Environmental quality of springs in Ribeirão Tapera watershed, in Pedra do Indaiá, Minas Gerais
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.6008/CBPC2179-6858.2023.003.0003Keywords:
Springs, Water resources, Ambiental degradationAbstract
Currently, the water available to the population of the urban area of Pedra do Indaiá - MG comes from Ribeirão Tapera, which has its springs in the municipality itself. This study aimed to identify and georeference the springs of Ribeirão Tapera and evaluate their environmental and microbiological quality. Therefore, the environmental impacts on the springs were evaluated, in August 2022, based on the interpretation of the Environmental Impact Index on Springs – IIAN, which allows the establishment of classes that reflect their environmental quality. The microbiological analysis of the water was carried out using the Chromogenic Substrate Test (Colitest®), which shows the presence or absence of Total and Thermotolerant Coliforms. The Survey made it possible to identify 40 springs, and in two of them it was not possible to apply tests, as they were inaccessible. Of the springs evaluated, only two (5.2%) reached the Preservation Level classified as "Excellent" (Class A). For those considered "Good" (Class B) or "Reasonable" (Class C), there were, for both classifications, 17 springs (44.8%). The "Poor" classification (Class D) was verified for two springs (5.2%). Among the environmental impacts observed, the most frequent were degraded or absent vegetation (n = 13 springs; 34.2%), altered vegetation (n = 15; 39.5%) and use by large domestic animals (cattle and horses), with detection of marks, such as footprints or feces (n = 20; 52.6%). It is worth noting that, of the springs evaluated, 28 (73.7%) did not have any type of enclosure (protection), allowing, in most cases, the free movement of oxen and/or horses. All springs were on private properties. Regarding microbiological analysis, it was found that 28 springs (73.7%) presented positive results for the presence of total and thermotolerant coliforms (Escherichia coli). The results showed that most of the springs evaluated were in some degree of degradation, highlighting the lack of care on the part of the owners and the inefficiency of inspection and application of environmental laws, since the springs are legally considered, by Law 12,651/2012, as Permanent Preservation Areas – APP's.
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