Search

Brazil major probiotics and bioremediators have proven their effectiveness in the cultivation of exotic species. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of a commercial multi‐species probiotic suitable for shrimp and fish in the feed and as biocontrol in tambaqui rearing through zootechnical performance, water quality, clinical and laboratory alterations and innate immunity evaluations. Colossoma macropomum juveniles were used, distributed: Control (C)—without any probiotic addition; Probiotics added to water (G2)—.004 g/L of probiotics added to each experimental unit; Probiotics in feed (G3)—5 g/kg of probiotics added to the feed. The use of probiotics during the tambaqui breeding phase was proven safe. However, the use of multi‐species did not result in any complementary benefit when added to the water or to the feed for 60 consecutive days regarding zootechnical performance, water quality and tambaqui health under the applied experimental conditions. The findings demonstrate the need for further in vitro and in vivo tests regarding microorganism screening and protocols analyses for each culture species, since several factors influence the effects of the administration of probiotics on aquaculture production and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental impacts on water resources and discharges of pollutants are some of the main problems of aquatic ecosystems. Currently, the Iguaçu River is considered the second most polluted river in Brazil, therefore, given the importance of understanding the effects of water pollution on living organisms, this study aimed to analyze the possible genotoxic effects in Astyanax bifasciatus (Characiformes; Characidae) and Geophagus brasiliensis (Perciformes: Cichlidae) in response to the water quality of the Iguaçu River. Four sampling points were determined on the Iguaçu River, with different levels of environmental impact. The micronuclei and nuclear abnormalities were quantified by counting 2000 erythrocytes from each specimen. There was a statistical difference in the frequency of nuclear abnormalities both for A. bifasciatus (Kruskal-Wallis 3;30 = 10.9; p = 0.01) and for G. brasiliensis (Kruskal-Wallis 3;26 = 12.27; p = 0.006), with point 1 (critically degraded) showing a higher frequency of nuclear abnormalities and point 4 (moderately degraded) showing a lower frequency of nuclear abnormalities for both species, showing genotoxic potential in fish erythrocytes. This result demonstrates the need for further discussion on the conservation of the Iguaçu River as well as broadening the discussion on its potability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to compare a Litopenaeus vannamei culture throughout two short cycles and one long cycle of production in a BFT (biofloc technology) system. The study was conducted in six lined 600‐m2 ponds and was composed of two treatments with three replicates each: two short consecutive crops (SC) of 75 days and a 150‐day long cycle (LC). Stocking density was 42 shrimp m−2 for all cycles, and initial weight was 1.20 g in SC1 and LC and 1.40 g in SC2. Economic analysis was also carried out to compare the results of treatments. In terms of water quality, sedimentable solids and turbidity were significantly higher in the LC treatment. All other water quality parameters presented no significative differences between treatments, and mean values were maintained within the recommended levels for shrimp culture. There was a significant difference in the final average weights between treatments, with the value of the long treatment being greater than twice the values of the short cycles. The productivity did not differ significantly between the sum of the SC and LC treatments. Production data were assessed using economic indicators. The treatment results show positive Gross and Net Margin; however, SC1 negatively influenced the SC result, mainly for ML and IL. The best result of the profitability index was the LC. The results of the present study and considering the strategies used, there was no influence on productivity, but on profitability in the cultivation of L. vannamei in lined ponds under subtropical conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Inadequate waste disposal areas (n = 104) in Brazil were assessed for contamination. • Most studies were published in Portuguese, undermining dissemination. • Contamination of groundwater and surface water was observed in most studies (>70%) • Coliforms, biochemical oxygen demand, and lead were frequently above Brazilian legislation. • Most dumpsites have insignificant or low vulnerability to groundwater contamination. This work presents an overview of environmental studies performed in areas affected by dumpsites and non-sanitary landfills in Brazil, focusing on physicochemical analysis of surface water, groundwater, and soils, as well as geophysical surveys. The objective was to identify the main contaminants found in these areas and to assess their environmental impact, guiding possible intervention measures, indicating the priority areas, and showing whether post-closure activities are mandatory. The results should support governmental actions, especially considering the recent approval of Brazil's new sanitation framework. The present review assessed 162 publications, which described 104 different municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal sites. The physicochemical parameters of analyzed surface water, groundwater, and soil samples were above Brazilian legislation levels in 74%, 70%, and 24% of the studies, respectively. The parameters more frequently above permissible levels were coliforms, biochemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen, and phosphorus for surface water; lead, coliforms, and iron for groundwater; copper, cadmium, lead, and zinc for soil. The results indicated that Brazilian dumpsites are causing negative impacts in surrounding soils and water resources, posing ecological and public health risks that persist even after the site's closure. Considering that this study provides only a reduced scenario, the dimension of this environmental problem in Brazil is noteworthy. Therefore, it is suggested that not only inadequate disposal is prohibited, but also efficient enforcement methods are adopted and aftercare is appropriately regulated in the country, making it obligatory to establish monitoring plans and implement mitigation techniques to avoid abandoning potentially contaminated areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates climate change impacts on the hydrology and water quality of Brazilian semi-arid reservoirs. An integrated approach coupling climate, hydrological and water quality models was proposed. Five general circulation models (GCMs) and two future scenarios (SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5) were used for the projections. The simulations showed that uncertainty in climate forecast significantly impacted hydrological and water quality outputs. Some scenarios revealed a strong decrease in streamflow and storage volume. On the other hand, 40% of multi-GCM projections indicated reservoir eutrophication. The impacts on hydrology and water quality under SSP5-8.5 were more significant than those under SSP2-4.5. The results also indicated that drought events may be prolonged under climate change, principally at the end of the 21st century for SSP5-8.5, and may significantly increase the total phosphorus concentration. This suggests that tropical semi-arid reservoirs could be more vulnerable to eutrophication in scenarios of climate change than those in other regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Caí River plays a fundamental role in the hydrologic systems of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), the southernmost state in Brazil, and significantly contributes to maintaining the environmental quality of the region through which it flows. This study aims to examine the surface water quality of the Caí River basin in its middle section, based on a water quality index calculation, and to apply a qualitative protocol to the environmental conditions of the water resource and its environment. Nine physicochemical and microbiological parameters were monitored at five collection points located upstream, downstream, and in the central area of Feliz City for a year. The results showed water quality index (WQI) values between 51 and 78 during the evaluation period. Of the samples collected and analyzed, 36% were on the 'good' quality scale and 64% indicated 'reasonable' water quality. The results showed that water quality was considered good in the studied area. However, some parameters, such as biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and total phosphorus, did not meet standards recommended by current legislation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inappropriate use and management of land has generated processes of environmental degradation, in which the increasing removal of forest coverage has impaired the hydrological cycle, water and soil quality. The objective of this work is to know the effects of the protection of the spring, and