Cerrado Area Research Articles

Epidemiological survey of infectious agents in free-ranging maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) in Northeastern Brazil.

Infectious diseases are one of the most concerning threats to maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) due to the potential impact on free-ranging populations. The species is currently classified as vulnerable according to the national list of threatened species and occurs mainly in open habitats, such as the Cerrado, a tropical savannah, which comprises its main distribution area in Brazil. In the northeastern region, it occurs in the Cerrado of Bahia, Piauí, Maranhão, and Tocantins states. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the occurrence of infectious agents in Chrysocyon brachyurus through an epidemiological assessment of free-ranging individuals in western Bahia, specifically in the Barreiras microregion, a Cerrado area intensely fragmented and anthropized by agricultural activity. Eleven specimens were evaluated for serological titration, antigen research, and genetic material research for canine distemper virus (CDV), canine parvovirus (CPV), adenovirus-canine-type 1 (CAdV-1), canine coronavirus (CCoV), Leptospira interrogans and Toxoplasma gondii from 2020 to 2022. In addition to maned wolves, domestic dogs were also evaluated and tested. All maned wolves (100%) evaluated by the dot-ELISA technique exhibited immunoglobulin M (IgM) and seven (64%) exhibited immunoglobulin G (IgG) against CDV and CPV, while 100% exhibited IgG against CDV when using the immunochromatographic technique. Regarding CAdV-1, 90% were seropositive for IgG, while 64% exhibited IgG against T. gondii. Nine dogs from the region were also sampled, and all (100%) exhibited IgM and IgG against CDV and CPV. For IgG against T. gondii and against CAdV-1, 90% of the animals were seropositive. Molecular evaluation yielded negative results for all maned wolves and dogs assessed for CAdV-1, CDV, and T. gondii, as well as the CCoV antigen. These data indicate the occurrence of viral agents and Toxoplasma gondii in maned wolves and dogs, suggesting circulation in both populations.

First report of Laternea dringii, Phallales (Agaricomycetes) in the Central-West, State of Goiás, Brazil

Laternea dringii, a species of the phylum Basidiomycota, is notable for its distribution in tropical and neotropical regions. This study, conducted in the Cerrado area of Central-West Brazil, State of Goiás, reports the first record of L. dringii in this region. The study site, a farm with over 90 years of agricultural production, features moist soils rich in organic matter. In January 2024, specimens of L. dringii were collected, photographed, and identified using microscopic data and a key for the genus Laternea. This finding represents a significant expansion in the known distribution of L. dringii, previously documented only in Mexico and some Brazilian states. The discovery underscores the mycological diversity of the Brazilian Cerrado and contributes to a better understanding of the geographical distribution of fungi from the phylum Basidiomycota in Brazil.

Heterogeneity in Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Plant Communities of the Brazilian Cerrado, Transitional Areas toward the Caatinga, and the Atlantic Forest.

The Cerrado is the most diverse tropical savanna worldwide and the second-largest biome in South America. The objective of this study was to understand the heterogeneity and dynamics of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in different types of natural Cerrado vegetation and areas that are transitioning to dryer savannas or tropical rainforests and to elucidate the driving factors responsible for the differences between these ecosystems. Twenty-one natural sites were investigated, including typical Cerrado forest, typical Caatinga, Atlantic Rainforest, transitions between Cerrado and Caatinga, Cerrado areas near Caatinga or rainforest, and Carrasco sites. Spores were extracted from the soils, counted, and morphologically analyzed. In total, 82 AMF species were detected. AMF species richness varied between 36 and 51, with the highest richness found in the area transitioning between Cerrado and Caatinga, followed by areas of Cerrado close to Caatinga and typical Cerrado forest. The types of Cerrado vegetation and the areas transitioning to the Caatinga shared the highest numbers of AMF species (32-38). Vegetation, along with chemical and physical soil parameters, affected the AMF communities, which may also result from seasonal rainfall patterns. The Cerrado has a great AMF diversity and is, consequently, a natural refuge for AMF. The plant and microbial communities as well as the diversity of habitats require urgent protection within the Cerrado, as it represents a key AMF hotspot.

Impact of vereda dryness on the insect herbivore diversity in adjacent cerrado areas in Brazilian Protected Areas

Unravelling the factors that influence plant-insect interactions remains a fundamental concern in terrestrial ecology. In the present study, we evaluated the impact of varying degrees of drying on cerrado areas adjacent to veredas on the species richness, abundance and composition of the insect herbivore fauna. Additionally, we examined differences in these impacts between various guilds (chewing and sucker insects) and developmental stages (adult and immature insects). The research has been performed in study areas located in three Protected Areas in Brazil. In total, we recorded 106 species of herbivorous insects across five orders (Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, and Orthoptera). Hemiptera and Coleoptera stood out as the orders with the highest species diversity and individual numbers. Among the families, Cicadellidae and Curculionidae exhibited the highest richness in species and abundance of individuals. We found that richness of herbivorous insects was higher in wet zones (20.2 ± 6.5) of the veredas compared to dry zones (12.3 ± 7.5), as well as the abundance of herbivorous insects was higher in wet zones (49.4 ± 25.5) than in the dry zones (15.8 ± 7.9). Whithin insect guilds, the abundance of chewing insects was higher in wet zones (34.0 ± 13.6) than in dry zones (16.3 ± 14.8), but this difference was not observed for the diversity of sucking insects. Regarding developmental stage, immature insects exhibited higher species richness in wet zones (10.4 ± 5.0) compared to dry zones (5.3 ± 2.1), while adult insect diversity did not show differences between the studied zones. Furthermore, the species composition of herbivorous insects, various trophic guilds (chewers and suckers) and developmental stages (adults and immature insect) did not significantly differ among the zones studied within the veredas. According to our findings, herbivorous insects exhibit a preference for wet environments, which provide better conditions and higher-quality food resources for development and reproduction.

Nutrient cycling and soil quality in threatened veredas in two Protected Areas of the Brazilian cerrado

Veredas are humid environments of significant importance for the Brazilian Cerrado. Understanding soil quality and ecological processes between the soil and vegetation in veredas can provide insights into ecosystem dynamics. This study was aimed to assess litter deposition and decomposition, as well as soil quality, including chemical, physical, and microbiological attributes, in two threatened veredas at various stages of conservation in Brazil. The research was conducted in Almescla (a preserved vereda) within the Environmental Protection Area of the River Pandeiros, and Peruaçu (a degraded vereda) located at the Veredas do Peruaçu State Park. Litter deposition was measured using collectors, and decomposition was assessed with litter bags. Soil granulometry, carbon and nutrient contents, and soil microbial biomass were also evaluated to a depth of 20 cm. The litter production was higher in Peruaçu, with the leaf fraction accounting for more than 70% of the total in both studied areas. The decomposition constant (kc) was higher in Almescla vereda. Nutrient concentrations followed a decreasing order of Ca > N > K > Mg > S > P in both areas. Peruaçu vereda exhibited higher levels of clay, available P, and Ca. Microbial carbon, total organic carbon, microbial quotient, and carbon stock were higher in Almescla, whereas the metabolic quotient was higher in Peruaçu. Our results suggest that the degradation of vereda ecosystems may lead to changes in nutrient cycling, with reduced litter deposition and decreased carbon storage.

Colletotrichum siamense is responsible for anthracnose on Hymenaea stigonocarpa in Brazil

AbstractHymenaea stigonocarpa, popularly known as ‘jatobá’ or ‘jatobá‐do‐cerrado’, is a native plant widely distributed across Brazilian Cerrado areas. This plant is used for urban afforestation, human and animal feeding, and industry. Foliar lesions resembling anthracnose symptoms were observed on H. stigonocarpa in natural habitats and nurseries. Microscopic examination of acervuli indicated a Colletotrichum species as the cause of the anthracnose symptoms. Based on multilocus phylogenetic analyses including data from APN2, APN2‐MAT/IGS, CAL, GAP2‐IGS, GAPDH, GS and TUB2 alongside morphological characterization and pathogenicity tests, Colletotrichum siamense was confidently identified as the causal agent of H. stignocarpa anthracnose in Brazil.

Effects of agricultural management and of climate change on N2O emissions in an area of the Brazilian Cerrado: Measurements and simulations using the STICS soil-crop model

Soil-plant simulation models have been ever more used as predictive tools to evaluate productivity and environmental impacts of agriculture practices. The aims of this work were to evaluate the STICS model’s capacity of simulate the emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) under different management systems. And, to predict, by applying the calibrated and validated STICS model, the N2O emissions, under different management systems, in the edaphoclimatic conditions of the Brazilian Cerrado. The study was conducted in a long-term experiment at Embrapa Cerrados, located in Planaltina/DF, Brazil. The experiment started in 1995. The following land use systems were evaluated: CT - conventional tillage with disc harrow, and biannual grass/legume rotation; NT1 - No-tillage, with biannual crop rotation – soybean/sorghum; NT2 - No-tillage, with biannual crop rotation – maize/pigeon pea.Closed static chambers and gas sample analysis by gas chromatography were used to measure N2O fluxes. The model was calibrated with the data measured in the CT and NT1 treatments. The attributes used in the calibration were: growth, development and yield of crops and N2O fluxes. To test the model, data from the NT2 treatment was used. Data for all treatments were collected at the same time. After calibration and validation, the STICS model was used to predict the effects of soil management systems, conventional (CT) and no-tillage (NT) on greenhouse gas emissions and on grain and biomass crops production. The simulation was made for the period from 2021 to 2070. The STICS model performed well at simulation of the following parameters: N2O emissions, soil water dynamics, soil temperature; and leaf area, aerial biomass and grain yield of soybean and maize. The performance of the model was good for the conventional soil management system as well as in the no-tillage system. Based on the predicted increase in temperature for the period 2021–2070, we can conclude from the data generated through the STICS model that there is strong evidence that grain yield and total aerial biomass of plants will decrease. The data show that there is a rising tendency in N2O emissions over the simulated period. This is expected to occur for the two soil management systems studied (NT and CT). We believe this increase in emissions along the years is related to temperature increase and to the reduction of crop cycle.

Multiple use of Shrubble-Arboreaal Species of a Cerrado Fragment, Northern Region of the Legal Amazon

Objective: This research aimed to evaluate the floristic composition and the potential of shrub-tree species in a fragment of cerrado sensu stricto, in the northern region of the Legal Amazon. Method: In an area of ​​Cerrado sensu stricto, the inventory was carried out using the fixed area sampling method. With this, all shrub-tree species with a diameter ≥ 10 cm were measured and phytosociological analyses, dyspesion syndrome and diameter distribution were determined. Result and Conclusion: According to the variables analyzed, it was possible to observe the establishment of new individuals in the diameter classes of 1 to 8.1 cm and 8.2 to 16.3 cm, therefore it can be seen that the species are part of the same ecological groups, that is, early and late, thus indicating high regenerative value due to the high entry of individuals, which allows a favorable ascension to mature successional stages. Researchimplications: Research related to phytosociological studies, dispersion syndrome and diametric distribution of shrub-arboreal species is of utmost importance to assess the diversity of Cerrado areas, mainly given the fact that it is the biome that is most currently being suppressed. Originality/value: The potential for using the Cerrado's phytodiversity is extremely important and due to agricultural development, species may disappear, in this way, the aim is to increase the level of knowledge of Cerrado species. With this, determine the timber and non-timber potential, in addition to relating dispersal syndromes and diameter distribution, in order to characterize the regenerative potential of these species.

Melon management using agrotextile and plasticulture and its prospects for Roraima

The melon (Cucumis melo L.) is a crop of great economic importance for the world, and in Brazil it is mainly intended for the export of its fresh fruits to the European market. In the North region, especially in Roraima, the cultivation of melon is one of the alternatives for exploring the cerrado areas, as its favorable edaphoclimatic conditions enable cultivation during the off-season in Brazil. The yellow melon is grown by most producers in Roraima, however, the technology adopted by the producers implies low yields and quality of the fruits required by the foreign market. The Northeast region of the country adopts techniques for the use of mulching (soil cover using polyethylene film), where beneficial factors are associated with curcubitaceae, protecting the soil against evaporation, saving water, energy, fertilizers and hindering pest infestation. (weeds and insects), and diseases. In addition, they use agrotextile to cover plants, which reduces the attack of pests and diseases in the melon crop. Thus, proper management provides good perspectives for the cultivation of melons with excellent quality, reducing the use of pesticides and being profitable for the producer. Therefore, in view of this context, this study sought to review inherent information on the efficiency of the use of mulching management associated with TNT in the melon crop.

Green Grabbing and “Weak Land Governance” in Matopiba's Agricultural Frontier

This article contributes to the current debate on the violation of human rights through the practice of green grabbing. The study reflects upon the situation of territorial insecurity and the struggle for territorial rights of the Akroá Gamela people, who live in the south of the State of Piauí, characterized by what is called here weak land governance. The indigenous territory studied does not have its homologation process finalized, which means that it does not officially exist, nor does it allow its boundaries to be added to most of the official databases of different governmental spheres. The region where the Akroá Gamela people are located is also situated within an area of advancing agricultural frontier known as Matopiba, located in the Cerrado area, the second largest biome in Brazil and South America. The main goal is to think on how green grabbing wickedly uses legal problems of communication between entities and governance to foster deforestation. To do so, we analyze two land regulation tools: the Rural and Environmental Registration (CAR) and the Vegetation Suppression Authorization (ASV), to understand this process of traditional population and peasants' land rights encroachment.

Temporal and spatial variation of floral resources of woody species in a vereda ecosystem: Uniformity and habitat complementarity

Floral resource distribution, pollinator community structure, and flowering season are essential for maintaining and preserving pollination services in ecosystems. In humid Cerrado areas, veredas are considered hygrophilous communities, marked by the presence of the Mauritia flexuosa palm tree emerging in the wetter zones. Waterlogged portions present dense hygrophilous forests, whereas open areas predominant present herbaceous and shrubby components. We identified the pollination syndromes of woody species in a vereda ecosystem and characterized the pollination resource availability between habitats (hygrophilous forest and open area). The study was conducted on a vereda located in the north of Minas Gerais, Brazil. We characterized pollination syndromes using information on floral attributes, pollinator observations, and a literature survey. We performed phenological monitoring for 24 months and examined the occurrence of flowering using circular statistics. The differences in pollination syndrome occurrence among months and habitats were determined using modularity analysis. We found eight pollination syndromes, with melittophily being the most frequent pollination type among the woody species in the studied vereda. Flowering occurs throughout the year in the community and peaks from September to November during the transition from the dry to the wet season. In hygrophilous forest the species flowered preferentially in November, whereas in open area, preferentially between September and October. The syndromes distribution differed between the habitats, as well as resource availability. This difference between habitats can influence pollinator diversity. Modularity showed complementarity among the habitats, with continuous resource availability throughout the entire ecosystem. Species present in the hygrophilous forest provide their resources mainly during the rainy season, whereas species from the open area, during the dry season. Information on these interactions is necessary to understand the functionality of a vereda ecosystem, through the characterization of the resource's availability, and maintenance of pollination services in the ecosystem. In addition, our results demonstrate the importance of the vereda ecosystem as an important area in the availability of resources for the Cerrado formation. This information can strengthen protection laws and contribute to sustainable practices that boost the conservation of pollinators in the biome.

Microstructural changes in Oxisols under long-term different management systems

ABSTRACT There has long been a discussion about the effects of soil management on its structure. Since changes can occur due to management and time of use, more accurate assessments can be achieved if carried out in long-term experiments. This study investigated the long-term effects of soil management on the physical quality of a Cerrado Oxisol (Latossolo Vermelho), focusing on microstructural changes. Micromorphology and computed tomography techniques were used to assess the soil's microstructure. The study compared areas under long-term and different soil management practices, including disc plowing, no-tillage, and disc harrow+subsoiler. A native Cerrado area was considered as the reference. Micromorphology revealed some changes in the pedological features of soil aggregates, but the granular structure showed good resistance even after two decades of use and management. It also indicated a decrease in larger pores and an increase in the surface soil layer micropores for the disc plowing and no-tillage treatments. These results were consistent with traditional laboratory evaluations of soil porosity. Computed tomography was limited due to increased soil bulk density in the cultivated treatments, but it showed potential for assessing soil porosity and pore connectivity. We concluded that micromorphology effectively identifies microstructural changes in Oxisols with small and strong granular structures, and the granular soil aggregates displayed resilience even after long-term management. The micromorphometric evaluation corroborates with traditional methods and suggests loss of pores associated with the disc harrow+subsoiler treatment.

Squamate reptiles as indicators in fragments of Brazilian cerrado

ABSTRACT The data on the reptilian fauna of the state of Goiás are one-off and reveal a lack of information about this group. The aim of the research was to know the composition of the reptile fauna within the area of the Anglo American mining company, evaluating the relationship of the species with the years, the types of environments and the presence of indicator species. Fieldwork was carried out during seven years, from 2007 to 2013. Sampling was performed through active search, pitfall traps, occasional encounters, and third-party records. We recorded 36 reptile species: 15 lizards and 21 snakes. The most common lizards were Anolis meridionalis, Cnemidophorus sp, and the most abundant snakes were Apostolepis cerradoensis and Bothrops moojeni. There was no relationship between the species and the years. On the other hand, there was relationship between the species and the environments or between the species and the types of habitats. The lizard Ameivula ocellifera was found as an indicator species of Cerrado areas, as well as the snake Leptotyphlops dulcis We have seen that lizards are specific to their habitat, making it essential to preserve open and forested areas for the conservation of the species that live there.

Survey and distribution of native stingless bee nests (Hymenoptera: Apidae, Meliponini) in a remnant area of Cerrado, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Survey and distribution of native stingless bee nests (Hymenoptera: Apidae, Meliponini) in a remnant area of Cerrado, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Assessing Tourism Carrying Capacity in one Sustainable Protected Area of Cerrado: Balancing Ecological and Socio-Economic Dimensions

Each destination can sustain a specific level of acceptance for tourism development and use. Beyond this level, further development may result in socio-cultural deterioration or a decrease in the quality of the visitor experience. This study aims to assess the tourist carrying capacity of the Silvânia National Forest, situated approximately 7 km from the urban center of Silvânia in the Goias State. To achieve this, we used the highly adaptable Cifuentes method to establish field variables based on ecosystem criteria. Our findings indicate that the study area has the capacity to accommodate more visitors than it currently does, and the social correction factor received the most attention due to the diversity of distances between groups and visiting times. It is important to increase the tourist offerings in a way that is appropriate to the characteristics of the territory and fulfills the management objectives without damaging the natural space in order to reach the expected limit of visits. Nevertheless, it is crucial to continuously monitor the local biodiversity because the predicted increase in tourist visits shouldn't have an impact on its preservation.

“Effects of soil management, rotation and sequence of crops on soil nitrous oxide emissions in the Cerrado: A multi-factor assessment”

The emission of nitrous oxide (N2O), one of the main greenhouse gases, which contributes significantly to global warming, is a major challenge in modern agriculture. The effects of land use systems on N2O emissions are the result of multiple variables, whose interactions need to be better understood. In this sense, this study analyzed the possible effects of different soil managements, crop rotations and sequences, as well as edaphoclimatic factors causing N2O emissions from soils in the Cerrado biome (scrubland). The following four land-use systems were evaluated: 1) No-tillage cultivation with biennial crop rotations and sequences: legume-grass and alternating grass-legume crops in the second season - NT-SS/MP; 2) No-tillage with biennial rotations and sequences: grass-legume and alternating second crop of legume-grass - NT-MP/SS; 3) Conventional planting with disc harrow and biennial legume-grass rotation-CT-S/M; and 4) Native Cerrado (CE), no agricultural land use. The legume and grass species, planted in the two no-tillage treatments were soybean, followed by sorghum BRS3.32 (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) (SS), and maize, followed by pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) (MP). Nitrous oxide emissions were evaluated for 25 months (October 2013 to October 2015), and the results were grouped in annual, total, growing and non-growing seasons, as well as yield-scaled N2O emissions. The mean N2O fluxes were 24.14, 15.71, 32.49 and 1.87 μg m−2 h−1 in the NT-SS/MP, NT-MP/SS, CT-S/M and Cerrado areas respectively. Cumulative N2O fluxes over the total evaluation period from the systems NT-SS/MP, NT-MP/SS, CT-S/M and CE, respectively, were 3.47, 2.29, 4.87 and 0.26 kg ha−1. A correlation between N2O fluxes and the environmental variables was observed, with the exception of water-filled pore space (WFPS), but N2O peaks were associated with WFPS values of >65%. In the 2014–2015 growing season, yield-scaled N2O emissions from NT-MP/SS were lower than from CT-S/M. A multi-factor approach indicated that conventional management with main season soybean or maize and no alternating crop sequence intensifies soil N2O emissions in the Cerrado.

PREDICTING SURFACE FOREST FUELS ON THE CERRADO IN CANTÃO STATE PARK FROM AIRBORNE RGB SENSOR IMAGES

Forest fuel quantification in a typical Cerrado area is difficult due to the high costs and long field times associated with collecting data. In search of alternatives that facilitate data collection, indirect estimation has been studied, resulting in local equations for predicting the load based on easily obtainable variables. In this context, we sought to develop local equations to estimate the load of forest fuel, in a Cerrado area, in the Cantão Park State – Tocantins. As a function of variables measured in the field and digital variables from the processing of RGB digital images (Red, Green and Blue) acquired through aerial surveys. With the processing of digital images, the following variables were extracted: mean height in the digital model (hMDA) and point density in the three-dimensional model (DPM). After the aerial survey, field sampling was carried out, collecting the following variables: mean height in the field (hc), number of individuals (Qti) and Total Fuel Material (MCT). Subsequently, equations were fitted, adopting the entire sample set. The model selection criterion was based on R²aj, Syx% and residual graph, in which adjusted coefficient of determination (R²aj) from 0.12 to 0.83 and residual standard error (Syx%) of 19.4 were obtained at 44%. It was observed that the use of control points performed by the MDA reduces the occurrence of errors, the correlations between the analyzed variables indicate the importance of considering multiple factors when performing analyzes and predictions in the study areas.

Ecological succession of blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in the decomposition of pig carcasses in Cerrado areas of Brazil.

This research aims to describe the process of ecological succession by associating the decomposition stages of pig carcasses with flies from the Calliphoridae family (Diptera). For this, 6 pig carcasses were exposed in Maranhão's Cerrado, utilizing metal cages with sawdust trays to catch immature specimens and "suspended traps" to capture adults. Adults of the Hemilucilia benoisti Séguy, and Hemilucilia townsendi Shannon species were only associated with the swelling stage. Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) was associated with 2 stages (black putrefaction and fermentation). The species Chloroprocta idioidea (Robineau-Desvoidy), Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann), Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius), and Lucilia eximia (Wiedemann) were associated with 4 of the 5 stages of decomposition, the latter being the only 1 associated with the initial stage. The larvae abandoned the carcasses to pupate from the second stage of decomposition, with L. eximia being the only 1 leaving the carcasses in the swelling stage, and C. albiceps the only 1 associated with both the fermentation and dry stages. Our findings indicate that calliphorid species can help forensic investigators estimine the post-mortem interval of cadavers in situations similar to those detailed in this study. Since there was a link between adult and immature species and certain stages, they can be used as indicators in future forensic investigations.

Secondary xylem of tree species from Cerrado biome

Cerrado is the second largest Brazilian morphoclimatic domain. Despite being a region of great ecological importance, it has been the target of constant threats caused by anthropogenic activities, mainly those related to agriculture and livestock farming. With a rich biodiversity still not fully known and constantly being devastated, the Cerrado lacks studies. The objective of this study was to microscopically analyze the wood of Cerrado tree species. Wood samples were collected from nine tree species in a Cerrado area located in Monte Carmelo, Minas Gerais. Microscopic analyses were carried out on permanent histological slides and macerated material, following IAWA Committee standards. This work provided information on species whose wood had not been previously described in the literature, such as Machaerium opacum and Eugenia dysenterica, as well as on previously described species.

Spring water quality monitoring using multiple bioindicators from multiple collection sites

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to examine the water quality of the Extrema River spring in a Brazilian Cerrado area. Three collection sites (P1 − P3) were sampled in the dry and rainy seasons, which are close to industries from different sectors. In the physicochemical analysis, a decrease in dissolved oxygen levels (<5 mg/L) and pH (< 6) at P3 was detected. An increase in heterotrophic bacteria count was recorded at all sites (> 500 colonies/ml). In ecotoxicological analyses, P2 and P3 exhibited toxicity using Vibrio fischeri (> 20%). In evaluating toxicity, the reduction in seed germination was significant utilizing Lactuca sativa at all locations and with Allium cepa only at P2; rootlet length was decreased at P3 on L. sativa and at all sites with A. cepa. In contrast, loss of membrane integrity and mitochondrial function of meristems was adversely affected at all locations using both L. sativa and A. cepa assays. Principal components analysis (PCA) approach indicated that seasonality apparently did not markedly interfere with the obtained data, but it is important to include more collection locations to be evaluated with multiple bioindicators in the spring region. Our data indicate the urgent need for more rigorous programs to monitor the discharge of effluents into water springs.