Water Quality In Brazil Research Articles

Public water quality in surface and groundwater collection systems in Brazil

Water is a vital natural resource for the existence of life, maintenance of ecosystems and the development of society. Many cities and communities rely on surface catchment systems, which involve collecting water from rivers, lakes and dams. Others, in turn, use underground collection systems, obtaining water from aquifers and artesian wells. Each of these methods presents specific challenges regarding water quality, as surface water is more exposed to organic and inorganic pollutants, while groundwater may contain minerals and dissolved substances that affect its potability. In general, the quality of water that reaches homes and commercial establishments is determined by the analysis of microbiological indicators, free residual chlorine, turbidity, total coliforms and fluoride. This narrative review seeks to clarify the nuances of water capture systems, their particularities and the factors that affect water quality in Brazil, highlighting the importance of constant monitoring, adequate treatment and effective water management policies in guaranteeing access to fresh water high quality for everyone.

Novo Índice Integrado de Qualidade da Água (IWQI) e sua aplicação com poluentes emergentes na bacia do bioma Mata Atlântica no sul do Brasil

ABSTRACT The presence of emerging contaminants in surface water is a growing concern, as these substances are not typically monitored by environmental quality systems, potentially leading to the consumption of contaminated water. In this study, the presence of caffeine, an emerging contaminant that is ingested solely by humans and is present in surface water due to its chemical characteristics, was investigated as a potential indicator of anthropogenic contamination in the Itajaí-Açu River in the southern Brazilian Atlantic Forest biome. Additionally, twelve other emerging pollutants were examined in the Itajaí-Açu River, including estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), ethinylestradiol (EE2), estriol (E3), prednisone (PD), hexestrol (HEX), acetaminophen (ACM), Oxytetracicline (OC). Surface water samples were collected over five months and analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. The results revealed that caffeine was present in 84% of the analyzed samples, and emerging pollutants were present in all monitored municipalities. The study also investigated the relationship between an integrated water quality index, the magnitudes and occurrences of caffeine, and land use. The emerging pollutants Estrone, Ethinylestradiol, Hexestrol, Naproxen and Oxytetracycline were not detected in the analyzed samples. However, Ibuprofen, Tetracycline, Prednisone, and Acetaminophen were present in 44% and 36% of the samples, respectively, with Estriol, Ketoprofen, and Estradiol having a lower occurrence. The mean concentrations of Estradiol, Estriol, Ketoprofen, Acetaminophen, and Ibuprofen were 0.08 µg L-1, 0.23 µg L-1, 0.15 µg L-1, 0.42 µg L-1, and 0.44 µg L-1, respectively, and were higher than previously reported. The concentration range of caffeine during the study was <0.10 to 1.48 µg L-1, with the mean concentration being 0.30 µg L-1. These findings highlight the presence of emerging pollutants in the Itajaí-Açu River and the need for continued monitoring and regulatory legislation to protect surface water quality in Brazil.

A data synthesis on the biochar properties and implications for air, soil, and water quality in Brazil

AbstractBiochar has been intensively researched worldwide. In Brazil, there is a variety of feedstock production that can be turned into soil amendments of high performance through biochar conversion, especially solid wastes. However, advances in biochar research in Brazil have not been systematically evaluated to indicate possible gaps and suggest future research for eco‐friendly applications. Thus, in this work we evaluated biochar properties and effects on air, water, and soil quality based on data gathered from researches performed in Brazil. Biochar has been mainly evaluated as soil conditioner (37%), material characterization (17%), water treatment (12%), and greenhouse gases emissions (9%). Based on the data synthesis of 68 feedstocks used for biochar production, we observed that the pyrolysis temperature profoundly affects biochar properties. Meta‐analysis indicated benefits of biochar addition to soils for chemical, physical, microbiological and biochemical attributes that have resulted in increases in root growth (+30%), and plant shoots (+45%). Pyrolysis temperature and feedstock are key choices to design biochar properties aiming to retain dyes, aromatic hydrocarbon, pesticides, and metals in water and wastewater treatment. It was also observed an increase in CO2 and a decrease in N2O emissions after biochar application to soils in short‐term experiments. Although there is a growing interest in the development of electrochemical sensors and biochar‐based fertilizers, technological applications of biochar are still incipient in Brazil. Future research should prioritize long‐term and mechanistically evaluations of biochar under field conditions and the development of eco‐friendly technological applications.

