Assessment of Presidente Getúlio Waterfalls Bathing Conditions – Santa Catarina State, Brazil

Maria Pilar Serbent,Felipe Bagattoli,Suyanne Angie Lunelli Bachmann,Guilherme Censi

doi:10.14210/bjast.v22n1.11139

Abstract

Human actions without proper planning can result in degradation of water bodies by compromising their varied uses, and among them, the recreational use. The district of Presidente Getúlio, located in Alto Vale do Itajaí, Santa Catarina State, Brazil, has several waterfalls that serve as recreation environments. However, there is a lack of studies to assess the environmental quality of these areas. The objective of this study was to evaluate the bathing conditions of four waterfalls of Presidente Getúlio according to the bathing criteria established by Brazilian law. The indicative parameters of water quality evaluated were Escherichia coli, pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, turbidity and biochemical oxygen demand. The results indicate that the waterfalls have improper conditions of primary contact recreation due to pollution caused by diffuse sources (fecal matter from livestock activities) and point sources (untreated domestic sewage). Fecal pollution of these recreational water bodies can lead to health problems because of the presence of infectious microorganisms.

Highlights

The use of water resources for recreation is very common in Brazil and seems to be increasing, apparently driven by the demand for activities in contact with the natural environment as an 'antidote' to modern urban life (Lopes et al, 2014; Lopes et al, 2016)
We have presented the results of five weeks water monitoring previously to summer season for the four most utilized waterfalls in Presidente Getúlio location, Santa Catarina State, Brazil
The Salto Grahl, Spredemann, Tucano and Uru waterfalls have improper conditions of primary contact recreation due to pollution caused by diffuse sources and point sources

Summary

Introduction

The use of water resources for recreation is very common in Brazil and seems to be increasing, apparently driven by the demand for activities in contact with the natural environment as an 'antidote' to modern urban life (Lopes et al, 2014; Lopes et al, 2016). Waterfalls, rivers and reservoirs stand out among the freshwater environments with more utilization for primary contact recreation (Lopes et al, 2014). Regular monitoring of water resources is important for proper management strategies. The Brazilian framework for surface water quality is an important water management tool and establishes a water quality classification based on water uses and environmental standards for freshwater, saltwater and brackish water ecosystems (Brazil, 2005). The setting up of an adequate legislation for the protection of the water quality is a crucial point for the environmental development of all countries (Schmidt et al, 2008)

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion