The river of the many faces: the Conchos River
Conchos River
Bioremediation
The Conchos Riveroriginates in the mountains of the Sierra Madre in Mexico, it travels for more than 900 km throughout the state of Chihuahua. This river is very unique as it goes through the vast forest of the Sierra Madre, the wetlands, the agricultural valley, and finally the arid desert where it feeds the river Bravo. It is considered the most important river in Chihuahua, and it is the only one that has a constant flow of water during the whole year. Born in the mountains, the river represents an important affluent for the local community, as they rely solely on agricultural activities. Following its journey, it arrives to San Francisco de Conchos where it feeds a hydroelectrical power station. It then follows the Camargo region where it is the principal water source for the local farmers. Finally, it arrives at Julimes and enters the desert where it meets Bravo River, being considered its most important tributary.
The Conchos River holds cultural and spiritual importance for the Tarahumara people, an indigenous group of the state of Chihuahua. It is considered a vital life source, providing water for drinking, irrigation, and sustenance for their agricultural activities. The river is also believed to possess spiritual power and is seen as a guardian and protector of their communities. Unfortunately, the water crisis and the pollution by agricultural residues are threatening the river.
As an effort to increase the science development in Chihuahua, a local team was hired. Local professionals in life sciences participated during the evaluation of the project, who were highly interested in creating a positive impact in the Conchos River.
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Every river project listed on the Liquid Trees Marketplace must align with our Evaluation Criteria to ensure project quality. To monitor a river bioremediation project, Liquid Trees uses remote sensing and geographic information systems along with field measurements to monitor and assess microalgae biomass and nutrient evolution along the target river.
This animation shows the microalgae biomass expanding some kilometers dowstream the inoculation point during the river bioremediation.
Conchos River has historical and geographical significance, playing a role in Chihuahua’s history and development. It flows through La Sierra Madre Occidental mountain and joins the Bravo River near the border between Mexico and the United States. It has provided water for agriculture, supported local ecosystems, and influenced human settlements along its course. It has also a crucial source providing water for irrigation.
Currently, some areas of the Conchos River are a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and birdwatching. The river and its surrounding landscapes are known for their natural beauty and biodiversity. However, Conchos River faces pollution mainly from agricultural activities due the excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides. When these chemicals are applied to crops, they can be washed into the river through runoff, leading to water contamination. As an effort to stop this detrimental situation, this project was started.
The Conchos River bioremediation project will have a positive impact on this region since native microalgae will contribute to improve water quality and restore local biodiversity.
The state of Chihuahua is in the northwestern of Mexico, it is bordered by the states of Sinaloa, Sonora, and the United States. According to the report of Chihuahua Global (2021), Chihuahua is one of the states with the highest economic activity in Mexico. It occupies the seventh national place in economic growth and the first national place in the least occupation in the informal sector. The most employed sector is manufacturing.
Another activity highly affected by water pollution is fishing. Aquaculture exploitation in the state is carried out on an area of 46.000 hectares, divided into over 2.000 units, from which a production of 557.5 tons is obtained with a value of $3.018.000 Mexican pesos (MXN). Most of the fishing along Conchos River develops in the dams of the region. A combination of factors between water crisis and pollution affects fishing activity. Sadly, the fish population has decreased, being one of the main reasons water pollution.
Another problem that impacts the ecosystem of Conchos River is trash and waste. Most of them are plastics residues which are carried by the river along its way. The Conchos River goes through the city of Chihuahua, which is the second most important city in the state, where it received a load of waste. The problem has raised the awareness of the local community such that they started doing cleaning campaigns in some sections of the river. Along with the local effort, other long-term solutions should be applied.
Thus, after the evaluation of local problems, we’re planning to install nets and interceptors along the Conchos River to trap the trash, with the goal of take out from the river as much trash as possible.
In alignment with Liquid Trees' commitment to environmental stewardship, this river bioremediation project support the achievement of these SDGs
This project expands the contiguous habitat of the neighboring national park eastward to the Seruyan River, which local communities rely heavily on for drinking, transportation, and fish stocks. This land preservation provides countless flora and fauna with a natural, undisturbed habitat where they can thrive. Central Kalimantan Peatlands protects the populations of five critically endangered, 12 endangered, and 37 vulnerable species (including 5% of the world’s total population of Orangutans). Other mammals in the area include the Asian Sun Bear, Sunda Pangolin, Clouded Leopard, Proboscis Monkey, Hairy-Nosed Otter and many species of bats.
Among the largest near-surface reserves of terrestrial organic carbon, peatlands are made up of organic matter from partially decomposed remains of trees that accumulate to a thickness of 10m+. These forests are also home to a wide range of plant and animal life.
Regular daily patrols cover large expanses of this remote peat swamp on foot and by motorized canoe to prevent illegal activity and conduct a range of biological, resource and social surveys. Working together with project communities has strengthened local ties and support for the project.
The only great ape outside of Africa, whose populations have declined 95% in the last century, is critically endangered due to human activities. Tanjung Puting National Park (adjacent to the project area) houses one of the largest protected populations.
Orangutan Foundation International (OFI) collaborates with the project on the implementation of forest monitoring, reporting and protection activities on the ground.