The physical-chemical characteristics of surface waters in the management of quality in clearwater rivers in the Brazilian Amazon

Abstract The study of water quality in the Amazon region is important for understanding the functioning of ecological mechanisms. The standard that governs water quality in Brazil, including the Amazon, is Resolution CONAMA 357/05, which uses criteria inspired by standards from other countries. However, this resolution does not consider characteristics of Amazonian aquatic ecosystems, and this can lead to incorrect interpretation of the data. Furthermore, there are few studies on the physical-chemical characteristics of clearwater rivers in the Amazon and the influence of the forest-water interface. Therefore, water samples were collected from four clearwater tributary watersheds of the Amazonas and Tapajós Rivers during the dry season in the city of Santarém, Pará. Most of the points were collected in pristine areas in order to capture the natural physicochemical characteristics of clearwater rivers, as well as to show the importance of ecoregional aspects in water quality management. All samples were below pH 6.0, which represents non-compliance with the CONAMA resolution. Statistical tests yielded negative correlations between pH and conductivity (r = −0.87, p < 0.05), Therefore, the rivers of lower ionic load are influenced by the type of surrounding vegetation, which are characteristics that have been widely reported for blackwater rivers.

Methodological proposal for the allocation of water quality monitoring stations using strategic decision analysis.

In order to fill a gap in the monitoring of water quality in Brazil, the objective of this study was to propose a methodology to support the allocation of water quality monitoring stations in river basins. To achieve this goal, eight criteria were selected and weighted according to their degree of importance. It was taken into account the opinion of water resources management experts. In addition, a decision support system was designed so that the methodology could be used in the allocation of water quality monitoring stations by researchers and management bodies of water resources, to be fully implemented in geographic information system environment. In order to demonstrate the potential of the proposed methodology, which can be used in places that have or not existing monitoring networks, it has been applied in the Minas Gerais portion of the Doce river basin. Because the area already has a monitoring network with 65 stations in operation under the responsibility of the Minas Gerais Water Management Institute (IGAM), an expansion of the network was suggested and a simulation of a scenario was performed considering that the study area did not have an established network. The results of the analyses consisted of maps of suitability, indicating the locations with greater and lesser suitability for the establishment of the stations. With the application of the methodology, seven new sites were proposed so that the study area had the density recommended by the National Water Agency (ANA), and it was verified that the Caratinga River Water Resources Management Unit (UGRH5 Caratinga) has the most deficiency of stations among the six units evaluated in the Minas Gerais portion of the Doce river basin. In the simulated scenario considering the non-existence of a network, the adequacy map obtained was compared with the existing monitoring network and it was possible to classify the stations according to the purpose for which they were established, such as monitoring environments under anthropic activities or establishing benchmarks for the water bodies. Overall, the proposed methodology proved itself robust, and although the results were specific to one basin, the criteria and decision support system used are fully applicable to other areas of study.

Levels of Trihalomethanes in Stored Water from High and Fundamental Schools: Comparison between Two Temporal Data Sets

Epidemiological studies have been investigating the relationship between chlorination byproducts exposure and cancer. Studies showed the incidence of colon, rectum and bladder cancer in laboratory animals when halogenated byproducts were administered to them, such as trihalomethanes. Based on this fact, in this work, two data sets of water quality parameters were analyzed with focus on total trihalomethanes (THMt). These two data sets are from two different time periods (one in 2014 and other in 2017). All the samples were collected in the same months, in both data sets. The samples were taken from its same corresponding sampling points in both periods of time. Trihalomethanes (THMs) are undesired byproducts of chlorination and its formation occurs when the chlorine used in water treatment reacts with natural organic matter, which is present in natural waters, during the disinfection process. The aim of this research was to investigate the THMs levels in storage water from the chlorination performed by the Water Treatment Station (WTS) of the Maringa-Parana-Brazil; also, to compare the results obtained with the maximum allowable values (MAVs) established by the Consolidation Resolution n.05/2017, current law of water quality in Brazil. Water samples were collected in eight high and fundamental schools of Maringa-Parana-Brazil and analyzed through the gas chromatography method by the use of mass spectrometry detector with purge-and-trap concentrator (GC-MS) for THM. Furthermore, parameters such as pH and residual chlorine were analyzed following the methodology proposed by the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. The study results to THMt show that the maximum value of 21.5 μg/L obtained is within the MAV of 100 μg/L. Chloroform was the compound with higher concentrations in all samples in THMt analysis. Results of residual chlorine and pH also are within the MAVs. Studies like this are important to continuous monitoring of the water quality distributed to population.

A water quality index for recreation in Brazilian freshwaters.

