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Water quality of the Ribeirão Preto Stream, a watercourse under anthropogenic influence in the southeast of Brazil

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Abstract

It is known that Brazil still has a privileged position of water quantity and quality, but water use has not proceeded in a responsible manner and often results in impairment of quality. This study aims to evaluate limnological parameters, parasites and bacteria, and concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr, Mn, Hg, and Zn) in surface water of Ribeirão Preto Stream. The Ribeirão Preto Stream is located in urban areas under anthropogenic influence. The results showed that the levels of dissolved oxygen values were lower than those established by the National Environmental Council (CONAMA Resolution No 357/2005). The reading of electrical conductivity showed values typical of impacted environments. The parasitological analysis revealed the presence of nematode larvae. The bacteriological analysis showed higher values for total coliform and Escherichia coli than those set by the Brazilian National Environment Council (CONAMA). The heavy metals Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr, Mn, Hg, and Zn showed concentrations in accordance with the guidelines established by CONAMA. The results provide data on the quality of these waters and showed the necessity to protect the watercourse from point sources of contamination, recommending their continued monitoring.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), Brazil (grant 2007/57311-7).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Environmental Parasitology, Department of Maternal–Infant Nursing and Public Health, Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, 14040-902, Ribeirão Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil

    Renato I. da Silva Alves, Osmar de Oliveira Cardoso, Karina A. de Abreu Tonani, Fabiana C. Julião & Susana I. Segura-Muñoz

  2. Pediatrics Laboratory, Metals Sector, University Hospital of School of Medicine at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil

    Tânia M. B. Trevilato

Authors
  1. Renato I. da Silva Alves
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  2. Osmar de Oliveira Cardoso
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  3. Karina A. de Abreu Tonani
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  4. Fabiana C. Julião
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  6. Susana I. Segura-Muñoz
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Correspondence to Susana I. Segura-Muñoz.

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da Silva Alves, R.I., de Oliveira Cardoso, O., de Abreu Tonani, K.A. et al. Water quality of the Ribeirão Preto Stream, a watercourse under anthropogenic influence in the southeast of Brazil. Environ Monit Assess 185, 1151–1161 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-012-2622-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-012-2622-0

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