Abstract
AIM: This study characterized the water quality of the lotic areas of the Rio das Antas (Antas River)influenced by the construction of the Monte Claro hydroelectric plant (South Brazil), a run-of-the-river reservoir. METHODS: To assess the water quality, we selected four sampling points based on the results obtained in the water-quality monitoring program performed by CERAN (the Rio das Antas Energetic Company) in the pre-filling (2002-2004) and post-filling (2005-2008) periods. The river flow was monitored during both of the periods. Seasonal samplings were conducted, and alkalinity, chlorophyll a, total and fecal coliforms, conductivity, color, BOD, COD, total phosphorus, nitrate, nitrite, ammoniacal nitrogen, dissolved oxygen, pH, total dissolved solids, suspended solids, sulfates, temperature and turbidity were evaluated. The results were interpreted according to the Brazilian Environmental Council's Water Quality Index, Trophic State Index and CONAMA Resolution 357/05. To verify the occurrence of alterations before and after the plant operation, t-tests were performed. RESULTS: Significant changes in water quality were not observed after the impoundment. The permanence of the characteristics of the natural hydrography was important for maintaining the water quality. The decline of the water quality in a stretch with reduced flow was caused by Burati stream, a tributary containing high concentrations of nutrients and fecal coliforms. CONCLUSIONS:The Monte Claro hydroelectric plant did not alter the water quality of the Antas River. The small reservoir resulting from the plant project favors the maintenance of the water quality of the river and does not favor eutrophication. Attention should be given to Burati stream, a tributary of the Antas River, regarding its high nutrient and coliform content.
Highlights
Long-term average river flows have been used internationally as good indicators of the renewable hydro potential that can be developed in terms of each state, watershed or geoeconomic planning unit
The construction of large reservoirs in Brazil began in 1900 (Nogueira et al, 1999), and hydropower plants account for approximately 80% of the electricity supply in Brazil (Bermann et al, 2004)
Knowledge of the monthly average stream flow to assess the seasonal trends of water availability in a catchment area is a useful tool for water-resource management (Rebouças, 1997)
Summary
Long-term average river flows have been used internationally as good indicators of the renewable hydro potential that can be developed in terms of each state, watershed or geoeconomic planning unit. The flow of approximately 60% of the world’s rivers is regulated, and reservoirs cover a total area of 500,000 km (McAllister et al, 2001). The construction of large reservoirs in Brazil began in 1900 (Nogueira et al, 1999), and hydropower plants account for approximately 80% of the electricity supply in Brazil (Bermann et al, 2004). This pattern shows the strong dependence of the country on this type of energy source. Knowledge of the monthly average stream flow to assess the seasonal trends of water availability in a catchment area is a useful tool for water-resource management (Rebouças, 1997)
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