Use of water for leisure activities has long been prevalent in human societies, especially where the climate is favorable. Water resources with appealing conditions for primary contact recreational activities include rivers, waterfall plunge pools, dams and lakes, as well as sea coasts. Recreational use has specific demands for water quality, particularly as regards risks to human health such as exposure to pathogenic organisms, toxic substances, and submerged hazards. In Brazil, there is insufficient monitoring of bathing water conditions and currently used methodology has some limitations particularly the lack of guidance on interpretation of variables other than faecal bacterial indicators. The objectives of this study were: (1) to establish variables contributing to assessment of freshwater bathing conditions in Brazil; (2) to develop an integrated index of suitability-for-use for bathing in Brazil; and (3) to improve the methodology for assessing bathing water quality in Brazil. Based on a metadata analysis and consultation with Brazilian water professionals, a water quality index was developed incorporating the variables: Escherichia coli, cyanobacterial density, turbidity (visual clarity) and pH. This index should advance the management of recreational waters in Brazil, by improving the evaluation of freshwater bathing conditions and protecting the health of frequent users.

Effects on Water Quality of Pesticide use in Farmland Under Intensive Soil Management in Southern Brazil

Poor soil management and intensive use of pesticides causes serious damage to soil and water quality in Brazil. To confirm this, two studies were conducted in an area with intensive farming in Southern Brazil with objectives to evaluate the level of pesticides in the river adjacent to the Original Research Article Lourencato et al.; IJPSS, 5(3): 155-166, 2015; Article no.IJPSS.2015.069 156 farmland during different seasons (river study) and to know the potential contamination resulting from surface runoff (runoff study). The river study was performed with samples from river water and riverbed sediment obtained over one year period with three months sampling period intervals (different seasons) on dry days (base flow effect). The runoff study was performed in the laboratory with simulated rainfall after recent pesticide application. The pesticides analyzed were Tebuconazole, Metalaxyl, Deltamethrin, Chlorothalonil, Glyphosate and its Metaboliteaminomethylphosphonic acid. They represented the most commonly used pesticides in the studied region. None of the pesticides tested were found in the river water or riverbed sediment samples at any sampling period. The detection limit in river water samples for Glyphosate and its metabolite was 5μg L -1 while it was 1 μg L -1 for the other pesticides. The runoff study (one hour rainfall) demonstrated that all the pesticides were present at high levels. It was 36μg L -1 for Tebuconazole, 3.24 μg L -1 for Metalaxyl, and 5.74 μg L -1 for Chlorothalonil in runoff samples, suggesting a high probability of contamination in downstream environments during intense rainfall events after recent pesticides application. The results highlight the importance of good management practices to prevent pesticides contamination of downstream environments due to runoff from agricultural lands.

Nitrate and sodium contents on lettuce and drained water as function of fertilizing and irrigation water quality in Brazil

Contamination of plants and waters with nitrate and sodium is an important environmental problem that can affects humans. An experiment was carried out aiming to evaluate the effect of fertilization and irrigation water quality on NO3- and Na+ contents of drained water and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) plants in Rio Claro, Sao Paulo State, Brazil. Treatments were distributed in a factorial arrangement 5 x 2, referring to fertilization and irrigation water quality (treated and polluted water), respectively, with three repetitions. The following fertilizers were used: Biofertilizer (BIO), bovine manure (BM), poultry manure (PM) and mineral fertilizer (MF). Additionally a non fertilized (NF) treatment also was studied. The following variables were registered: a) Drained water: Nitrate and sodium contents and presence of fecal and total coliforms; b) Lettuce leaves: nitrate content. The average nitrate and sodium contents of drained water indicated that contamination slowly advances on soil profile in areas of disposal of organic and inorganic residues. The fertilizer used on lettuce cultivation affected sodium and nitrate contents of leaves and drained water, and, in contrast irrigation water quality had no effect.

A saprobic index for biological assessment of river water quality in Brazil (Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro states)

Based upon several years of experience in investigations with macrozoobenthos in rivers in the states of Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro, a biological assessment system has been developed to indicate pollution levels caused by easily degradable organic substances from sewers. The biotic index presented here is aimed at determining water's saprobic levels and was, therefore, named the "Saprobic Index for Brazilian Rivers in Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro states" (ISMR). For this purpose, saprobic valences and weights have been established for 122 taxa of tropical macrozoobenthos. Investigations were carried out in little, medium sized and big rivers in mountains and plains. Through ISMR, a classification of water quality and the respective cartographic representation can be obtained. Data collection and treatment methods, as well as the limitations of the biotic index, are thoroughly described. ISMR can also be used as an element to establish complex multimetric indexes intended for an ecological integrity assessment, where it is essential to indicate organic pollution.