the initial part of its watercourse, on the environmental conditions in a family property. The study was carried out on the property located in the Rainha da Paz Community, in Alegre-ES, using indicators used for environmental monitoring, at the beginning in September 2013 and after one year (September 2014) of the Water Planters Project. The quality indicators used in the evaluation clearly show that the initial situation in the spring APP, and APP around the main watercourse was inadequate, in several indicators mainly due to the occupation of the area with agricultural use, specifically pasture, occurring cattle trampling within a radius of 50 meters of the spring's permanent preservation area, causing soil compaction and silting, showing a high degree of degradation, reflecting the lack of environmental adequacy, thus not complying with current environmental legislation. The project promoted improvements in the environmental conditions of the family property, through the natural regeneration of native species, bringing gains to the floristic composition, in addition to improvements in the soil conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water monitoring programs are essential tools for planning and management, but their associated costs can present challenges, especially in the developing world where funding is tight. This paper addresses the use of data mining techniques in the periodic review of monitoring programs by analyzing the capacity of these techniques to reduce the number of monitored variables. This methodology was evaluated in two river basins in a southern Brazilian metropolis. The results demonstrated wide applicability that was not dependant on the level of anthropic influence within the basins. In addition, with complete databases and the use of automatic probes, periodic laboratory analyses may be used less frequently, saving human and financial resources and extending the effective water quality monitoring network. Of ten variables assessed, mathematical models were able to very accurately estimate nine and six in an urbanized basin and seven in a non-urbanized basin, demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the effects of pine (Pinus taeda L.) thinning and clear-cutting on the water yield and quality of three micro-watersheds from southern Brazil using paired- (reference site) and within-site (pre- and post-management periods) comparisons between 2013 and 2016. We inspected for differences in topographic and remote sensing data between the reference site 1 (native forest) and the managed sites 2 (thinning) and 3 (clear-cutting). Double-mass analysis and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used to evaluate rainfall across sites. Using physicochemical data, we calculated the Water Quality Index (WQI) and measured the water yield, detecting anomalous events with wavelet transform. Finally, we verified differences across- and within-sites in median values of yield and WQI using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test. The results from paired- and within-site comparisons showed that the management practices did not control the water yield and quality of the three studied micro-watersheds. Statistically significant differences in water yield and WQI were observed between the reference site 1 and pine-planted sites only in the pre-management period. Our findings showed slight differences across sites in morphometric parameters of the watersheds. The ANCOVA confirmed the importance of rainfall in controlling the variability of water yield over the thinning and clear-cutting sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inter-basin water transfer (IBWT) involves the transport of water from one geographically distinct basin to another to balance the distribution of water resources. Although the socio-economic benefits of implementing these projects are well recognized, little is known about the subsequent effects on the water quality of the receiving systems. We evaluated the effects of an IBWT on the water quality of three receiving reservoirs of an intermittent river in a semi-arid region. We compared the similarity among the reservoirs before and after the IBWT to assess how the reservoirs responded to the introduction of water. Although the last two reservoirs that have received water have become similar in terms of physical and chemical characteristics and algal biomass (chlorophyll-a), the first reservoir has not. The IBWT resulted in an improvement in the water quality of the first reservoir but a decrease in the water quality of the two successive reservoirs, along with a significant increase in algal biomass. Long river sections located upstream that were dry at the time of IBWT probably contributed nutrients to the water as it moved downstream and into the reservoirs. Significant differences in the water quality were observed for different sampling months after the IBWT, but not for different sampling depths. Before the IBWT, the predictor variables for algal biomass were basically transparency and non-algal turbidity, with which it established a positive relationship. After IBWT, however, algal biomass also showed a positive relationship with pH and temperature. We conclude that IBWT affects the water quality of receiving reservoirs and that the responses are reservoir specific. IBWT also increases the complexity of the correlations of physical and chemical variables with algal biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshwater ecosystems provide irreplaceable services for both nature and society. The quality and quantity of freshwater affect biogeochemical processes and ecological dynamics that determine biodiversity, ecosystem productivity, and human health and welfare at local, regional and global scales. Freshwater ecosystems and their associated riparian habitats are amongst the most biologically diverse on Earth, and have inestimable economic, health, cultural, scientific and educational values. Yet human impacts to lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands and groundwater are dramatically reducing biodiversity and robbing critical natural resources and services from current and future generations. Freshwater biodiversity is declining rapidly on every continent and in every major river basin on Earth, and this degradation is occurring more rapidly than in terrestrial ecosystems. Currently, about one third of all global freshwater discharges pass through human agricultural, industrial or urban infrastructure. About one fifth of the Earth's arable land is now already equipped for irrigation, including all the most productive lands, and this proportion is projected to surpass one third by midcentury to feed the rapidly expanding populations of humans and commensal species, especially poultry and ruminant livestock. Less than one fifth of the world's preindustrial freshwater wetlands remain, and this proportion is projected to decline to under one tenth by midcentury, with imminent threats from water transfer megaprojects in Brazil and India, and coastal wetland drainage megaprojects in China. The Living Planet Index for freshwater vertebrate populations has declined to just one third that of 1970, and is projected to sink below one fifth by midcentury. A linear model of global economic expansion yields the chilling prediction that human utilization of critical freshwater resources will approach one half of the Earth's total capacity by midcentury. Although the magnitude and growth of the human freshwater footprint are greater than is generally understood by policy makers, the news media, or the general public, slowing and reversing dramatic losses of freshwater species and ecosystems is still possible. We recommend a set of urgent policy actions that promote clean water, conserve watershed services, and restore freshwater ecosystems and their vital services. Effective management of freshwater resources and ecosystems must be ranked amongst humanity's highest priorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floods are one of the deadliest natural hazards and are exacerbated by changes in land-use and climate. Urban development decreases infiltration by reducing pervious areas and increases the accumulation of pollutants during dry weather. It also decreases infiltration by reducing pervious areas and increases the accumulation of pollutants during dry periods. During rainy events, there is an increase in pollution concentrations and runoff that may be a source of water supply during drought periods. Modeling the quantity and quality dynamics of stormwater runoff requires a coupled hydrodynamic module capable of estimating the transport and fate of pollutants. In this paper, we evaluate the applicability of a distributed hydrodynamic model coupled with a water quality model (HydroPol2D). First, the model is compared to GSSHA and WCA2D in the V-Tilted catchment, and the limitation of the critical velocity of WCA2D is investigated. We also applied the model in a laboratory wooden board catchment, focusing on the validation of the numerical approach to simulate water quality dynamics. Then, we apply HydroPol2D in the Tijuco Preto catchment, in São Carlos - Brazil, and compare the modeled results with the full momentum solver of the HEC-RAS 2D. This catchment shares similar characteristics with many poorly-gauged and human-impacted catchments worldwide. The implementation of the model, the governing equations, and the estimation of input data are discussed, indicating the challenges and opportunities to scale HydroPol2D into the reality of data scarcity of larger poorly-gauged catchments. For a 1-yr return period of rainfall and antecedent dry days, and assuming an uncertainty of 40% in the water quality parameters, the results indicate that the maximum concentration of total suspended solids (TSS), the maximum load and the mass of the pollutant washed in 30% of the volume are, 456 ± 260 mgL-1km-2, 2. 