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Desarrollo de un sistema de gestión integral de manejo de residuos comunes del sector de metalmecánico en el Parque Industrial de Ambato 2026
(Universidad Técnica de Cotopaxi (UTC). Ciencias Agropecuarias y Recursos Naturales. Ambiental, 2026-10-19) Lloacana Bonilla, Edison Javier; Llumitaxi Pesantes, Madeline Fernanda; Agreda Oña, José Luis
The objective of this study was to identify strategies to strengthen the comprehensive management of waste generated by companies in the metalworking sector of the Ambato Industrial Park during the year 2026. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach, involving a documentary and descriptive analysis, under a non-experimental cross-sectional design. The information was obtained from the waste management matrix of 18 companies, which was analyzed through a literature review and the application of the Pareto method to prioritize the waste streams generated in the greatest quantities. The results showed that 44% of the companies manage their waste through authorized environmental management firms, while the remainder use other management mechanisms; in addition, total waste generation was recorded at 7,860 kg per day, with scrap metal accounting for the largest share (54%), followed by other waste (22%), cardboard (10%), plastic (7%), waste electrical and electronic equipment (4%), and paper (3%). The analysis identified opportunities for improvement related to staff training, updating internal procedures, strengthening source separation, optimizing temporary storage, and implementing initiatives aimed at material recovery. It is concluded that the proposed strategies constitute a technically viable alternative for strengthening companies’ environmental performance, increasing the recovery of recyclable materials, and promoting continuous improvement in waste management.
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Evaluación del estado ecológico de la quebrada tillitusa mediante macroinvertebrados bentónicos bajo la influencia de la descarga de la planta de tratamiento de aguas residuales La Merced, cantón Píllaro.
(Universidad Técnica de Cotopaxi (UTC) Ciencias Agropecuarias y Recursos Naturales. Ambiental, 2026-10-14) Bonilla Tilinchano, Paula Mercedes; Agreda Oña, José Luis
The “La Merced” Wastewater Treatment Plant, located in the Píllaro canton, plays a key role in local environmental management; therefore, assessing its impact on the receiving water body is a priority for the conservation of aquatic communities in the area. The objective of this study was to assess the quality of the water body influenced by the La Merced Wastewater Treatment Plant using benthic macroinvertebrates as bioindicators, complementing the analysis with a physicochemical characterization of the effluent (in accordance with Ministerial Agreement 097-A) and the ICA-NSF Water Quality Index. Three sampling points were established (an upstream control point, the point where the treated effluent enters the receiving waterbody, and a point 15.76 m downstream of the discharge) and three biological sampling events were conducted between January and March 2026. Macroinvertebrates were collected by substrate removal using a 500 µm sieve, preserved in 70% ethanol, and identified to the family level; water quality was assessed using the BMWP/Col, ASPT, ABI, and EPT indices. The results indicated water quality ranging from very critical to critical according to the BMWP/Col index, with scores between 4 and 19 at all three sampling sites. The ASPT showed greater variability: the tributary ranged from 2.0 to 4.75 (extremely polluted to fair), while the receiving water body shifted from good to fair quality (5.66 and 5.33) in the first two samplings to a deterioration in the third (4.5). The ABI classified the quality as very poor to poor at all sampling points, with values ranging from 5 to 18, and the EPT showed a low presence of sensitive organisms (5% to 44.44%), reflecting predominantly poor quality. Statistical analysis using two-factor ANOVA, the Friedman test, and PERMANOVA confirmed significant differences associated with the sampling site, with P2 (river + WWTP effluent) showing the greatest biological deterioration, which was corroborated by the ICA-NSF: P2 recorded the lowest category (62.6; Median), associated with high concentrations of fecal coliforms, while P3 had the best physicochemical quality (69.7; Median). Taken together, these results confirm that the receiving water body exhibits high levels of organic pollution, with a direct influence of the WWTP discharge on the structure of the benthic community—evidence that is useful for environmental management in the Píllaro canton and for understanding the performance of wastewater treatment plants in Andean contexts.
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Implementación de sistemas de agroforestería sucesional en las parroquias de Zumbahua y Chugchilán pertenecientes a la provincia de Cotopaxi
(Universidad Técncica de Cotopaxi (UTC) Ciencias Agropecuarias y Recursos Naturales. Ambiental, 2026-10-14) Barrionuevo Chasipanta, Paola Alexandra; Ortiz Bustamante, Vladimir Marconi
The research project titled “Implementation of Successional Agroforestry Systems” was conducted in the parish of Zumbahua, Pujilí canton, and the parish of Chugchilán, Sigchos canton, both located in the province of Cotopaxi. Its overall objective was the implementation of successional agroforestry systems aimed at soil improvement. To this end, the following specific objectives were established: to establish agroforestry plots based on a biophysical baseline; to periodically monitor soil health indicators; and to compare soil health indicators obtained before and after the implementation of the successional agroforestry systems. The research was conducted using a mixed-methods approach, integrating descriptive, comparative, qualitative, quantitative, and field methods. Physical, chemical, and biological soil indicators were evaluated using techniques such as soil compaction, texture, aggregate stability, moisture retention, effective depth, temperature, pH, organic matter, and soil macrofauna. . The results showed that in Zumbahua, the penetration depth increased from 13.84 cm to 20.72 cm in the upper zone and from 10.62 cm to 19.40 cm in the lower zone. Likewise, aggregate stability increased from 10.23% to 14.08% and from 8.11% to 16.04%, respectively. Moisture retention increased from 13.25% to 13.55% in the upper zone and from 2.54% to 6.14% in the lower zone; furthermore, the effective depth reached 34.75 cm, and the pH remained close to neutral. In Chugchilán, moisture retention increased from 9.52% to 14.60%, while the other indicators showed variations associated with soil conditions and the short evaluation period. In conclusion, successional agroforestry systems promoted the initial recovery of the soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties, establishing themselves as a sustainable alternative for strengthening production systems and contributing to the conservation of natural resources in high Andean ecosystems.
