HYDROCHEMISTRY AND ANALYSIS OF THE SELF-PURIFICATION CAPACITY OF THE PACIÊNCIA RIVER, MARANHÃO ISLAND, NORTHEAST BRAZIL

Hydrochemistry and analysis of the self-purification capacity of the Paciência River, Maranhão Island, Northeast Brazil

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5016/geociencias.v44i1.18764

Abstract

The surface water sources quality is essential for maintaining the aquatic ecosystem and is directly linked to the multiple uses of human activities. However, the dynamics of land use and occupation of the watershed space for economic, industrial, and agricultural development, as well as the disordered growth of urban centers, have resulted in environmental passives of several types, which have inevitably compromised the quality of water resources. In view of this, this article aims to investigate the quality of the waters of the Paciência River and estimate its self-purification capacity. To this end, 13 physical-chemical and bacteriological parameters were analyzed at 6 points along the Paciência River using Principal Component Analysis -(PCA and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis - HCA; and the self-purification of the river was estimated using the Streeter-Phelps model. The results indicate that the Dissolved Oxygen - DO and Biologic Oxygen Demand - BOD were more significant during the rainy season, and total dissolved solids and electrical conductivity during the dry season. Furthermore, the OD and DBO results revealed that the Paciência River had difficulty in reestablishing itself. The self-purification capacity of the Paciência River is influenced by the climatic seasonality in the region, and by contributions, whether from sewage or tributaries.

Author Biographies

Karina Suzana Feitosa PINHEIRO, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão

Universidade Estadual do Maranhão

Avenida Lourenço Vieira da Silva, 1000 - Jardim São Cristovão

São Luís – MA

José Elói Guimarães CAMPOS, University of Brasilia

He holds a degree in Geology (1990), a master's degree in Geology (1992) and a PhD in Geology (1996), all from the University of Brasília. He is currently a Full Professor at the Institute of Geosciences of the University of Brasília. He has experience in the area of ​​Geosciences, working mainly on the following subjects: Hydrogeology, Pedology, Groundwater Resources Management, Stratigraphy, Sedimentology, Phosphate Deposit Geology, Regional Geology, Geological Mapping and Environmental Geology.

Cláudio José da Silva de SOUSA, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão

PhD in Applied Geosciences and Geodynamics (IG/UnB), Master in Remote Sensing (INPE) and graduated in Civil Engineering (UFPB). Adjunct Professor of the Department of Civil Engineering and Head of the Topography Laboratory of the Center of Technological Sciences, State University of Maranhão. Works in the areas of Remote Sensing, Geoprocessing, Topography, Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology. E-mail: claudiojose@professor.uema.br

Daniel de Lima Nascimento SÍRIO, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering from the Federal University of Viçosa (2001 - 2007). Postgraduate degree in Environmental Impact Assessment from the Catholic University of Minas Gerais (2009). Full Environmental Engineer with experience in Mining (2007 - 20012). Master's degree in Urban Engineering from the Federal University of São Carlos (2013). Occupational Safety Engineer from the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais (2016). PhD in Environment and Water Resources from the Faculté Libre des Sciences de LHomme et de LEnvironnement de Paris (2021). He worked as an Environmental Emergency Supervisor, Situation Room Coordinator and Environmental Inspector. He has experience in the area of ​​Sanitary Engineering. Productions on topics that include: water resources, urban hydrology, urban drainage, flood control at source, hydrodynamic model, distributed urban hydrological model, hydrogeological models of water dynamics in the soil, water supply demand, water losses in water supply systems, energy generation and safety of small hydroelectric plants, normative ordinances and council resolutions, dam safety and risk management.

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Published

2025-03-19

Issue

Vol. 44 No. 1 (2025)

Section

Artigos