56 ± 0. 4 kgs-1km-2, and 89 % ± 10 % , respectively. [Display omitted] • A new coupled hydrodynamic and water quality 2D model is developed (HydroPol2D). • The spatial–temporal dynamics of Total Suspended Solids (TSS) is investigated. • We estimate TSS transport rates and first flush for a 1-year return period. • The maximum TSS load is 2. 56 ± 0. 4 kg s − 1 km − 2 for a 40% uncertainty in water quality parameters. • HydroPol2D can also be used for flood inundation mapping, infiltration, and evapotranspiration modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to understand the response of the trophic state index (TSI) of a reservoir under different watershed land-use scenarios. A novel methodology was applied to the Verde River Basin in the south of Brazil, which is exploited by agricultural activity and has a reservoir for water supply. An ecohydrological model was used to calculate daily nutrient concentrations in the water system, which allowed the determination of the reservoir's TSI. The authors propose a new TSI known as TSImod, considering phosphorus, nitrogen, and chlorophyll in its determination. The results indicate that TSImod may be more appropriate for classifying highly impacted environments when compared to the index currently used in Brazil. The Verde River Reservoir was classified as mesotrophic under the current land-use scenario and eutrophic under the proposed scenarios. The framework developed in this study can be replicated in other watersheds to evaluate the impacts of land-use change on water quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the coastal plain of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, the soil salinity is strictly related to the quality of irrigation water sources connected to the Atlantic Ocean, especially the Patos Lagune. The possibility of using this water source for irrigation of rice fields depends on the salinity level of the water and soil, which can be estimated knowing the sodium (Na+) content of both. This study aimed to establish a relationship between the electrical conductivity (EC) and Na+ content of the water of the Patos Lagune and to determine the possibility of water use for flooded rice, with increasing levels of EC, on the Brazilian coastal plain. Water samples were collected at different points in the Patos Lagune to determine the levels of Na+ and EC. The equation determined was as follows: Na (mg L−1) = 179.61 * EC – 183.25. The possibility of using irrigation water was different between the sites. Most soils can receive the total volume of water demanded by flooded rice since the water EC does not exceed 1.0 dS m−1. With an EC of 1.5 dS m−1, an alternative irrigation water source should be obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Only a few studies have reported on viral dynamics in estuarine environments, and the factors regulating viral ecology are not well known. We herein aimed to address the factors controlling virus–host relationships in tropical estuaries. To accomplish this, we combine a historical data series (2011–2017), containing virus and prokaryote abundances, with environmental data from Guanabara Bay, Brazil. Water quality gradients and tides were found to regulate the structure of prokaryotic communities, and seasonal patterns added complexity to the dynamics of viral populations. Prediction models showed a balance between expected and recorded virus–host relationships. However, changes in virus-microbial ratio (VMR) were found in areas with microorganism increases and regions showing critical environmental changes. Our results demonstrated that VMR changes are multifactorial and cannot be associated with any specific factor. Neither Kill-the-Winner nor Piggyback-the-Winner models can predict VMR in a highly dynamic environment strongly influenced by eutrophication. In sum, it can be concluded that special care is necessary when analyzing models for predicting virus and host abundances, as ecological factors control host distribution and play a significant role in the virus–host relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface and groundwater resources in the Seridó Region (Brazilian semiarid) were investigated to evaluate their current quality conditions and suitability for domestic use. The water was characterized in terms of physical, chemical, and radiological parameters; including those required by the Brazilian Drinking Water Quality Standard (DWQS). Information about major and trace elements and radiological aspects of the water are reported for the first time. Salinization was confirmed as a key problem in the region, driven natural and anthropogenic. Overall, water has poor organoleptic characteristics. The concentration of most trace elements was below the recommended level, except for uranium and selenium in groundwater. Gross alpha and beta activities higher than the recommended levels were also recorded in several water samples, mostly from the investigated aquifers. In these samples, a detailed radionuclide analysis is required to estimate the effective dose received by the local population. Overall, the results show that water from the investigated region is not suitable for human consumption unless proper treatment is applied. Water requires proper treatment to decrease the content of dissolved salts, toxic elements, and radionuclides responsible for the high gross alpha and beta activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable groundwater management implies a good knowledge of recharge processes, especially in areas with water deficit, like the semi-arid region of Banabuiú watershed (Ceará State, Northeast of Brazil). In this zone, phreatic aquifers consist of Precambrian crystalline fractured reservoirs characterised by a high spatial anisotropy, both in terms of hydrodynamics and water quality. This study implemented a multi-tracer approach (18O, 2H, 14C, 3H, CFC, SF6), combined with hydrodynamic data (i.e. groundwater levels) to identify the groundwater recharge origin and the recharge mechanisms, and to estimate the groundwater residence time. At the basin scale, hydrodynamic data and local observations indicated the high reactivity of aquifers to precipitation and suggested that infiltration processes occur mostly through preferential infiltration zones. Stable isotope data showed a major contribution of evaporated surface water in the recharge process from many artificial or natural ponds. Groundwater residence time determination highlighted the spatio-temporal heterogeneity of flow path organisation within aquifers, with variable contributions between fast vertical flow (present-day end-member; 15–85 %) and a slower horizontal flow (old end-member <1960), underlining the vulnerability of aquifers to present-day environmental stress or pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research evaluated the impact of poultry farming on the quality of surface waters in a mountainous area of southern Brazil, in order to collect data and assist in the decision-making for sustainable development. The study monitored 13 spots for two years in the sub-basins with intense poultry activity. The water samples were submitted to physicochemical and microbiological analyses in order to assess the Water Quality Index (WQI). The data were analysed by principal component analysis and Pearson's correlation. Some zones are able to receive future investments and could serve as a basis for the installation of new agricultural units. Others require greater attention from the environmental control agencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The watersheds are territorial units for planning and management of water resources. In this context, the qualitative and quantitative diagnosis of surface water is an elementary step for decision making, especially in watersheds which have River Basin Committees and Agencies. It is important that data referring to water resources are observed spatially through cartographic products, reinforcing the importance of Geography in studies regarding environmental nature. Thus, this article aims to present a proposal to obtain the quali-quantitative vulnerability of surface water in watersheds. The study area defined for the research is the Water Resources Planning and Management Unit from Low Paranaíba River (UPGRH PN3), located in Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The