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Desarrollo de un sistema de gestión integral de residuos comunes para las industrias del sector de consumo masivo del parque industrial de Ambato, 2026
(Universidad Técncica de Cotopaxi (UTC) Ciencias Agropecuarias y Recursos Naturales. Ambiental, 2026-10-14) Aimacaña Sanchez, Dayana Estefania; Toaquiza Tuitisi, Jessica Karolina.; Cajas Cayo, Isaac Eduardo
The purpose of this research was to develop a comprehensive management system for handling general waste in the mass-consumption sector industries of the Ambato Industrial Park, using strategies aimed at strengthening the circular economy and environmental sustainability. To achieve this goal, the study sought to identify the main sources, types, and quantities of waste generated; assess current waste management practices; and formulate a technical proposal applicable to the companies evaluated. The methodology employed a qualitative, descriptive, bibliographic, field-based, and non-experimental approach, utilizing direct observation and data collection at eighteen companies in the industrial park. The results revealed a total generation of 36.78 metric tons per year of general waste. Of this total, 13.26 metric tons consisted of cardboard, 9.78 metric tons of plastic, 9.36 metric tons of paper, 2.82 metric tons of scrap metal, and 1.56 metric tons of waste electrical and electronic equipment. Cardboard, plastic, and paper totaled 32.40 metric tons per year, equivalent to 88.1% of the total, indicating high potential for reuse and recovery. Based on the assessment conducted, a comprehensive management system tailored to the conditions of the companies studied was designed, establishing guidelines for the separation, storage, internal collection, reuse, and control of general waste. It is concluded that the comprehensive management system designed addresses the needs identified in the companies and constitutes a viable alternative for strengthening source separation, storage, and recovery of recyclable waste. Its future implementation will reduce the amount of waste sent to final disposal, enhance material recovery, and improve the environmental performance of the companies in accordance with the principles of the circular economy.
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Determinación de tasas de cobro según el análisis técnico de los residuos sólidos generados en la Parroquia Cusubamba, Salcedo, Cotopaxi 2026
(Universidad Técnica de Cotopaxi (UTC) Ciencias Agropecuarias y Recursos Naturales. Ambiental, 2026-10-15) Castro Martínez, Jeniffer Daniela; Lictapuzon Taco, Alex Gabriel; Andrade Valencia, José Antonio
This research, titled “Determination of the Collection Rate for Solid Waste Collection Services in the Cusubamba Parish, Salcedo Canton, Cotopaxi Province, Based on a Technical Analysis of Solid Waste Generated in 2026,” Its objective is to determine a technically sound fee through the characterization of solid waste, the updating of the user registry, and the technical and economic analysis of the collection service. The study made it possible to establish a fee that is economically sound and consistent with the actual conditions of the service, taking into account the characterization of solid waste, the updating of the user registry, and the technical and economic analysis of the collection system. The research was conducted using a mixed-methods approach with a descriptive and diagnostic scope, applying techniques such as direct observation, field forms, solid waste characterization, analysis of the user database, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for processing and interpreting the information. The results indicated an average per capita waste generation of 0.68 kg/person/day, with organic waste predominating, followed by materials such as plastic, paper and cardboard, glass, and other recyclable waste. The research was conducted using a mixed-methods approach with descriptive and diagnostic objectives, applying techniques such as direct observation, field data sheets, solid waste characterization, analysis of the user database, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for processing and interpreting the information. The results showed an average per capita waste generation of 0.68 kg/person/day, with organic waste predominating, followed by materials such as plastic, paper and cardboard, glass, and other recyclable waste. In addition, information on 9,446 properties was updated, of which 905 are in urban areas and 8,541 in rural areas, making it possible to identify user characteristics and evaluate collection service coverage, which exceeded 95%. Based on an analysis of the operating costs associated with the collection, transportation, and final disposal of solid waste, a differentiated fee was established by user category: Category A at $1.00 per month; Category B at $0.64 per month; Category C at $0.48 per month; and Category D at $7.48 per month. The proposed rate represents a technically sound and equitable alternative that allows for the recovery of service costs, thereby strengthening comprehensive solid waste management in the Cusubamba parish. Furthermore, it serves as a tool to support planning and decision-making by the Decentralized Autonomous Municipal Government of the Salc canton.