scholarly journals Alterations in land uses based on amendments to the Brazilian Forest Law and their influences on water quality of a watershed

2015 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
JL. Rodrigues-Filho ◽  
RM. Degani ◽  
FS. Soares ◽  
NA. Periotto ◽  
FP. Blanco ◽  
...  

The amendments to the Forest Law proposed by the Brazilian government that allow partial substitution of forested areas by agricultural activities raised deep concern about the integrity of aquatic ecosystems. To assess the impacts of this alteration in land uses on the watershed, diffuse loads of total nitrogen (Nt) and total phosphorus (Pt) were estimated in Lobo Stream watershed, southeastern Brazil, based on export coefficients of the Model of Correlation between Land Use and Water Quality (MQUAL). Three scenarios were generated: scenario 1 (present scenario), with 30-meter-wide permanent preservation areas along the shore of water bodies and 50-meter-radius in springs; scenario 2, conservative, with 100-meter-wide permanent preservation areas along water bodies; and scenario 3, with the substitution of 20% of natural forest by agricultural activities. Results indicate that a suppression of 20% of forest cover would cause an increase in nutrient loads as well as in the trophic state of aquatic ecosystems of the watershed. This could result in losses of ecosystem services and compromise the quality of water and its supply for the basin. This study underlines the importance of forest cover for the maintenance of water quality in Lobo Stream watershed.

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-14
Author(s):  
V. Zaslonovsky ◽  
◽  
N. Sharapov ◽  
M. Bosov ◽  
◽  
...  

The paper is devoted to the development of proposals concerning the improvement of surface water bodies and the appointment of target indicators of the natural waters’ quality. The paper considers a variety of problems of preserving, restoring and improving the quality of natural surface waters: from regional features of the formation of natural water composition, to differences in the requirements for the quality of water consumed. The object of the study is the qualitative indicators of the waters of natural water bodies, and the subject of the study is the methodological approaches to the normalization of these indicators. The purpose of the work is to identify the main shortcomings in the domestic system of rationing the quality of natural waters, and to form appropriate proposals. For this purpose, the following tasks were set and solved: to review the methodological approaches to assessing and rationing the quality of natural waters used in some foreign countries and in the Russian Federation, to identify the main causes and shortcomings; to make proposals for improving the current system of water quality rationing. The result of this work is the conclusions about the lack of impact of the strategy operating in Russia in the development of schemes of complex use and protection of water objects, standards of permissible impact on water bodies, the appointment of permissible discharge limits in terms of maintaining and improving the water quality of natural water bodies. The reasons that led to this are indicated. The necessity of taking into account, in addition to the physical and chemical composition, also hydrobiological parameters is shown. It is concluded that instead of fisheries management standards, environmental standards should serve as the basis for target indicators of water quality of natural water bodies, which determine the well-being of humans and the stable functioning of aquatic ecosystems, taking into account regional factors. Proposals were made to adjust the methodological approaches to the implementation of this strategy. According to the authors, these proposals will speed up the solution of the main objectives of the strategy – the ecological improvement of water bodies, the preservation of unique aquatic ecosystems and the environmentally safe development of territories that previously experienced relatively small anthropogenic impacts (Eastern Siberia and the Far East)


Geosciences ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 464
Author(s):  
Tatiana Kondrateva ◽  
Tatiana Nikonenkova ◽  
Nadezhda Stepanova

We assess the quality of surface water in water bodies located in the Middle Volga region (Russian Federation). The water quality is assessed using 19 chemical compounds and cilioplankton indicators, such as the total number of species, the abundance of each species, and, based on both of them, the saprobity index and the Shannon–Weaver diversity index (H). We classify the water quality from polluted to extremely dirty by using abiotic indicators, and from conditionally clean to dirty by means of biotic indicators. Using the logistic regression method, we are able to predict the water quality (clean or dirty) in correspondence with the species diversity index (H) and to clarify how the quality of the water is related to its physicochemical properties. The seven most significant chemical predictors of both natural origin (mineralization, hydro carbonates, and chlorides) and natural-anthropogenic origin (organic substances (according to BOD5), nitrates, total petroleum hydrocarbons, iron), identified during the stepwise selection procedure, have a substantial influence on the outcome of the model. Qualitative and quantitative indicators of development of ciliates, as well as indices calculated on their basis, allow assessing with a very high level of accuracy the water quality and the condition of aquatic ecosystems in general. The Shannon index calculated for the number of ciliates can be successfully used for ranking water bodies as “clean/dirty”.


