Avaliação da Balneabilidade da praia do Manaíra (2019-2022): Impactos da pandemia e fatores externos na qualidade da água_

Abstract

The problem of pollution on the beaches of João Pessoa, Paraíba, is not something recent. In fact, it's a historical problem, which resurfaces during periods of low water quality and little is said about the real causes. Manaíra beach, with its extensive waterfront, markets, bars and restaurants, is known as one of the most contaminated beaches in João Pessoa. It is essential to regularly monitor the quality of the beach's water, since contaminated water can cause various diseases and harm local tourism. The Superintendence of Environmental Administration is the body responsible for this monitoring. The aim of this study is to assess bathing water quality from 2019 to 2022, using data from SUDEMA, and to make annual comparisons, including the period of the COVID-19 pandemic and checking the effects of rainfall. The results obtained indicate that the pandemic has had a positive effect on the recovery of the maritime environment, especially in 2020, which showed the best bathing percentages. The rainfall index stood out as one of the main factors negatively influencing bathing, being a determining factor for water quality over the years.