Resumen

The contamination by fixed sources is causing adverse effects on the environment. This causes physical, chemical and biological alterations for the planet's soil, as well as effects on vegetation cover, presence of water and surface temperature. To carry out the study, satellite images from southern Tolima taken from the Landsat 5 and 8 satellites were used, which were obtained through the geological service page of the United States (USGS). The atmospheric correction of the images was carried out using the IDRISI Selva software. The NDVI, NDWI and surface temperature were processed and analysed with the help of the Geographic Information Systems (GIS), using the ArcGIS 10.3 software. From 1989 to 2018 there is a loss of vegetation (15%) and water resources (9500Ha) in the flatter areas of southern Tolima, were directly affected by high temperatures (greater than 24˚C). On the other hand, in the high zones that lost vegetal cover (5%) and presence of water (2500Ha), its temperature did not increase.