Assessment of intrinsic aquifer vulnerability at continental scale through a critical application of the drastic framework: The case of South America.

An assessment of the intrinsic aquifer vulnerability of South America is presented. The outcomes represent the potential sensitivity of natural aquifers to leaching of dissolved compounds from the land surface. The study, developed at continental scale but retaining regionally a high resolution, is based on a critical application of the DRASTIC method. The biggest challenge in performing such a study in South America was the scattered and irregular nature of environmental datasets. Accordingly, the most updated information on soil, land use, geology, hydrogeology, and climate at continental, national, and regional scale were selected from international and local databases. To avoid spatial discrepancy and inconsistency, data were integrated, harmonized, and accurately cross-checked, using local professional knowledge where information was missing. The method was applied in a GIS environment to allow spatial analysis of raw data along with the overlaying and rating of maps. The application of the DRASTIC method allows to classify South America into five vulnerability classes, from very low to very high, and shows an overall medium to low vulnerability at continental scale. The Amazon region, coastal aquifers, colluvial Andean valleys, and alluvial aquifers of main rivers were the areas classified as highly vulnerable. Moreover, countries with the largest areas with high aquifer vulnerability were those characterized by extended regions of rainforest. In addition, a single parameter sensitivity analysis showed depth to water table to be the most significant factor, while a cross-validation using existing vulnerability assessments and observed concentrations of compounds in groundwater confirmed the reliability of the proposed assessment, even at regional scale. Overall, although additional field surveys and detailed works at local level are needed to develop effective water management plans, the present DRASTIC map represents an essential common ground towards a more sustainable land-use and water management in the whole territory of South America.

Delineating groundwater contamination risks in southern coastal metropoles through implementation of geochemical and socio-environmental data in decision-tree and geographical information system.

Due to global warming and local anthropogenic pressures, sustainable groundwater resource exploitation in coastal cities is increasingly threatened. For example, the fifth largest Brazilian city, Recife, is considered as a representative hot spot for these issues and illustrates the great challenges facing many urban areas in the southern hemisphere. There, recharge as well as surface water and groundwater quality are altered by frequent droughts and poorly planned environmental management since decades. To maintain access to water, thousands of private wells were dug in order to pump water from the multi-layered aquifer system found under the city. This massive exploitation is causing a chronic lowering of the water levels, as well as seawater intrusion and contaminations by wastewater or polluted surface waters. Through hydrochemical characterization, mainly Cl/Br ratio and Cl concentrations, of wells sampled throughout the metropole, this study first characterizes the main environmental impacts on the resource, i.e. waste waters and seawater. Combining this evaluation with lithological, land-use and socio-environmental data, it was then possible to build decision trees identifying combinations of multiple factors possibly having an impact on contamination types. The well and population densities, the waste and sewage management, as well as the absence of sanitary facilities in houses appeared as critical parameters to target in order to reduce the risk of contamination of the water resource and ensure its preservation. Based on these factors, we created a risk map for contamination types that should help in identifying areas where groundwater resource may present an environmental (and then health) issue for people. Besides, this study shows that the combination of hydrochemical, geomorphological and socio-environmental characterizations of these urban systems featuring very contrasted situations between neighborhoods is a relevant tool to propose further groundwater management strategies.

Surface and groundwater relationship in an anthropically modified area.

This study assessed the relationship between the recharge of the unconfined sedimentary Adamantina Aquifer and its discharge into the Batalha River in a small basin of 125 km2 that drains the municipalities of Bauru, Agudos and Piratininga (SP, Brazil). According to the Eckhardt Flow Separation Filters and Soil Moisture Accounting Procedure methods, the recharge was 312.6 mm/yr and 232.0 mm/yr, respectively; and 286.2 mm/yr to the modified-Thornthwaite method for the 2000-2018 period. Recharge values prone to converge as more extended periods are analyzed (ideally 18 years) because the sensitivities to a specific parameter tend to be mitigated over time. With the integration of the methods, we established how changes in land-use impact the aquifer recharge and, thus, the discharges and the behavior of the river's recession curve. Areas used to cultivate sugar cane (193 mm/yr), eucalyptus (150 mm/yr), or to urbanization (72 mm/yr) exert control over aquifer recharge even more than topography or type of soil. The combined and integrated use of three simple techniques allows them to be used for land-use planning and assessment of water availability in small hydrographic basins when hydrological data are scarce.

