Are urban springs really protected in municipal management? One experience in Sorocaba, Brazil

• Published in: GeoJournal 2020-08, Vol.85 (4), p.933-941
• Main Authors: Souza, Samara Rached, Correa, Carina Julia Pensa, Franco, Fernando Silveira, da Mota Junior, Vidal Dias, Tonello, Kelly Cristina
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aquifers; Area; Cities; Conservation; Creeks & streams; Decision making; Environmental impact; Environmental Management; Environmental policy; Evaluation; Garbage; Geographic information systems; Geography; Human Geography; Medical diagnosis; Physical characteristics; Physical properties; Population; Proximity; Social Sciences; Spring; Standard deviation; Urban structures; Urbanization; Vegetation; Wastes; Watershed management; Watersheds
• ISSN: 0343-2521; 1572-9893
• DOI: 10.1007/s10708-019-10001-9

The aim of this investigative research is to identify urban-area springs and propose an Index of Environmental Impact of Springs (IIAN) to support the evaluation of spring conservation. The study area for the project was Ribeirão do Lajeado watershed, located in Sorocaba, SP, Brazil; in which urban-area springs were located and classified according to: type, physical characteristics and vegetation surrounding the spring. Macroscopic diagnosis at each spring location was conducted. Following analysis of samples, results highlighted that all spring sites are impacted negatively by urbanization—with quantity of garbage, protection of the spring area and proximity to urban structures highlighted as key issues. Having collated results and demonstrated existing challenges, findings can be further utilized to support the decision-making process to promote appropriate management and conservation of urban-area springs.