final synthesis map has been obtained from the overlapping of the following themes: natural availability of surface water, conflict areas for the water use and surface water quality. The high vulnerability is present in 6.54% of the study area, the average in 31.93%, the low in 43.90% and the very low in 15.56% of the UPGRH PN3 territory. Given these results, we expect to contribute to the implementation of guidelines for improving environmental quality in the study area and also that the procedure may be replicated in similar units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human water sources are increasingly threatened around the world due to various sources of pollution such as agriculture and industry. The objective of this study was to evaluate three new adsorbents as pollutant remedies for subsequent application in the Joanes River located in the State of Bahia in Brazil. The specific pollutants were nitrogen, phosphorus (P), aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), cyanobacteria, and saxitoxins. Initially, studies (pH 7 and 22°C) were performed with samples contaminated in the laboratory with phosphorus (P), nitrate (NO3-), and ammonia (NH3), to select the most efficient adsorbent and to determine the equilibrium time. Pumice bituminous coal was found to have the best efficiencies (≥70%) at 360 min (equilibration time). The experimental data did not fit the Langmuir and Freundlich model. The bituminous coal with pumice stone was then applied to water samples from a designated capture point of the Joanes springs, a river system that is responsible for supplying the city of Salvador and the metropolitan region, located on the northern coast of Bahia. The removal efficiency analyses were performed on a DR6000 UV/VIS SPECTROPHOTOMETER, using the methodology defined in the Standard Methods 2017, after which this adsorbent was subjected to scanning electron microscopy. As a result, removal efficiencies (≥98%) were obtained for all contaminants (nitrogen, phosphorus (P), aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), cyanobacteria, and saxitoxins) as well as a highly heterogeneous layer pointed by SEM images, further demonstrating the adsorbent potential as a efficient alternative in environmental control after additional studies. Practitioner points: Pumice bituminous coal has proven to be an excellent adsorbent for a wide range of pollutants such as phosphorus, nitrogen, ammonia, toxins, cyanobacteria, and metals.The adsorbent promoted a high reduction in phosphorus concentrations (3.40 mg/L to 0.01 mg/L), about 98% and 81% for cyanobacteria (12,850 Cel/ml to 2,560 Cel/ml).The adsorbent promoted a high reduction in concentrations of 98% saxitoxins (4.32 µg/L to 0.2 µg/L). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the microbiological quality of natural mineral waters commercialized in 20 L returnable packs in Brazil by investigating the presence of bacteria and viruses in packs with different manufacturing times (Tm). With this purpose, 99 water samples from 33 lots (n  = 3/batch) of 15 brands, obtained from packs with three intervals of Tm, were analyzed. Total coliforms (16.2%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9.9%), sulphite-reducing Clostridium (5.0%) and Escherichia coli (2.0%) were detected but enterococci and norovirus GII not. Regarding brands, 11 (73.3%) presented unsatisfactory results for at least one of the lots analyzed. Pseudomonas aeruginosa analysis revealed six sequence types and strains were susceptible to all antibiotics tested and were able to produce biofilms. Human adenovirus (4) and norovirus GI (9) were also identified in nine samples randomly selected. Natural mineral waters commercialized in 20 L packs with Tm ≥ 2 years presented more microbiological contamination (P  ≤ 0.012) than ones with a Tm of 0–1 year or a Tm of 1–2 years. These results suggest that the validity period of reusable 20 L packs should be reduced or that they can no longer be reused. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access to water for rural populations is vital not only for personal consumption and hygiene but also for food production, income generation and cultural practices. To deepening the understanding of this issue, this research addressed the access to water in a settlement of the Landless Workers Movement. The perspective of the Human Rights to Water and Sanitation was used as a theoretical framework, assessing how inadequate access to water impacts the quality of rural populations. A qualitative research was used, through participant observation and individual interviews with 12 rural workers, living at the Ulisses Oliveira settlement. The findings reflect that water is not sufficiently available to meet the community's social, economic and cultural needs and that such conditions can lead to a loss of identity. Therefore, access to water must be understood in the light of its political, social and cultural dimensions and the Human Rights to Water and Sanitation can be used as an instrument to public policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dioctophyme renale is a zoonotic nematode that infects the kidneys of domestic and wild carnivores in Brazil. Among the dogs, it is highly prevalent in stray animals, mainly because of their less selective habits, making interesting the study with them. Shelter animals usually have a life background in a precarious and overpopulated environment with low access to good quality feed and water, which contributes to the spread of dioctophymosis. The objective of this work was to verify the occurrence of D. renale parasitism in shelters dogs from municipality of São Mateus do Sul, Paraná. Animals were transported by a non-governmental organization (NGO) to the Veterinary School Hospital for the procedure of total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (HSO). The results of hematological, biochemical and urine analyses of parasitized and not parasitized dogs were compared using the Student t-test as well as age was evaluated by Fisher's exact test (p=0.05). From August to November 2018, the shelter sent 38 mixed-breed female dogs for HSO, and three (7,89%) of them presented eggs of the parasite in the urine. One of these three positive dogs died during the HSO procedure. A female of D. renale was found in the left kidney over the necropsy. Creatinine was significantly higher for those dogs presenting eggs of D. renale in the urine (p = 0.015). No differences were found for dogs with or without parasite eggs in the urine for the following factors: urea and total protein test, hemogram, leukogram, urinalysis, as well as age (p=0.05). It is possible to conclude that in dogs from this municipality, especially in shelter dogs, routine urinalysis and creatinine dosage levels, even for those apparently healthy, are important for an early diagnosis of parasitism by D. renale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The water reuse has been a strategic tool to reduce pressure on water resources. There is no specific nationwide legislation in Brazil that addresses water quality standards for reuse. In this study 11 national and sub-national regulatory documents (legal, normative, and guidelines) were analyzed, both in relation to water reuse and water use. The objective is to compare the main water quality standards regarding the subject in order to add to the implementation and the enhancement of water reuse in Brazil. The study concluded that the analyzed documents present overlapping standards and, in most cases, with very different values. In the subject of the use restriction or risk exposure for urban reuse, the different instruments evaluated there is a diversity in the conceptual premises. The specific Brazilian legislation addressing water reuse presents very restrictive standards, which can be barriers to the implementation of effective reuse in the country. The specific water quality standard for reuse must be consistent with the country's socioeconomic reality, primarily presenting the microbiological indicators of the effluent and the quality parameters that represent it. Risk assessment must be addressed in order to provides basis for the limits determined as microbiological standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

