Sampling frequency optimization of the water quality monitoring network in São Paulo State (Brazil) towards adaptive monitoring in a developing country.

Water quality monitoring networks (WQMNs) that capture both the temporal and spatial dimensions are essential to provide reliable data for assessing water quality trends in surface waters, as well as for supporting initiatives to control anthropogenic activities. Meeting these monitoring goals as efficiently as possible is crucial, especially in developing countries where the financial resources are limited and the water quality degradation is accelerating. Here, we asked if sampling frequency could be reduced while maintaining the same degree of information as with bimonthly sampling in the São Paulo State (Brazil) WQMN. For this purpose, we considered data from 2004 to 2018 for 56 monitoring sites distributed into four out of 22 of the state's water resources management units (UGRHIs, "Unidades de Gerenciamento de Recursos Hídricos"). We ran statistical tests for identifying data redundancy among two-month periods in the dry and wet seasons, followed by objective criteria to develop a sampling frequency recommendation. Our results showed that the reduction would be feasible in three UGRHIs, with the number of annual samplings ranging from two to four (instead of the original six). In both seasons, dissolved oxygen and Escherichia coli required more frequent sampling than the other analyzed parameters to adequately capture variability. The recommendation was compatible with flexible monitoring strategies observed in well-structured WQMNs worldwide, since the suggested sampling frequencies were not the same for all UGRHIs. Our approach can contribute to establishing a methodology to reevaluate WQMNs, potentially resulting in less costly and more adaptive strategies in São Paulo State and other developing areas with similar challenges.

Effect of three commercial algaecides on cyanobacteria and microcystin-LR: implications for drinking water treatment using activated carbon.

Toxic cyanobacterial blooms in aquatic ecosystems are associated to both public health and environmental concerns worldwide. Depending on the treatment technologies used, the removal capacity of cyanotoxins by drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) is not sufficient to reach safe levels in drinking water. Likewise, controlling these blooms with algaecide may impair the efficiency of DWTPs due to the possible lysis of cyanobacterial cells and consequent release of cyanotoxins. We investigated the effects of three commercial algaecides (cationic polymer, copper sulfate, and hydrogen peroxide) on the growth parameters of the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa and the release of microcystin-LR (MC-LR). The potential interference of each algaecide on the MC-LR removal by adsorption on activated carbon (AC) was also tested through adsorption isotherms and kinetics experiments. Most algaecides significantly decreased the cell density and biovolume of M. aeruginosa, as well as increased the release of MC-LR. Interestingly, the presence of the algaecides in binary mixtures with MC-LR affected the adsorption of the cyanotoxin. Relevant adsorption parameters (e.g., maximum adsorption capacity, adsorption intensity, and affinity between MC-LR and AC) were altered when the algaecides were present, especially in the case of the cationic polymer. Also, the algaecides influenced the kinetics (e.g., by shifting the initial adsorption and the desorption constant), which may directly affect the design and operation of DWTPs. Our study indicated that algaecides can significantly impact the fate and the removal of MC-LR in DWTPs when the adsorption process is employed, with important implications for the management and performance of such facilities.

Smartphone-based spectrometry system as a prescreening assessment of copper and iron for real time control of water pollution.

Due to anthropogenic actions, the presence of pollutants in water bodies, such as toxic metals, are increasingly negatively affecting water quality, biodiversity and sustainable goals worldwide. Therefore, decentralization of water pollution monitoring with low-cost devices, such as using smartphones, suggests an innovative green technology for in situ and real-time control. In this study, a Handheld Smartphone Spectrophotometry System (HSSS) was developed to estimate copper and iron concentration water samples. The system mainly comprises a portable commercial spectrometer (GoSpectro) that can measure the spectrum of light in the visible region. The HSSS LOD and LOQ for copper were equal to 0.589 and 1.784 mg/L, respectively, and 0.479 and 1.450 mg/L, respectively for iron. In addition, the results of copper and iron concentrations in samples with unknown concentrations using HSSS were close to the Benchtop Spectrophometer (BS). Finally, HSSS performance showed to be a new green technology for water quality management with potential applications for monitoring water resources and also providing further possibilities to measure other pollutants by the same technique, in addition to metals.

COVID-19 and organisational resilience in Brazil's water sector.

