Weight assessment of DRASTIC method factors within the aquifer of the Central Valley of Cochabamba, Bolivia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24850/j-tyca-2026-01-09Keywords:
Groundwater, vulnerability, DRASTIC, Central Valley of Cochabamba, BoliviaAbstract
In the central valley of Cochabamba, groundwater vulnerability to contamination was assessed by analyzing the weighting of factors in the DRASTIC method, using GIS tools. Four scenarios were analyzed to identify the most critical factors, revealing that their influence and vulnerability behave differently depending on the characteristics of the area. In the northwest, vulnerability was identified as medium-high to high, due to favorable conditions for recharge. In the central-eastern zone, vulnerability ranged from low to medium-low, influenced by a confining layer that provides natural protection for the aquifer. The southern zone is influenced by low slopes, fine sediment deposition and low recharge. Urban areas exhibit very low to low vulnerability. Conversely, in the far south, vulnerability varies from medium-low to medium-high due to agricultural activities near the Rocha River. Overall, the most influential parameters were found: depth to water (D), impact of the vadose zone media (I), recharge (R), aquifer media (A), hydraulic conductivity (C) and soil media (S), with weights of 5, 5, 4, 3, 3, and 3, respectively, while topography (T) showed the least influence, with a weight of 2. It is recommended to prioritize the northwest and far southern zones for further studies and participatory management plans, as well as to apply the proposed framework in fluvio-lacustrine valleys.
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