hydrological monitoring is essential for a proper decision-making process and modelling. Efforts have been made in Brazil to carry out field activities at the basin scale, but how complete and comprehensive are those studies? Where are they located? How long have they been carried out? What are the main findings? To answer these questions, an overview of experimental monitoring basins in Brazil is presented, listing their geographical locations, monitored variables, operational status, monitoring periods and main publications. We identified 60 monitored sites, spread across most Brazilian biomes, with an average monitoring period of 12 years. However, some publications from these monitoring studies are not fully accessible to the international community. Field hydrology activities in Brazil contribute to a better understanding of hydrological processes in humid and semi-arid regions and inform us about the impacts of land-use change on water quality and quantity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aimed to provide the knowledge of water chemistry and quality and background values of the elements in surface waters around the Fe-ore deposits of N3 and N4WSul of Serra dos Carajás, Brazil. Water samples were collected from 17 monitoring points monthly/quarterly between 2013 and 2016 and the elemental analyses were carried out using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The waters are slightly acidic to slightly alkaline in nature and are classified into "good" and "optimum" water quality category. Seasonal variation impacted water quality, with significantly higher content of metals (such as Fed, Fet, and Ald) during the rainy period that is due to more intense surface-runoff and leaching. Comparing with CONAMA 357/05/WHO limits, nonconformities were mainly observed for pH, Fe and Mn, and in some cases for Ald, Znt, Cud, Cdt and Znt, and were significantly higher in the N4WSul area than in the N3. Although, Fe and Mn mostly enter the water bodies from catchment weathering, the poor correlation between Fe and Mn indicated that their source and transport processes are different. In fact, elevated Mnd concentrations associated with low DO content in the dry period are explained by a reductive dissolution of manganese oxides via bacterial decomposition of OM. The background threshold values (BTVs) of elements were estimated by the upper 95% simultaneous limit (USL95; using ProUCL software) and the median ± 2 Median Absolute Deviation (mMAD) method, while the former was considered as the most suitable method for defining BTVs. The BTVs for Al(d), Fe (d), Mn and Zn are mostly exceeding the maximum limits stipulated by the legislation. However, since these areas are located in a protected region, these values are seen as representative of the natural conditions of the study area and reflect geogenic influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reservoirs represent impoundments of river flows for multiple human purposes, including hydropower generation and industrial, recreational and agricultural activities. In considering the current state of dammed rivers and future projects, there is a major concern in tropical areas regarding the water quality of these aquatic ecosystems, most being subjected to eutrophication process. To this end, the Carlson (1977), Toledo (1983), Lamparelli (2004) and Cunha (2013) trophic state indices were applied and compared in six interconnected reservoirs from the Paraíba do Sul Ecoregion in Brazil that differ in their morphometry, nutrient loadings, water retention times and altitudes. Limnological variables were measured in an extensive monitoring programme carried out from 2011 to 2014 during both the rainy and dry seasons. Application of the different numerical models resulted in different trophic state classifications. Toledo's trophic state index was considered the best for assessing the trophic state of the study reservoirs since it under‐evaluates water transparency, which can be related more to inorganic turbidity rather than to phytoplankton biomass in tropical water systems. The Carlson index, developed for temperate zone lakes, resulted in higher trophic classifications, thereby not being considered a reliable model for the study reservoirs. Both the Lamparelli and Cunha indices generally classified the study reservoirs as being in an oligotrophic state, thereby underestimating their trophic status. All the trophic state indices varied seasonally, with water transparency being the only variable significantly affected by rainfall variations. Based on the results of the present study, it was concluded that an arbitrary choice of existing trophic state indices to evaluate the water quality in tropical environments might lead to erroneous conclusions regarding the actual trophic conditions of tropical waterbodies. Further, the weak correlation observed between total phosphorus and chlorophyll‐a concentrations indicates total phosphorus might not be a key factor limiting algal growth in tropical water systems, thereby meriting more research focusing on tropical reservoirs, as well as development of new trophic state indices, including consideration of other potentially limiting factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concerned with water quality, specialists have resorted to ecotoxicology as a tool to assess suspected contamination, enabling creation of strategies to repair the observed damage. Organisms such as fish and micro crustaceans are widely used in acute tests due to several characteristics in common among them including (1) accessibility of multiple samples, and (2) enhanced sensitivity when exposed to pollutants. Thus, the objective of this investigation was to determine the degree of toxicity at different points of a dam in Coromandel, Minas Gerais, using Artemia salina and Danio rerio as bioindicator organisms. Water was collected at three points of the dam were subsequently used to expose these organisms to different contaminant concentrations. Following exposure mortality and immobility rates were determined and compared to negative control (only distilled water). Results with exposure of A. salina did not present significant pollution affects. However, in the case of D. rerio the mortality frequency, immobility rate and behavioral alterations was increased at point P3; thus, D. rerio demonstrated greater sensitivity than A. salina. The physical-chemical test indicated that there were changes in parameters including biochemical demand of oxygen, dissolved oxygen and total dissolved solids (in sample at points 2 and 3), confirming toxic potential, and evidence of poor water quality at these locations. Therefore, data demonstrated that water from the dam at certain sites is not suitable for human consumption or leisure activities such as swimming that were previously reported to occur in this reservoir by the local community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for the determination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in water from urban rivers was implemented and validated. Extractions of dissolved and particulate PCBs were performed using solid-phase extraction and a pressurized solvent extraction system, respectively, and the analytes were identified and quantified by gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry in selected reaction monitoring mode with no further purification. The method was successfully developed for the determination of 41 PCBs with two precursor-product confirmations for each analyte. Low method detection limits (0.06–0.50 ng L−1) and good precision (≤ 20%; n = 8) were obtained, as well a linear response of the calibration curve ranging from 1.0 to 50 ng L−1. Method performance for real samples was tested with water collected weekly in triplicate during April 2018 from a eutrophic river in the city of Rio de Janeiro. The total (dissolved + particulate) PCB concentrations ranged from 2.17 to 5.29 ng L−1, above the threshold for river water quality standards in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetables have a relevant role in Brazilian economy, although they produce environmental deficits, especially when badly managed. Current analysis evaluates the quality of surface water of the hydrographic basin of the stream Água Comprida, Barra Mansa RJ, Brazil, with regard to soil use and occupation. Water Quality Index ( WQI), Trophic State Index (TSI) and water quality for irrigation, and the chemical characterization of the region's soil were determined. Data were collected in November 2016 and in April 2017 from six sampling sites, distributed along the basin, to determine 20 water quality parameters. The region had fertile soil, with WQI ranging between 17 and 58 during the dry season and between 72 and 80 during the rainy one. During water scarcity, sites within the town had the worst TSI rates, classified as eutrophic and hypertrophic. Water represented risks for the irrigation of vegetables due to high iron and E. coli rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dwarf coconut is widely used in the coconut hybrids production (tall × dwarf) because it presents higher precocity and higher productivity of the number of fruits in relation to the other varieties. However, these hybrids originated from Intervarietal crossing, produce fruits with low market acceptance for water quality. Intravarietal crosses (dwarf × dwarf) could act as an alternative, but little is known about the diversity within and between the dwarf sub-varieties, which can lead to a misdirection to breeding programs. In this study, we report the level of genetic variability between dwarf coconut accessions belonging to three sub-varieties (green, yellow and red), as well as the analysis of population structure. We used the RAD-sequencing methodology for analyzing 39 genotypes belonging to dwarf coconut populations collected in different producing regions of Brazil. Our results show that the SNP markers increased the power of detection of genetic