1991 ◽  
Vol 23 (1-3) ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takeshi Goda

The management and status of public water bodies in Japan is discussed. The environmental quality standards which have been set and the levels of compliance with these standards are shown. The water quality of Japanese rivers, lakes, reservoirs, wetlands and coastal waters is described, and eutrophication problems are mentioned. The effects of changes in population density and levels of recycling of industrial wastewaters on the quality of water bodies are discussed. Almost 75% of industrial wastewater is now recycled. Per capita availability of freshwater in Japan is comparatively low, and the construction of 530 dams, in addition to the 2393 dams already in operation, is planned. Irrigation effluents from paddy fields are a major factor which influences river water quality in Japan. The improvement of water quality using various methods is discussed.


Author(s):  
Leonardo Brandão Nogueira ◽  
Sabriny Melo Sousa ◽  
Camila Gonçalves Lobo Santos ◽  
Gustavo Simões Araújo ◽  
Laser Oliveira ◽  
...  

Mining waste is rich in trace elements, which present a high toxic potential and may represent a risk for aquatic ecosystems. The Fundão dam failure, considered the largest environmental disaster in the world, affected 663.2 km of watercourses, including Carmo and Gualaxo do Norte Rivers. The ore tail also affected the riverside communities, destroying villages, killing people and affecting the subsistence farming. To evaluate the influence of the mine tailing wave on the water quality of the Carmo and Gualaxo do Norte Rivers water samples were collected at nine points located in Barra Longa during the rainy season. Physicochemical parameters (conductivity, resistivity, EH, total dissolved solids, pH and temperature) and major, minor and trace elements concentrations (Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Sc, Sr, V, Zn, As, Pb, Al, Fe, Mn, Ca, K, Mg and P) were evaluated and compared with previous studies and conformity limits established by a national resolution (CONAMA Resolution N°357/2005). Only conductivity, Fe and Mn presented non-conformity values according to CONAMA Resolution N°357/2005. These results may be related not only to the dam burst but also to the rainy season and non-detectable pollution sources. Furthermore, the decreased levels in the toxic elements in the rivers over time, may be related to its association with sediments in addition to their flux to the Atlantic Ocean. Thus, after nearly six years, the environmental and social impacts are still alive and the minerals dragged to the riverbed could bring cumulative effects for the entire environment what means an uncertain future to the Rio Doce Basin and adjacent coastal zone.


Author(s):  
Jhaman Das Suthar ◽  
Inayatullah Rajper ◽  
Zia-ul- Hassan ◽  
Nizamuddin Depar ◽  
Velo Suthar

Surface water supplies are gradually becoming short in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Thus, assessment of groundwater quality for crop use appears to be very essential for management and utilization of precious natural water resources. This study reports the water quality of 52 hand pumps and one tubewell located in the most remote areas of desert region, viz. Islamkot and Mithi talukas of district Tharparkar. The water samples were collected during April 2016 (just before the start of rainy season). The water samples were analyzed for EC (Electrical Conductivity), pH, CO32-, HCO3-, Cl-, Ca2+, Mg2+ and Na+ concentration. The SAR (Sodium Adsorption Ratio) and RSC (Residual Sodium Carbonates) were estimated using their respective formula. The categorization of water samples based on their soluble salt content clearly revealed that the water bodies of majority (65%) of areas were hazardous, while 25% areas were marginal. Thus, only 11% water samples of the area under study had useable irrigation water. Because of SAR and RSC the majority (89 and 77%, respectively) of water samples were found to be free from the sodicity hazard. The study concluded that salinity, and not sodicity was the major threat to the area under irrigation with these water bodies. It is, therefore, suggested that the salinity tolerant crops and their genotypes may be used in this area to sustain crop production.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fiona-Annilow Wera ◽  
Teck-Yee Ling ◽  
Lee Nyanti ◽  
Siong-Fong Sim ◽  
Jongkar Grinang