Groundwater governance: The illegality of exploitation and ways to minimize the problem.

In Brazil, there are about 2.5 million tubular wells in which 88% of them are illegal, extracting more than 17,580 Mm3/yr. This irregular use may cause sustainability issues that may be economic, social, or environmental (overexploitation, well losses and associated increases of water conflicts; aquifer contamination; and land subsidence). This paper aims to address the illegal wells in Brazil and discuss measures to minimize it. Conclusions indicate that users do not understand the aquifer dynamic and, therefore, do not have a proper understanding of problems such as loss of water quality and quantity caused by the excess of groundwater exploitation. This creates a false idea that there are no water conflicts among users, which causes a lack of engagement by society. Without groundwater users and stakeholder pressure, the government does not aim to control or close illegal wells, and the "vicious cycle" persists. The one way to break this "vicious cycle" would be programs of social communication and users' participation, coupled with improvements to the control apparatus and inspection from State institutions, making sure that there is correct management and not only legislations that are not applied.

Multi-layered water resources, management, and uses under the impacts of global changes in a southern coastal metropolis: When will it be already too late? Crossed analysis in Recife, NE Brazil.

Coastal water resources are a worldwide key socio-environmental issue considering the increasing concentration of population in these areas. Here, we propose an integrative transdisciplinary approach of water resource, water management and water access in Recife (NE Brazil). The present-day water situation is conceptualized as an imbricated multi-layered system: a multi-layered water resource, managed by a multi-layered governance system and used by a multi-layered social population. This allows identifying processes of quantitative, qualitative, and sanitary conflicts between governance and population strategies regarding water supply, as well as the institutional and individual denials of these conflicts. Based on this model, we anticipate future water-related problematic fates. Concerning the water resource system, the rapid groundwater level decrease due to unsustainable water predatory strategies, and the very low recharge rate have drastically modified the aquifer system functioning, inducing hydraulic connection between shallow groundwater (contaminated and locally salty) and deep ones (mostly fresh, with local inherited salinity), threatening the deep strategic water resource. Concerning the water governance system, the investments to increase the capacity storage of surface water, the water regulation agencies and the public/private partnership should shortly improve the water supply and wastewater issue. Nevertheless, the water situation will remain highly fragile due to the expected water demand increase, the precipitation decrease and the sea-level increase. Concerning the water access system, the population variably perceives these current and further effects and the possible mitigation policies, and develops alternative individual strategies. Authorities, policymakers and water managers will have to implement a well-balanced water governance, taking into account the specificities of the PPP, public and private groundwater users, and with a strong political willingness for a sustainable water management to ensure water supply for all the population. In other words, an anticipatory and integrated vision is necessary to reduce the discrepancies in this complex system.

Transmissivity of Aquifer by Capture Zone Method: An Application in the Sete Lagoas Karst Aquifer, MG, Brazil.

Transmissivity is an important hydraulic parameter to determine the amount of water passed horizontally across a given saturated thickness of an aquifer. The techniques to quantify this parameter, such as grain size analyses or pumping tests, can have limitations of time/spatial scale, viability, or economically. One technique that can be used, but little adopted, is the capture zone analysis. In this paper, capture zone analytical equations were used to estimate transmissivity values in order to verify the effectiveness of this methodology as alternative in situations where other traditional methods present implementation difficulties. The results were compared with field data estimated by aquifer tests conducted in the same region. A sensitivity analysis was also performed to identify possible discrepancies between the analytical and field data results. The aquifer studied was the Sete Lagoas Karst Aquifer in the urban region of the municipality of Sete Lagoas, Brazil. The method proved to be a viable and economical tool, where the analytical values compared to the aquifer tests showed similarities, being confirmed by a sensitivity analysis. However, a reliable potentiometric surface map, which enables the identification of the parameters for analytical capture zone equations, is needed.