variability, facilitating the decision making regarding future crosses in order to explore the heterosis in dwarf coconut breeding programs. Inter-sub-varietal crosses of dwarf coconut are highly promising to reduce the time and optimize the process of obtaining new cultivars for water production requiring field assessments to confirm its agronomic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In semiarid regions, water scarcity is a problem that risk the sustainability of regional socioeconomic development. The present work aimed to evaluate the quality of produced water from the oil industry in northeastern Brazil in the municipality of Mossoró - RN and its potential use in irrigation. Produced water samples were evaluated for physicochemical characterization (pH, conductivity, total dissolvedsolids, salinity, alkalinity, carbonate, bicarbonate, calcium, magnesium, hardness, chloride, sodium, potassium, nitrate, sulfate, iron) andtoxicological (metals), heavy duty: cadmium, copper, lead, chrome, manganese, nickel, zinc and aluminum in addition to TOG. Regarding the physicochemical analyzes, NaHCO3, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+ and Cl- values were outside the thresholds considered by the EMBRAPA irrigation manual. For toxicological analysis all metals were compliant and only TOG exceeded the limital lowed by CONAMA n° 430/2011 which deals with the management of effluent discharge, indicating the need to incorporate processes to eliminate and or minimize the occurrence of these compounds, since the water used in this study was an effluent, without any treatment, ensuring the sanitary safety of this resource in irrigation practices. Thus, the produced water can be considered an alternative water resource for irrigation after proper treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to assist with the management of water resources, this study aimed to calibrate the water quality model "Ottocoded Critical Basins Analysis" (ABaCO) in a section of the Lambari River, located in the city of Poços de Caldas, Minas Gerais, Brazil, and it is considered qualitatively critical by the "National Water Agency" (ANA). The calibration results, obtained automatically by the Microsoft Excel® tool Solver, showed good adjustments between the simulated and observed concentrations for the following parameters: total nitrogen, organic phosphorus, inorganic phosphorus, and total phosphorus, considering a visual interpretation of the graphics. The other calibrated parameters (BOD, DO, organic nitrogen, ammoniacal nitrogen, and nitrate) obtained satisfactory adjustments. When evaluating the results by coefficient of determination, it was observed that all parameters showed negative values to one or more field campaigns. However, the calibrated values of the parameters can be incorporated into the model to obtain a first view of the river's qualitative situation, aiming to plan, control, and protect water resources to assist in decision‐making and to favor performance of intervention analyses of environmental control measures. Practitioner points: Calibration of water quality model in a section of a river located in Brazil considered qualitatively critical;The calibration occurred automatically and manually, when it was necessary, in an Excel® spreadsheet, generated from the water quality model;The automation process was performed by the Excel® Solver tool through the objective function;Through visual interpretation, it was noticed that the calibrated parameters were well adjusted to the data observed in the field;Sensitivity analysis showed that the studied parameters did not show significant differences in relation to the values calibrated for parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cronobacter infections of infants are commonly regarded as due to the ingestion of contaminated feed. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of Cronobacter, total coliforms and Escherichia coli in different brands of natural mineral waters as sold in 20 l returnable bottles in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The quantification of total coliforms and E. coli was performed by Most Probable Number. The detection of Cronobacter was as according to the ISO 22964:2017 and Bacteriological Analytical Manual/FDA. Molecular characterization of Cronobacter isolates was performed by real‐time PCR and by multi‐locus sequence typing. The antibiotic susceptibility profile was determined and biofilm production was evaluated in polystyrene microplates. Total coliforms and E. coli were detected in 13 (39·4%) and 2 (6·1%) of the 33 lots analysed respectively, and were considered unsatisfactory for human consumption according to Brazilian law. One (3·0%) lot showed contamination by C. malonaticus ST440 (Cronobacter MLST Databases accession no. ID 2646). The strain was susceptible to all (n = 13) antibiotics tested and only formed a weak biofilm. Since there is a high consumption of natural mineral waters by elderly and immunosuppressed persons, epidemiological surveillance agencies should be aware of the risk that these waters may represent for these groups. Significance and Impact of the Study: Cronobacter malonaticus ST440 was isolated from 20 l bottled drinking natural mineral waters sold in markets in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, and can be a potential threat to human health, particularly for neonates. Thirteen lots (39·4%) were unsatisfactory for human consumption due to the presence of total coliforms and/or Escherichia coli. Significance and Impact of the Study: Cronobacter malonaticus ST440 was isolated from 20 l bottled drinking natural mineral waters sold in markets in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, and can be a potential threat to human health, particularly for neonates. Thirteen lots (39·4%) were unsatisfactory for human consumption due to the presence of total coliforms and/or Escherichia coli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In sugarcane crops, several agricultural pesticides are applied simultaneously, and a set of these can be detected in groundwater and surface waters, characterizing a contamination by pesticides mixtures with different concentrations in these bodies of water. Thus, the aim of this work is to estimate the gray water footprint of the pesticide mixture (herbicides) used in a dystrophic Yellow Ultisol in a sugarcane cultivation system, in Pernambuco, Brazil, based on the toxicity of each pesticide used in the mixture. For this objective, the model proposed by Paraiba et al. (2014) was used, where the gray water footprint is determined by physicochemical characteristics of the soil and pesticides, the pesticide application rates (dose), and the lowest value of the effective mean dose of these substances in a population of organisms (EC50). The gray water footprint of the pesticide mixture was 1.32 × 105 m3 ha−1. The highest volumes of gray water and higher ranks of the mixture were due to Amicarbazone and Hexazinone, with 1.05 × 105 m3 ha−1 (r = 5) and 3.71 × 104 m3 ha−1 (r = 4.6), respectively, and the lowest values were due to Paraquat and Glyphosate, with gray water footprint of 1.64 and 8.43 m3 ha−1, respectively. The gray water footprint for the yield of the sugarcane crop was estimated at 1731.1 m3 t−1, considered a high value for the gray water footprint of the sugarcane, demonstrating how much this crop can demands water resources to dilute its load of contaminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquaculture is a growing activity within the food producing segments, however, it may affect the environment. Current analysis studied the trophic state of the Sucupira Aquaculture Park, an area for fish cultivation in net cages locateds in Lajeado Reservoir - Palmas (TO) - Brazil, applying the Trophic State Index (TSI)). Monitoring was undertaken between January and April of 2017 and comprised sampling for the analysis of total phosphorus and chlorophyll-a. Water quality data as temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, pH and dissolved total solids were obtained in loco. Considering the TSI resultsbetween January and April, the area was predominantly supereutrophic. It can be observed that the lake's trophic statewithin t aquaculture area is highly influenced by the rainy period. Since studies were not undertaken during the dry period, the differences between rain effects and fish farming activities were not possible to be detected. Further studies are required to understand the effects of aquaculture activities in the environment in a short and medium term by limnological monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water is an essential input for any agribusiness, used for various purposes such as hygiene procedures, heat exchangers and beverage formulation. Water charging, regulated in Brazil by the National Water Resources Policy (Federal Law 9.433/97), is an important issue for the food industry, since it may change the profile of food production costs. Thus, this article aimed to estimate the price increases in the dairy industry from the use of water charging and evaluate the potential benefit