Water quality downstream of a hydroelectric dam is potentially affected by dam operations and other land uses in the river basin. Previous short-distance studies below the large Bakun Dam indicated poorer water quality during closed spillway. However, the extent of the impact is still unknown. Such knowledge is essential for mitigating the impact of the dam. Thus, the objectives of this study were to determine the water quality up to a distance of 210 km under two spillway operations, namely, closed and opened spillways, and also to determine the changes in water quality from the predam condition. Physicochemical parameters were measured at 15 stations along the Rajang River. Results of this preliminary study indicated that there were significant differences in eight out of nine water quality parameters between opened and closed spillway operations with opened spillway showing better water quality. During closed spillway, as we approached the dam, there was an increasing acidity and a decreasing oxygen content. Furthermore, as the water flows downstream, the unhealthy DO level (<5 mg/L) extended up to 165 km and the linear model showed an increasing DO rate of 0.09 mg/L per km. With opened spillway, DO decreased exponentially from 9.74 mg/L towards the downstream direction to 7.67 mg/L. The increasing turbidity and TSS in the downstream direction indicate contributions from erosion due to other land uses. The river is polluted with organics as indicated by COD of Class IV or V with sources from the dam and the activities in the river basin. Compared to the predam condition, the regulated river is less turbid but warmer and higher in ammonia. Closed spillway led to lower DO and acidic water. However, opened spillway water pH and DO were similar to those in the predam condition. Thus, it is recommended that DO be consistently high enough for the health of sensitive aquatic organisms downstream.


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-130
Author(s):  
Isabella Robert Rodrigues ◽  
Mauro César Geraldes ◽  
Andréa Alves Ferreira ◽  
Marcelo Dos Santos Salomão ◽  
Sérgio Vieira Anversa

In Brazil, about 49% of the population does not have access to the sewage collection network, with the consequent direct discharge of their sewage network into water bodies. Due to this scenario, it is essential to investigate the quality of the water consumed by thousands of people along the Negro and Resende Rivers. The present study analysis the waters of the Negro and Resende rivers, located in Dois Rios River Basin, in the municipality of Duas Barras, Rio de Janeiro State (RJ, SE Brazil), based on the Water Quality Index proposed by the National Sanitation Foundation (United States). The population of the district located in the municipality of Duas Barras dumps the domestic sewage directly into the hydrographic network. The analyzed parameters were: turbidity, total solid residue, total phosphorus, total nitrogen, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), hydrogenation potential, temperature, dissolved oxygen and thermotolerant coliforms. The values obtained from the calculation of the Water Quality Index (WQI) showed a variation from 40 to 68, meaning that the quality of water vary between bad and acceptable in the study area. The samples collected in the urban area contained values for thermotolerant coliforms in disagreement with the maximum value permissible for classes 2 and 3 of fresh water by CONAMA (Conselho Nacional do Meio Ambiente; a Brazilian Council for the Environment) Resolution 357/2005. The results of the analyzes confirmed the contamination of the two rivers by the discharge of domestic effluents, showing that actions are necessary to eliminate or minimize the discharge of sewage in the surveyed water bodies, since it may cause public health risks. ResumoNo Brasil, cerca de 49% da população não possui acesso à rede de coleta de esgoto, com o consequente despejo direto da sua rede de esgotos em corpos hídricos. Diante deste cenário, torna-se indispensável investigar a qualidade da água consumida por milhares de pessoas ao longo dos rios Negro e Resende. A presente pesquisa analisou qualitativamente as águas dos rios Negro e Resende, localizados na Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Dois Rios, no município de Duas Barras/RJ, a partir do índice de qualidade das águas proposto pela National Sanitation Foundation. A população do distrito sede do município de Duas Barras despeja o esgoto doméstico diretamente na referida rede hidrográfica. Os parâmetros analisados foram: turbidez, resíduo sólido total, fósforo total, nitrogênio total, demanda bioquímica de oxigênio, potencial hidrogêniônico, temperatura, oxigênio dissolvido e coliformes termotolerantes. Os valores obtidos no cálculo do índice de qualidade das águas (IQA) mostraram uma variação de 40 a 68, significando uma qualidade da água entre ruim e razoável. As amostras coletadas na área urbana apresentaram valores para coliformes termotolerantes em desacordo com o valor máximo permitido para classes 2 e 3 de água doce, regulamentados pela Resolução CONAMA 357/2005. O resultado das análises confirmou a contaminação dos dois rios pelo lançamento de efluentes domésticos, os quais poderão originar riscos de saúde pública. Os resultado evidenciam a necessidade de se desenvolverem ações para eliminar ou minimizar os despejos de esgotos nos referidos corpos hídricos.