Transmissivity of Aquifer by Capture Zone Method: An Application in the Sete Lagoas Karst Aquifer, MG, Brazil

ABSTRACT Transmissivity is an important hydraulic parameter to determine the amount of water passed horizontally across a given saturated thickness of an aquifer. The techniques to quantify this parameter, such as grain size analyses or pumping tests, can have limitations of time/spatial scale, viability, or economically. One technique that can be used, but little adopted, is the capture zone analysis. In this paper, capture zone analytical equations were used to estimate transmissivity values in order to verify the effectiveness of this methodology as alternative in situations where other traditional methods present implementation difficulties. The results were compared with field data estimated by aquifer tests conducted in the same region. A sensitivity analysis was also performed to identify possible discrepancies between the analytical and field data results. The aquifer studied was the Sete Lagoas Karst Aquifer in the urban region of the municipality of Sete Lagoas, Brazil. The method proved to be a viable and economical tool, where the analytical values compared to the aquifer tests showed similarities, being confirmed by a sensitivity analysis. However, a reliable potentiometric surface map, which enables the identification of the parameters for analytical capture zone equations, is needed.

Geologic conceptual model of the municipality of Sete Lagoas (MG, Brazil) and the surroundings.

The study area is located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, among the municipalities of Pedro Leopoldo, Matozinhos, and Sete Lagoas, with Velhas River as the eastern boundary. It is located in the São Francisco Craton, where carbonated argillo-arenaceous sediments are emplaced giving origin to the Bambuí Group, in the São Francisco Basin. Despite the geological knowledge previously developed, the region needs work on integration and detailing of such information. For this reason, the main objective was to contribute to the quality of the geologic cartography, the spatial distribution, and the structural framework geometry. Thus, geologic mapping, aerial photography interpretation, and evaluation of 270 lithologic well profiles were carried out. It was possible to establish a new geologic perspective of the region by obtaining the detailed geologic map of the municipality of Sete Lagoas, 14 geologic cross sections, and a geologic conceptual model. The study showed that the area is within a basin border, presenting a geometry conditioned by horst and graben system controlled by faulting. This structural feature displaced stratigraphic sequences positioning them side by side with lithologic sequences with different ages.

Origins and processes of groundwater salinization in the urban coastal aquifers of Recife (Pernambuco, Brazil): A multi-isotope approach.

In the coastal multilayer aquifer system of a highly urbanized southern city (Recife, Brazil), where groundwaters are affected by salinization, a multi-isotope approach (Sr, B, O, H) was used to investigate the sources and processes of salinization. The high diversity of the geological bodies, built since the Atlantic opening during the Cretaceous, highly constrains the heterogeneity of the groundwater chemistry, e.g. Sr isotope ratios, and needs to be integrated to explain the salinization processes and groundwater pathways. A paleoseawater intrusion, most probably the 120 kyB.P. Pleistocene marine transgression, and cationic exchange are clearly evidenced in the most salinized parts of the Cabo and Beberibe aquifers. All (87)Sr/(86)Sr values are above the past and present-day seawater signatures, meaning that the Sr isotopic signature is altered due to additional Sr inputs from dilution with different freshwaters, and water-rock interactions. Only the Cabo aquifer presents a well-delimitated area of Na-HCO3 water typical of a freshening process. The two deep aquifers also display a broad range of B concentrations and B isotope ratios with values among the highest known to date (63-68.5‰). This suggests multiple sources and processes affecting B behavior, among which mixing with saline water, B sorption on clays and mixing with wastewater. The highly fractionated B isotopic values were explained by infiltration of relatively salty water with B interacting with clays, pointing out the major role played by (palaeo)-channels for the deep Beberibe aquifer recharge. Based on an increase of salinity at the end of the dry season, a present-day seawater intrusion is identified in the surficial Boa Viagem aquifer. Our conceptual model presents a comprehensive understanding of the major groundwater salinization pathways and processes, and should be of benefit for other southern Atlantic coastal aquifers to better address groundwater management issues.

Groundwater resources in Brazil: a review of possible impacts caused by climate change.

