SALINIZATION OF WATERS IN AIUABA, IN THE SEMIARID NORTHEAST OF BRAZIL

Surface waters from three dams and groundwaters from three wells dug in alluvium, located in the Gameleira watershed in an area of restricted human action in the semi-arid Northeast of Brazil, were studied through chemical and physicochemical measurements for the identication of the origin of dissolved minerals and of the processes of salination. Results show that salts result from dissolution during water/rock interaction and from atmospheric precipitation. In both types of storage, evaporation is identified as an agent of salt enrichment, principally in surface waters. Waters sampled were chemically adequate for human consumption; however,anthropic action influences nitrate concentration.