2016 ◽  
Vol 69 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 76-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Frick ◽  
Wolfgang Zoufal ◽  
Christa Zoufal-Hruza ◽  
Alexander K. T. Kirschner ◽  
Dagmar Seidl ◽  
...  

Author(s):  

Upgrading of the national standardization system creates favorable conditions for support and normal promotion of integrated environmental standards as a toolbox for control of the process of minimization of adverse impacts with their concurrent accounting and possible redistribution among the environment elements, i.e. air, water bodies, and soils. In the Russian practice of environmental protection there is no any objective toolbox for comprehensive assessment of the current activities’ negative impact. In outlook adoption of the negative impact minimization mechanism is most probable through the many-year benchmarking with European expertise based on the revealing of cause-eff ect relations in terms of «relative improvement of technique against the attained quality of environment (objectives)». Water bodies are subjected both to direct and indirect negative impact. There is no one method for assessment of water bodies’ environmental safety as a basis for adoption of adequate solutions in water sector. The developed standards on the basis of water/economic activities without considerable emissions to air and to soils propose a toolbox to secure uniform quantitative assessment both the techniques negative impact through assessment of their waste water quality and assessment of water quality of the receiving water body. The developed toolbox provides detection of the «negative impact – water body water quality» causeeffect relations. Integrated criteria proposed in the standards provide ranking and classifying of negative impact objects, detection and identification of the national water/economic best available techniques, implementation of the combined approach in the process of adoption of integrated environmental permissions.


Author(s):  
Sri Wahyuningsih ◽  
Elida Novita ◽  
Irfan Dwi Satya

Rembagan River is the main tributary of the Bedadung River in Cangkring Village, Patrang District, Jember Region. Various community activities in the Rembagan River area such as bathing, washing, defecating and urinating as well as agricultural activities will produce domestic and agricultural waste. These wast can cause river water pollution, especially water quality degradation. then the research needs to be done an analysis of the capacity of the Rembagan River in receiving pollution costs. The purpose of this study is to find out how much the ability of the Rembagan River to accept the burden of pollutants using the Streeter-Phelps method. Streeter-Phelps modeling takes into account two phenomena, namely the process of measuring dissolved oxygen (deoxygenation) and the process of increasing dissolved oxygen (reaeration). The results obtained from these calculations are oxygen drop curves determined on the basis of oxygen deficit values. The average values of deoxygenation rate and reoxygenation rate were sequentially 1.58931 mg/L/day and 10.09982 mg/L/day. So that self-purification can run well which means the water quality of the Rembagan River was still relatively good. This can be seen in the DO model pattern that goes up in each segment. The actual DO of 5.6760 mg / L was greater than the DO standard of class III quality of 3 mg / L. It can be interpreted that the Rembagan River still has a remaining DO of 2.676 mg / L and was still able to accept pollution cost of 18.8 kg/day. Keywords:  pollution load, Rembagan River, river capacity


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