Groundwater has a strategic role in times of climate change mainly because aquifers can provide water for long periods, even during very long and severe drought. The reduction and/or changes on the precipitation pattern can diminish the recharge mainly in unconfined aquifer, causing available groundwater restriction. The expected impact of long-term climate changes on the Brazilian aquifers for 2050 will lead to a severe reduction in 70% of recharge in the Northeast region aquifers (comparing to 2010 values), varying from 30% to 70% in the North region. Data referring to the South and Southeast regions are more favorable, with an increase in the relative recharge values from 30% to 100%. Another expected impact is the increase in demand and the decrease in the surface water availability that will make the population turn to aquifers as its main source of water for public or private uses in many regions of the country. Thus, an integrated use of surface and groundwater must therefore be considered in the water use planning. The solution of water scarcity is based on three factors: society growth awareness, better knowledge on the characteristics of hydraulic and chemical aquifers and effective management actions.

Basic oxygen furnace slag as a treatment material for pathogens: contribution of inactivation and attachment in virus attenuation.

Basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag media were studied as a potential treatment material in on-site sanitation systems. Batch and column studies were conducted to evaluate attenuation of the bacteriophage PR772 and 0.190 microm diameter microspheres by BOF media, and to delineate the relative contributions of two principle processes of virus attenuation: inactivation and attachment. In the batch studies, conducted at 4 degrees C, substantial inactivation of PR772 did not occur in the pH 7.6 and 9.5 suspensions. At pH 11.4, bimodal inactivation of PR772 was observed, at an initial rate of 2.1 log C/C(0) day(-1) for the first two days, followed by a much slower rate of 0.124 log C/C(0) day(-1) over the following 10 days. Two column studies were conducted at 4 degrees C at a flow rate of 1 pore volume day(-1) using two slag sources (Stelco, Ontario; Tubarão, Brazil) combined with sand and pea gravel. In both column experiments, the effluent microsphere concentration approached input concentrations over time (reductions of 0.1-0.2 log C/C(0)), suggesting attachment processes for microspheres were negligible. Removal of PR772 virus was more pronounced both during the early stages of the experiments, but also after longer transport times (0.5-1.0 log C/C(0)). PR772 reduction appeared to be primarily as a result of virus inactivation in response to the elevated pH conditions generated by the BOF mixture (10.6-11.4). On-site sanitation systems using BOF media should be designed to maintain sufficient contact time between the BOF media and the wastewater to allow sufficient residence time of pathogens at elevated pH conditions.

Natural occurrence of hexavalent chromium in a sedimentary aquifer in Urânia, State of São Paulo, Brazil

Anomalous concentrations of hexavalent chromium have been detected in ground-water of the Adamantina Aquifer inat least 54 municipalities located in the northwestern region of the State of São Paulo, southeast Brazil, occasionallyexceeding the permitted limit for human consumption (0.05 mg.L-1). An investigation was conducted in the municipality of Urânia, where the highest concentrations of chromium were detected regionally. It was defined that the originof this contamination is natural, since high concentrations of chromium were detected in aquifer sandstones (averageof 221 ppm) and also in pyroxenes (6000 ppm), one of the main heavy minerals found in the sediments. Besides, noother possible diffuse or point sources of contamination were observed in the study area. Stratification of ground-waterquality was observed and the highest concentrations of Cr6+ were detected at the base of the aquifer (0.12 mg.L-1),where ground-water shows elevated values for redox potential (472.5 mV) and pH (8.61). The origin of Cr6+ in water may be associated with the weathering of pyroxene (augite), followed by the oxidation of Cr3+ by manganese oxides. The highest concentrations of Cr6+ are probably related to desorption reactions, due to the anomalous alkaline pHfound in ground-water at the base of the aquifer.

