Remote sensing-based analysis of land use in spring protection zones in Southern Brazil
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Springs are important ecosystems that help maintain water quality and quantity and are legally protected in Brazil as Permanent Preservation Areas (PPAs). They play a key role in aquatic ecosystems and help maintain biodiversity. The study aimed to characterize land cover in PPAs surrounding springs in the micro-watersheds of Jacarezinho, Paraná, Brazil. We mapped the springs of four micro-basins in the municipality and assessed vegetation cover in their PPAs using MapBiomas remote sensing data and geoprocessing tools. The results showed that agricultural areas predominate, with only 5.9% of springs having forest cover above 80% within their 50-meter buffer. The lack of native vegetation cover can increase sediment movement and erosion, threatening the survival of these water resources. The low forest cover across Jacarezinho's micro-watersheds highlights the vulnerability of these water sources and the need for targeted monitoring and restoration strategies to support water security and biodiversity conservation.
Language: English
Subfield: Water Science and Technology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7225016038
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