Abstract
In this work we present the application of multivariate statistical analysis and Geographic Information Systems for the conduct of studies the variation of water quality in catchment predominantly agricultural. We conducted the study in the watershed of the Rio das Lontras river/Parana; being carried out with the aid of a multi-parameter probe, in ten spots defined upstream and downstream of the watershed, in four distinct seasons. For mapping land use and occupation, we used mosaicked images dating from the year 2014, from Google Earth. The definition of the areas of influence by the Thiessen polygons technique and multivariate statistical techniques, particularly the Redundancy Analysis (RDA), were used for the correlation research between the explanatory and explanatory variables. In the area of spring, located upstream of the watershed, the contribution to the variation in water quality became smaller, compared to the other monitoring spots. In spots located downstream, we found that the interference in water quality has become greater, due to the effects of diffuse pollution along the watercourse.
Highlights
Changes is natural ecosystems caused by human actions have been diagnosed by environmental studies
The results of the water quality monitoring in the Lontras river watershed is shown in Table 2, and the water use restrictions, according to the regulation for class 1 freshwater (BRASIL, 2005)
Geotechnologies represented in this study by remote sensing, geoprocessing techniques and geographic information systems enabled execution of complex analysis, composing database from different sources, demonstrating its potential to mapping land use and occupation and carry out variation studies of water quality in a watershed that is agricultural
Summary
Changes is natural ecosystems caused by human actions have been diagnosed by environmental studies. To meet basic and cultural needs, as well as different consumption patterns, humans developed many different relationships with nature, and this interference has pressured natural resources in different levels. The anthropic action has been changing the natural landscape and causing several consequences to the environment, and some of them irreversible. Among the most serious implications, we may highlight soil degradation through erosion, with subsequent water deterioration, due to the sediments contribution in water bodies, especially those to which pollutants are associated (Sari et al 2013). Several technologies have been used in studies of environmental planning and management, especially in river watersheds. By integrating data from different sources, the use of these tools has allowed generation of information that can be used in decision making, supporting management actions, especially in land management
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