Concentrações anômalas de cromo hexavalente foram detectadas em águas subterrâneas do Aqüífero Adamantina em pelo menos 54 municipalidades localizadas na região noroeste do Estado de São Paulo, sudeste do Brasil, algumas vezes ultrapassando o limite máximo permitido para consumo humano (0,05 mg.L-1). Um estudo foi realizado no município de Urânia, onde as mais elevadas concentrações de cromo da região foram detectadas. A origem da contaminação foi definida como natural, pois foram detectadas concentrações de cromonos arenitos do aqüífero (média 221 ppm) e em piroxênios (6000 ppm), um dos principais minerais pesados encontrados nos sedimentos. Além disso, não foram observadas outras possíveis fontes de contaminação difusas ou pontuais naárea de estudo. Uma estratificação da qualidade da água no aqüífero foi observada e as mais elevadas concentrações de Cr6+ foram detectadas na base do aqüífero (0,12 mg.L-1), onde as águas subterrâneas apresentam valores elevados de potencial redox (Eh = 472,5 mV) e de pH (8,61). A origem do Cr6+ na água deve estar associada com o intemperismo do piroxênio (augita), seguida da oxidação do Cr3+ pelos óxidos de manganês. As maiores concentrações de Cr6+ estão provavelmente ligadas com reações de desorção, devido ao pH anomalamentealcalino da água subterrânea na base do aqüífero.

O rio da alma: reflexões da ecologia arquetípica sobre o complexo cultural paulistano / The soul river: reflections about the paulistanos cultural complex archetypical ecology

O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma leitura da crise ecológica atual sob o prisma da psicologia analítica. Acreditamos que, em São Paulo, um dos pilares desta crise reside a relação, psíquica e espiritual, entre seus habitantes e o rio Tiête. Analisando o imaginário ligado ao rio desde o século XVI até os dias atuais, bem como o simbolismmo do rio e da água, identificamos um conflito psíquico que deu origem a uma cisão entre natureza civilização. Por fim, concluímos que a problemática ecológica no rio Tiête é um sintoma de um complexo cultural presente e atuante na psique paulistana.(AU)

The aim of this work is to examine the current ecological crisis under the perspective of Analytical Psychology. We believe that one of the pillars of this crisis rests in the own relationship, psychological and spiritual, between São Paulo’s inhabitants and the Tietê river. Analysing the imaginary linked to the river since the XVI th century to the present, as well as the river and the water’s symbolism, we identified a psychic conflict that has created a scission between nature versus civilization. Finally, we conclude that the ecological problem in the Tietê river is a symptom of a cultural complex, present and active in the collective psyche of São Paulo’s inhabitants.(AU)

O rio da alma: reflexões da ecologia arquetípica sobre o complexo cultural paulistano / The soul river: reflections about the paulistanos cultural complex archetypical ecology

O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma leitura da crise ecológica atual sob o prisma da psicologia analítica. Acreditamos que, em São Paulo, um dos pilares desta crise reside a relação, psíquica e espiritual, entre seus habitantes e o rio Tiête. Analisando o imaginário ligado ao rio desde o século XVI até os dias atuais, bem como o simbolismmo do rio e da água, identificamos um conflito psíquico que deu origem a uma cisão entre natureza civilização. Por fim, concluímos que a problemática ecológica no rio Tiête é um sintoma de um complexo cultural presente e atuante na psique paulistana.

The aim of this work is to examine the current ecological crisis under the perspective of Analytical Psychology. We believe that one of the pillars of this crisis rests in the own relationship, psychological and spiritual, between São Paulo’s inhabitants and the Tietê river. Analysing the imaginary linked to the river since the XVI th century to the present, as well as the river and the water’s symbolism, we identified a psychic conflict that has created a scission between nature versus civilization. Finally, we conclude that the ecological problem in the Tietê river is a symptom of a cultural complex, present and active in the collective psyche of São Paulo’s inhabitants.

Groundwater resources in the State of São Paulo (Brazil): the application of indicators.

Indicators, for groundwater resources, have mostly been employed to define the present status and the degradation tendency, regarding both quantity (under- or overexploitation) and quality (natural and anthropic contamination). This work presents the application of indicators in order to draw a picture of the groundwater resources situation in the 22 Water Resource Management Units (WRMU) of the State of São Paulo. The seven Indicators (I1 to I7) applied provide a general overview of groundwater dependence (I1, I2), availability (I3, I4), and quality (I5, I6, I7). Considering public supply (Indicator 1), one observes that 9 WRMUs show high (>50% of the population supplied by groundwater), 6, intermediate (49-25%), and 7, low (<24%) dependence on groundwater. Indicators 3 and 4 show that the resource still presents a great potential for further abstractions in most of the WRMUs, although there is evidence of overexploitation in the Upper Tietê, Turvo/Grande, and Pardo basins, and low availability in the Upper Tietê, Piracicaba/Capivari/Jundiai, and Turvo/Grande. Indicator 5 (aquifer natural vulnerability) denotes that the WRMUs 2, 4, 8, 13, 14 and 18-22 (part of the recharge area of Guarani Aquifer System) need more attention mainly where large contaminant loads are present. Indicator 6 shows the general excellent natural quality of groundwater, although it also denotes that 3 WRMUs need special consideration due to chromium and fluoride contamination. Indicator 7 demonstrates a close relationship between groundwater contamination occurrence and density/type of land occupation.

