Water quality and the conservation of lotic ecosystems in the Brazilian Cerrado: urban and agricultural pressures
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: : Aim Agricultural and urban expansion activities in the Brazilian Savannah (Cerrado) have caused significant impacts on aquatic ecosystems in the biome. The study aimed to evaluate the influence of agricultural and urban activities on water quality in two streams - São José do Bebedouro and Ribeirão Frutal - located in Frutal - Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methods The study was conducted during the rainy and dry seasons, evaluating 3 sampling points in each system. The physical and chemical parameters of the water were evaluated, as well as the amount of total and thermotolerant coliforms. Rapid Assessment Protocol for Habitat Diversity (RAPHD) was also used to identify the environmental impacts and the conservation status of aquatic systems. Results The section of Ribeirão Frutal was impacted (FRU1 = 35; FRU2 = 35; FRU3 = 37 points), with average values of thermotolerant coliforms (307,236 MPN 100 mL-1), electrical conductivity (476.5 µS cm-1), and low values of dissolved oxygen (average of 3.74 mg L-1), indicating strong anthropogenic pressure. On the other hand, the limnological data of São José do Bebedouro stream showed better conditions, with the analyzed parameters falling within Class II of Brazilian regulations (CONAMA Resolution 357/05) and under conditions close to natural ones (BEB1 = 67; BEB2 = 67; BEB3 = 70 points). Conclusions This indicates that the São José do Bebedouro is more conserved than Ribeirão Frutal, which is impacted by point sources of contamination and inadequate occupation of its margins, compromising the integrity of the aquatic community and posing an environmental risk.
Source: Acta Limnologica Brasiliensia
Language: English
Subfield: Water Science and Technology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7224948358