Effects of human activities on rivers located in protected areas of the Atlantic Forest/Efeitos de atividades antrópicas em rios localizados em Unidades de Conservação de Mata Atlântica

• Published in: Acta limnológica brasiliensia 2014-01, Vol.26 (1), p.60-60
• Main Authors: Kuhlmann, Mônica Luisa, Imbimbo, Hélio Rubens Victorino, Ogura, Lucy Lina, Villani, João Paulo, Starzynski, Roberto, Robim, Maria de Jesus
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0102-6712; 2179-975X

This study evaluated the impacts of anthropogenic activities upstream of conservation areas on the Paraibuna river and its implications for freshwater biodiversity. The study was carried out in two units, Cunha and Santa Virginia, of the Serra do Mar State Park, located in the Atlantic Rain Forest. Five sampling sites were defined, four along the Paraibuna river and one in the Ipiranga river, the latter fully inserted into the protected area. Physical, chemical, microbiological and ecotoxicological data were obtained from surface water as well as aquatic macroinvertebrates. The results showed that the waters of the Paraibuna river have low anthropogenic interference. However, conductivity, turbidity, coliforms, iron, total phosphorus and nitrate showed a gradient improving its water quality from upstream to downstream, indicating the existence of erosion and introduction of organic debris in the basin. The BMWP index, varying from 58 to 190, also showed the good condition of the river to aquatic biota, with predominant Excellent quality diagnosis.