Combining averting behavior and contingent valuation data: an application to drinking water treatment in Brazil

This paper estimates WTP for drinking water quality in Brazil by combining averting behavior with contingent valuation data. Using bivariate probit models, alternative structures allowing for heteroscedasticity between and within data sources are incorporated by taking advantage of the different information content that characterizes each data source. We look at two covariates not yet examined in the literature when combining stated and revealed preferred data to explain the variance in the models: income and the bid in the contingent valuation questionnaire. Tests for parameter equality across data sets are performed. The results suggest that the specification of heteroscedasticity has a significant impact in WTP estimates and is crucial to legitimate the combination of data sets from different origins. The significant differences found in WTP between the two sources are discussed.

Animal-based agriculture, phosphorus management and water quality in Brazil: options for the future

Eutrophication has become a major threat to water quality in the U.S., Europe, and Australasia. In most cases, freshwater eutrophication is accelerated by increased inputs of phosphorus (P), of which agricultural runoff is now a major contributor, due to intensification of crop and animal production systems since the early 1990s'. Once little information is available on the impacts of Brazilian agriculture in water quality, recent changes in crop and animal production systems in Brazil were evaluated in the context of probable implications of the fate of P in agriculture. Between 1993 and 2003, there was 33% increase in the number of housed animals (i.e., beef, dairy cows, swine, and poultry), most in the South Region (i.e., Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, and Santa Catarina States), where 43 and 49% of Brazil's swine and poultry production is located, respectively. Although grazing-based beef production is the major animal production system in Brazil, it is an extensive system, where manure is deposited over grazed pastures; confined swine and poultry are intensive systems, producing large amounts of manure in small areas, which can be considered a manageable resource. This discussion will focus on swine and poultry farming. Based on average swine (100 kg) and poultry weights (1.3 kg), daily manure production (4.90 and 0.055 kg per swine and poultry animal unit, respectively), and manure P content (40 and 24 g kg-1 for swine and poultry, respectively), an estimated 2.5 million tones of P in swine and poultry manure were produced in 2003. Mostly in the South and Southeast regions of Brazil (62%), which represent only 18% of the country's land area. In the context of crop P requirements, there was 2.6 times more P produced in manure (1.08 million tones) than applied as fertilizer (0.42 million tonnes) in South Brazil in 2003. If it is assumed that fertilizer P use represents P added to meet crop needs and accounts for P sorbed by soil in unavailable forms each year, if swine and poultry manure were to replace fertilizer, there would be an annual P surplus of 0.66 million tonnes in the South region alone. These approximations and estimates highlight that, similarly to other parts of the world, there is a potential for surplus P to quickly accumulate in certain regions of Brazil. Unless measures are developed and implemented to utilize manure P, repeated annual surpluses will create an increasingly difficult problem to solve. These measures can be grouped as source and transport management. Source management attempts to decrease dietary P, use feed additives, manure treatment and composting, as well as careful management of the rate, timing, and method of manure applications. Transport management attempts to control the loss of P in runoff from soil to sensitive waters via use of conservation tillage, buffer or riparian zones, cover crops, and trapping ponds or wetlands. These measures are discussed in the contest of Brazil's climate, topography, and land use, and how successful remediation programs may be implemented at farm and watershed level.

A vigilância da qualidade da água para consumo humano: desafios e perspectivas para o Sistema Único de Saúde

O controle da qualidade da água de consumo humano se tornou uma ação de saúde pública a partir da década de 1970, quando a portaria No 52 Bsb 77 do Ministério da Saúde instituiu a norma de potabilidade em todo o território nacional. Entretanto, a implementação de um programa de vigilância da qualidade da água só ocorreu a partir da criação do Sistema Nacional de Vigilância Ambiental em Saúde em 1999, e da publicação da portaria 1.469 em 2000. O objetivo deste artigo é discutir os desafios que se colocam para a vigilância da qualidade da água, não só como proposta racionalizadora das ações do Estado, mas como prática sanitária de vigilância em saúde que tenha como perspectiva incorporar a promoção e a proteção da saúde ao conjunto de medidas adotadas pelo SUS, atendendo ainda às seguintes diretrizes: geração de dados, análise e disseminação da informação; descentralização; intersetorialidade e participação da sociedade. O artigo está organizado de modo a descrever, a partir de uma perspectiva histórica, o processo de normatização e regulação da qualidade da água para o consumo humano, abordando os principais desafios e perspectivas da vigilância da qualidade da água no sentido da busca por ações intersetoriais e descentralizadas, abertas a uma gestão participativa voltada para o controle social.