Avaliação dos impactos ambientais causados na nascente do Rio da Prata/PB pelas plantações de cana-de-açúcar

Abstract

One of the biggest problems the world is facing today is the shortage of water. Additonally, there are environmental, natural and human impacts, that leverage this shortage. In view of this, this study aimed to evaluate the environmental impacts that are occurring in the headwaters of the Rio de la Plata, located in Stone county Fire / PB, through the investigation of the factors that contribute to the degradation of these springs. For this, physical -chemical and bacteriological were conducted (pH, color, turbidity and coliforms), in addition to assessing the flow and anthropogenic aspects adjacent to the study area. Information was collected between May and September this year, such as land cover, environmental degradation existing, water samples from the springs and their flow rates. The locations of the springs were made using GPS.Associated to the experimental data, EmpresaBrasileira data was used for Agricultural Research - Embrapa, the Brazilian Geography and Statistics Institute (IBGE) and the Executive Management Agency of the State of Paraíba Waters (EFSA). During the visits to the sources, there was the occupation of the surrounding areas of East by sugarcane. The use of agricultural implements for its cultivation, destruction of riparian vegetation and the possible contamination of water by pesticides (leaching and improper disposal of packaging) were also observed. It was found that farmers and people working in the locality have no awareness or education for conservation and preservation of natural resources. At the end of this study, it can be concluded that despite the results of laboratory tests are within the standard for drinking water, the situations described cause damage to the river springs due to silting and hence reducing flow rates. Also, it is important to note that, subsequently, toxicity tests can be performed to complement this assessment.