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ABSTRACT Habitat fragmentation is one of the leading causes of edge genesis and its effects. Functional tree traits such as wood density, height, and diameter are essential variables from which it is possible to infer several ecological processes. This study assessed the variability of the functional traits of trees over two habitats (edge and interior) of a forest remnant. The hypothesis tested were i) the functional traits would have lower values at the edges than the interior, and ii) environmental variables would influence such differences. This study was carried out in the largest Atlantic Forest remnant within Serra da Tiririca State Park, Brazil, by establishing ten plots (50 × 20 m) among different habitats. Within each plot, wood samples were taken from all trees with a diameter of = 10 cm. It was recorded the altitude, distance from the plots to the edge, and fire records as possible explanatory variables (environmental variables). Wood density was obtained using the immersion method. To verify differences in functional traits by habitat, the Wilcoxon test was applied. Additionally, the influence of explanatory variables on functional traits through generalized linear models was evaluated. One hundred eighty-five trees were recorded at the edges and 218 trees at the interior of the remnant. Wood density and tree height were significantly lower in the edges than in the interior. Furthermore, the best models indicated significant relationships between wood density and habitats, as well as diameter and distance to the edge. This study was effective in raising suitable variables to predict edge effects.

O processo de urbanização está diretamente relacionado ao de degradação da qualidade das águas naturais. Este artigo discute o papel do diagnóstico de qualidade de água advindo do monitoramento limnológico para subsidiar o planejamento e a gestão urbano-ambientais. Um modelo Pressão-Condição-Resposta foi utilizado para descrever a importância do monitoramento limnológico para a conservação dos recursos hídricos.Urbanization is often related to the degradation of water quality. The global freshwater shortage must be a central concern in our society. This article discusses the role of water quality evaluation from limnological assessment to subsidize environmental-urban planning and management. A Pressure-State-Response model was used to describe the importance of limnological assessment to water resource conservation.