of this collection, comparing it to some planned investments in basins plans. We used a case study of a dairy that produced 1 t/d of mozzarella cheese in the state of Minas Gerais. Results indicated that water charging among the basins with current collection models may vary up to 131%. The increase in price related to water charging was low (0.04-0.09% of production costs), indicating that it can be absorbed by the industry. Conversely, values collected by the basins may be decisive for implementation of several actions aiming an average quantity and quality of water, which is good for the industry, itself. In the current charging collection models in the state of Minas Gerais, it is possible to recognize that collection is a promising initiative for the economical valuation of water. However, charging still seems to lack sufficiency in safety and a rationalization for its use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The public water supply is a constant subject of concern since its quality depends on many different factors. The intention of this paper was to evaluate the quality of the public water supply in 38 cities from the midwest region of the State of São Paulo, Brazil, during the year of 2016. The parameters investigated included free residual chlorine, pH, apparent color, turbidity, fluoride, nitrate, and the presence of total coliforms and Escherichia coli. In total, from the 2,897 samples of water under analysis, 545 (18.81%) samples conflicted with the country's current legislation. The highest rates of noncompliance were related to fluoride contents and the presence of total coliforms. In addition, high nitrate concentrations (>10 mg/L NO3‐N) were observed in one of the cities' water sample. Our data display the major critical points of the water offered to the population and expose the potential risks for human health, indicating the need of a regular surveillance of the water and the adoption of corrective and preventive measures, in order to avoid the waterborne diseases occurrence, thus contributing to the population's health improvement. Practitioner points: Approximately 20% of the unsatisfactory water samples.High nitrate concentrations in public supply water.Potential risks for human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water-borne diseases like diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC)-induced gastroenteritis are major public health problems in developing countries. In this study, the microbiological quality of water from mines and shallow wells was analyzed for human consumption. Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of DEC strains was performed. A total of 210 water samples was analyzed, of which 153 (72.9%) contained total coliforms and 96 (45.7%) E. coli. Of the E. coli isolates, 27 (28.1%) contained DEC genes. The DEC isolates included 48.1% Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), 29.6% enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC), 14.9% enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), 3.7% enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), and 3.7% enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC). All the STECs had cytotoxic effects on Vero cells and 14.8% of the DEC isolates were resistant to at least one of the antibiotics tested. All DEC formed biofilms and 92.6% adhered to HEp-2 cells with a prevalence of aggregative adhesion (74%). We identified 25 different serotypes. One EPEC isolate was serotype O44037:H7, reported for the first time in Brazil. Phylogenetically, 63% of the strains belonged to group B1. The analyzed waters were potential reservoirs for DEC and could act as a source for infection of humans. Preventive measures are needed to avoid such contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• MGB-IPH/IPH-ECO models, MODIS imagery and in-situ data over a large lake were coupled. • Spatio-temporal patterns of water-surface temperature (WST) and heat fluxes were studied. • Modeled WST was consistent with in-situ measured and MODIS derived WST. • Longwave-radiation components and evaporation were the dominant surface heat fluxes. • Proposed approach improves comprehension of the surface heat budget over the long-term. Assessment of large-scale temperature dynamics and heat fluxes in shallow lakes requires comprehensive modeling capabilities to simulate water interactions, the processes related to the heat budget, and their driving forces. In this study, we investigated the spatial and temporal variations in water-surface temperature (WST) and surface heat fluxes for the period between January 2001 and December 2010 in Lake Mirim, a large (surface area ca. 4000 km2) shallow lake on the Brazil-Uruguay border. The aquatic ecosystem was examined using in-situ WST measurements, MODIS land surface temperature (M*D11A1 LST) products, and a coupling between a large-scale hydrologic model (MGB-IPH) and a hydrodynamic/water quality model (IPH-ECO). The WST values estimated by the hydrodynamic model were consistent with measured in-situ data and MODIS-derived WST, using both daytime and nighttime time series (R2 = 0.88; Bias = 1.45 °C; RMSE = 2.16 °C; ENS = 0.77). Our findings also revealed that the dominant heat fluxes in the lake are the atmospheric longwave radiation (annual mean = 303.38 W m−2), water longwave radiation (annual mean = 336.01 W m−2), and the latent heat flux (annual mean = 51.14 W m−2). Additionally, the heat flux from the river inflows contribute minimally to the overall seasonal heat budget in the lake, being the Cebollati river the main contributor (annual average = 4.63 W m−2). Coupled large-scale hydrological and hydrodynamic models will benefit future modeling efforts by providing an effective management tool to study the effect of case scenarios (e.g., climate change) on temperature dynamics, heat fluxes, and physical and ecological processes in these ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the water quality of the Rio Piracicaba in the industrial region of the Steel Valley, located in the portion of the middle Rio Doce - MG, Brazil. Measurement focused on the evaluation of the classical parameters for the Water Quality Index (WQI) as well as the communities of plankton and periphyton cyanobacteria. Physicochemical data were used the samples taken at three collection points, being in Jaguaraçu (PC1), Ipatinga (PC2) and Santana do Paraíso (DO1). The selection of sampling stations sought to highlight the consequences inherent in the economic activities in the study area and also ensure access in periods of drought and rain. It found the prevalence of results, pointing WQI acceptable (57.94%) and bad (42.06%). In addition, low concentrations of chlorophyll-a (<1 μg.L-1) in water samples in monitored environments indicated that, as expected for rivers, the phytoplankton community was not significant. However, the results showed an increase of cyanobacteria community PC2 denoting relationship with the greater amount of dissolved nutrients in this point and the lowest water flow. The results showed the water quality degradation possibly due to the economic exploitation model across land mass covered by water body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current analysis was undertaken in the western region of the state of Paraná, Brazil, an agrostockbreeding reference center in fish production, characterized by 17 fish abattoirs and industries. The study informs the producer on fattening of fish lots and analysis of ponds' water quality to verify faults in management that contribute towards the difference in fish finishing size. Six ponds in four small farms in the municipality of Toledo PR Brazil were monitored during five months (October 2018 - February 2019). Samples with 50 specimens per pond were used for biometry, weighed and measured individually. Weight difference was calculated by sample standard deviation of each lot. Multiparameter probe measured temperature, pH, electric conductivity, dissolved total solids, dissolved oxygen and turbidity. Results showed strong relationship between turbidity, total dissolved solids and electric conductivity and difference in tilapia size. Over population in the ponds was also detected. Standard deviation of weight increased according to fish growth. Results show that water quality directly affects the development of fish and lack of proper management contributes towards an increase in differences in tilapia weight and size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in land use have led to important modifications in aquatic ecosystems around the world. In Brazil, extensive pastures are being converted to sugarcane crops to avoid deforestation, while the remaining pastures are being intensified to compensate for the loss of area. In this study, the hypothesis that conventional soil management practices conducted on intensive pasture and sugarcane crops increase the availability of contaminants in freshwater was tested. Thirteen mesocosms embedded in extensive pasture (EP), intensive pasture (IP), and sugarcane crops (C) systems were monitored for 392 days. The monitoring included the measurement of in situ parameters (pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, turbidity, and chlorophyll), nutrients (total nitrogen, nitrite, nitrate, ammonium ion, total phosphorus, total dissolved phosphorus, inorganic phosphorus, and silicate), and metals (aluminum, cadmium, copper, manganese, nickel, lead, potassium, and zinc). Soil management practices were performed in IP and C treatments at full-scale (tillage, application of fertilizers, vinasse and pesticides, and cattle pasture). The patterns observed for each treatment were obtained developing Principal Component Analysis over time. The mesocosms in the EP treatment did not experience large variations in water quality over time since no soil management was performed in this treatment. However, we found that fertilizer and vinasse application was the major precursor to the deterioration of water quality over time. After the first fertilizer application, we found eight and 16 times higher concentrations of total phosphorus, and seven and 45 times higher concentrations of total nitrogen in the IP and C treatments, respectively, in comparison to their concentration in the EP treatment. The application of vinasse in sugarcane crop increased water conductivity, potassium, and manganese concentrations in mesocosms. Dissolved oxygen and pH values decreased over time in all treatments. Overall, soil management practices resulted in greater deterioration of water quality in the sugarcane treatment than in the intensive pasture. [Display omitted] • Soil fertilization increases the concentrations of nitrogenous and phosphorous elements in freshwater. • Vinasse increases potassium and manganese concentrations in freshwater. • Conventional agriculture practices lead to deterioration of water quality over time. • Soil management in sugarcane crops resulted in a higher concentration of nutrients and metals than in intesive pastures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Good water quality for livestock is essential for animal health, supply of safe food and food production economy. Few countries have established water quality criteria for livestock for chemical contaminants. For those that have them, the values are quite variable among each other for the same substance due to differences in the approach for the acceptable daily intakes and algorithms for the calculation. In several countries, including Brazil, these standards are based on international or other countries' data, which differ among protected species, exposure scenarios, and levels of protection. The objective of this work was to discuss critical issues to establish chemical water quality criteria for livestock in Brazil. A discussion about the difficulties involved and the alternatives when sufficient data are not available is presented. Using the Canadian framework for reference, we provide recommendations on a revised framework and alternatives regarding the use of chronic studies as mandatory, defaulting to human health drinking water quality guidelines/criteria for livestock, the use of additional safety factors, and alternatives in the absence of toxicological data. Image 1 • Scarce information is available on livestock water quality criteria establishment. • NOAEL/LOAEL choices should reflect the life expectance of the animals. • Livestock species have different water consumption and production performance. • A new framework for deriving livestock water quality criteria is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problems related to water resources has been the scene of debates due to steady deterioration of water quality and increase in demand. This study aimed to analyse the influence of land use and occupation in the water quality of the main rivers of the Environmental Protection Area (EPA) Itupararanga (SP), Brazil. Therefore, analyses were carried out of the main parameters and water quality indices, as well as the mapping of the use and occupation of land. The results revealed that the sanitary sewage conditions of the municipalities of the EPA Itupararanga and agricultural uses classes are negatively affecting the water quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The contamination of water by drug residues has occurred all over the world, arousing interest of the scientific community due to possible deleterious effects that can cause to human health and to environment. Conventional treatment of water does not remove drug residues as they are not legislated. Knowledge about the concentrations of exposure of drug residues in aquatic matrices generates subsidies for these compounds to become candidates for future regulation. Beberibe river watershed, due to urbanization, has been affected by domestic effluents causing problems in the quality of water bodies. An old point of abstraction for public supply was abandoned some years ago and the uptake was installed upstream at a new point without presence of domestic effluents. In this context, the present study analyzed the presence of anti-inflammatories drugs in two points of Beberibe river, being Point 1 in a preserved area, not presenting urbanization in its surroundings, and Point 2 in an area that suffers with intense urbanization. During 6 months of surface water collection, contamination by diclofenac and paracetamol were evaluated. The analyzes were performed with using Shimadzu HPLC equipment, with an ULTRA C18 column with reverse phase analysis (5 μm; 4.6 × 250 mm) and UV detection (SPD - 20 A) for wavelengths of 285 nm. Diclofenac had higher concentrations than paracetamol, being 0.193 and 0.042 mg L-1, respectively. The highest levels of concentration were presented in Point 2, probably due to anthropogenic interference. In addition, it was observed that the highest concentrations were detected during drought periods. Highlights • Pharmaceutical compounds were detected in Beberibe river in an area without sewage treatment. • Diclofenac was present in all samples. Paracetamol was also detected but at lower frequency. • Both diclofenac and paracetamol presented higher concentrations in the period with lower rainfall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water quality has declined globally due to increased contamination of aquatic ecosystems. The use of fish genotoxicity biomarkers may improve and complement parameters for environmental risk assessment. The aim of this study was to assess the genotoxicity of samples collected from streams of the Jordão River, a tributary of the Paranaíba River, Brazil with different levels of metal contamination, utilizing a native fish species to determine the sensitivity and viability of implementing a useful, reliable technique for routine biomonitoring programs. Chemical analysis of water and sediments collected from different sites indicated that a gradient of contamination existed as evidenced by different concentrations of metals detected. After chronic exposure to contaminated samples, micronucleus (MN) frequencies in fish erythrocytes were measured and correlation with environmental parameters determined. Sites where the water concentrations of the metals aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) were high indicating a greater genotoxic potential of these elements. At the samples collected from the urban zone, a gradual increase was found for chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd) and nickel (Ni) indicative of adverse impacts of discharge of urban effluents. Data demonstrated that Astyanax altiparanae, used in the test, exhibited a reliable sensitivity for detection of genotoxic consequences attributed to exposure to water samples collected near the discharge of industrial and domestic waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The degradation of aquatic ecosystems caused by the bad administration of soil use and by human activity, is one of the most important ecological concerns due to a reduction of availability and quality of water resources. Current study characterizes the temporal and spatial variability of water quality and availability, coupled to soil use in the hydrographic basin of the Corrego do Sapo, municipality of Rio Verde GO Brazil. ESRI satellite image, Google Earth, was used to pinpoint the influence. Qualitative (chemical, physical and microbiological) and quantitative monitoring of water was done twice a month during 2016. The basin is characterized by 57.3% agriculture and impacts on the restriction in water use mainly derive from the urban area which corresponds to 20% of the influence area. Although there were good indexes of water quality and potential to irrigate up to 899 hectares, coliforms restrict water use in direct consumption cultures. Due to iron in the water, the installation of irrigation systems should be followed by filter systems for particle retention and, consequently, for the better use of the equipment. Hydric availability oscillates because of the absence of permanent preservation areas. Strategic and administrative planning of water resources in the hydrographic basin of the Córrego do Sapo should be implemented to recover and improve water quality and availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]