses were conducted to determine the water quality index (NSF–WQI) and other contamination indexes. The results identified high contamination by coliforms, up to 920.00 NPM/100 mL, and high levels of contamination by organic matter (ICOMO, 0.65), solids (ICOSUS, 0.79), mineralization (ICOMI, 0.99), and the presence of bacteria (BPI, 8.50), as well as the development of eutrophication processes (ICOTRO), resulting in generally low water quality. These problems were caused by the socio-demographic and economic growth of the area, as well as the high demand for water, vulnerability to climate change, and intense agro-livestock and industrial activity, which led to deforestation processes, changes in land use, and contamination of natural water bodies that impacted the overexploitation of aquifers. After applying the DPSIR model, strategies are proposed for the management and administration of the watershed aimed at preserving the water, soils, and forest resources, while promoting stakeholder, business, education sector, and public administration participation.

Keywords: ecosystem services; floodplains; land-use; water pollution; water quality index (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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