Trends in nitrate concentrations and determination of its origin using stable isotopes (18O and 15N) in groundwater of the Western Central Valley, Costa Rica.

A study was conducted to evaluate long-term trends in nitrate concentrations and to try to identify the origin of nitrate using stable isotopes (15N(NO3-) and 18O(NO3-)) in the aquifers of the western Central Valley, Costa Rica, where more than 1 million people depend on groundwater to satisfy their daily needs. Data from 20 sites periodically sampled for 4 to 17 years indicate an increasing trend in nitrate concentrations at five sites, which in a period ranging from 10 to 40 years, will exceed recommended maximum concentrations. Results of isotopic analysis indicate a correspondence between land use patterns and the isotopic signature of nitrate in groundwater and suggest that urbanization processes without adequate waste disposal systems, followed by coffee fertilization practices, are threatening water quality in the region. We conclude that groundwater management in this area is not sustainable, and that land use substitution processes from agricultural activity to residential occupation that do not have proper sewage disposal systems may cause a significant increment in the nitrate contaminant load.

As raizes do paradigma ecològico junguiano / The roots of Jungian ecological paradigm

O objetivo deste trabalho é iniciar uma análise do símbolo da natureza e do meio ambiente nas obras completas de C.G.Jung. Procuramos reconhecê-lo como o pioneiro da psicologia ambiental, ou da ecopsicologia, e mesmo um dos primeiros pensadores ecológicos da modernidade. Sua grande inovação reside no fato de ter ampliado as raizes do vínculo substancial da ciência mecanicista-cartesiana-positivista a um paradigma de vínculo funcional. Desse modo, abarca de forma indissociável, em suas reflexões, a matéria e a psique, dentro de uma metodologia empírica dos fenômenos psicológicos. Abordamos aqui os estudos relevantes ao tema realizados entre 1896 e 1912 (AU)

As raizes do paradigma ecològico junguiano / The roots of Jungian ecological paradigm

O objetivo deste trabalho é iniciar uma análise do símbolo da natureza e do meio ambiente nas obras completas de C.G.Jung. Procuramos reconhecê-lo como o pioneiro da psicologia ambiental, ou da ecopsicologia, e mesmo um dos primeiros pensadores ecológicos da modernidade. Sua grande inovação reside no fato de ter ampliado as raizes do vínculo substancial da ciência mecanicista-cartesiana-positivista a um paradigma de vínculo funcional. Desse modo, abarca de forma indissociável, em suas reflexões, a matéria e a psique, dentro de uma metodologia empírica dos fenômenos psicológicos. Abordamos aqui os estudos relevantes ao tema realizados entre 1896 e 1912.

O complexo de Chronos e o descompasso emocional / The Chronos complex and emotional disharmony

Este artigo visa uma reflexão sobre o fator tempo na cultura ocidental pós-moderna. O culto ao consumo do efêmero, dos relacionamentos descartáveis, da poluição biotóxica, das angústias e ansiedades pela falta de tempo e do descompasso oferta-demanda versus reciclagem são sintomas de um complexo ligado ao simbolismo do tempo, o qual denominamos complexo de Chronos. Acreditamos que a perda de sentido da mitologia do tempo devida à rápida evolução científico-tecnológica remeteu as polaridades repouso e destruição do quatérnio temporal ao inconsciente, constelando uma faceta de nosso complexo cultural. Concluímos que a psicologia analítica dispões de um instrumental rico e criativo que pode auxiliar na resolução dessa questão(AU)