The COVID-19 pandemic required a wide range of adaptations to the way that water sector operated globally. This paper looks into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Brazilian water sector and evaluates the water sector's organisational resilience from the lens of water professionals. This study uses British Standard (BS 65000:2014)'s Resilience Maturity Scale method to evaluate organisational resilience in water sector under two defined scenarios of before and during the pandemic. For this purpose, the self-assessment framework developed by Southern Water in the United Kingdom (based on BS 65000:2014), comprising of the core resilience elements of Direction, Awareness, Alignment, Learning, Strengthening, and Assurance, are used for evaluations. A qualitative-quantitative surveying method is used for data collection. A total of 14 responses to the whole questionnaire were received from May 2021 to August 2021, each representing one water company in Brazil (four local companies and ten state-owned ones). The analyses identified COVID-19 as a threat multiplier particularly to already existing financial challenges due to the pre-existing threats in water sector. Bad debt and the COVID-19 emergency measures are recognised as the main challenges by 21 % and 14 % of the survey respondents. The state-owned and local companies scored an almost similar maturity level 3, 35 % and 34 % respectively, while the local companies scored much lower at maturity level 4 i.e., 26 % as opposed to 47 % in state-owned sector. This indicates that COVID-19 has a greater impact on local companies and the needs to increase preparedness. This study replicates an international experience to raise awareness on water sector's resiliency in Brazil and how it can be improved to withstand future external shocks. It sheds light on how and what existing challenges can be exacerbated facing a global shock and proposes opportunities for improvement of resilience maturity in water sector in Brazil.

Methane concentrations and fluxes in agricultural and preserved tropical headwater streams.

Tropical streams have been intensively impacted by agricultural activities. Among the most important agricultural activities in Brazil, sugarcane production represents a large impact for economic development and for environmental conditions. Permeating sugarcane fields, several headwater streams can be affected by sugarcane cultivation, in special, aquatic biogeochemical cycles because of the deforestation, fertilization, crop residues and higher temperatures in the tropics. In this study, we analyzed the effects of sugarcane cultivation on methane fluxes and concentrations, assuming that carbon cycles are influenced by agricultural activities in headwater streams. Our study aimed to (1) measure methane fluxes and concentrations in tropical streams located in Southeastern Brazil, (2) Analyze whether seasonal cycles influence methane fluxes and concentrations, (3) Evaluate the influence of sugarcane cultivation on methane fluxes and (4) Analyze the association between water chemistry in the methane concentrations in tropical streams. We found mean fluxes of CH4 of 0.280 mmol m-2 d-1, with higher fluxes during the summer and in streams draining preserved catchments. The average CH4 concentrations were 0.695 µmol L-1, with higher values during the summer and in streams draining preserved catchments. Methane concentrations in the studied streams was influenced by dissolved oxygen (negatively), dissolved organic carbon (negatively), water velocity (positively) and conductivity (negatively). Methane concentrations were significantly higher than concentrations found in Temperate Grasslands, Savannas & Shrublands and similar to concentrations found in other tropical biomes (excluding Tropical & Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests which receives large amounts of organic inputs). We conclude that sugarcane influence methane concentrations and fluxes in tropical streams by reducing the organic matter availability provided by the native vegetation in soil and water.

Exposure to microcystin-LR in tropical reservoirs for water supply poses high risks for children and adults.

While the presence of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) in raw water from eutrophic reservoirs poses human health concerns, the risks associated with the ingestion of MC-LR in drinking water are not fully elucidated. We used a time series of MC-LR in raw water from tropical urban reservoirs in Brazil to estimate the hazard quotients (HQs) for non-carcinogenic health effects and the potential ingestion of MC-LR through drinking water. We considered scenarios of MC-LR removal in the drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) of two supply systems (Cascata and Guarapiranga). The former uses coagulation/flocculation/sedimentation/filtration/disinfection, while the latter has an additional step of membrane ultrafiltration, with contrasting expected MC-LR removal efficiencies. We considered reference values for infants (0.30 µg L-1), children/adults (1.60 µg L-1), or the population in general (1.0 µg L-1). For most scenarios for Cascata, the 95% upper confidence level of the HQ indicated high risks of exposure for the population (HQ > 1), particularly for infants (HQ = 30.910). The water treatment in Cascata was associated to the potential exposure to MC-LR due to its limited removal capacity, with up to 263 days/year with MC-LR above threshold values. The Guarapiranga system had the lowest MC-LR in the raw water as well as higher expected removal efficiencies in the DWTP, resulting in negligible risks. We reinforce the importance of integrating raw water quality characteristics and treatment technologies to reduce the risks of exposure to MC-LR, especially for vulnerable population groups. Our results can serve as a starting point for risk management strategies to minimize cases of MC-LR intoxication in Brazil and other developing countries.

Competitive kinetics of adsorption onto activated carbon for emerging contaminants with contrasting physicochemical properties.

Activated carbon (AC) can be used for the removal of emerging contaminants (e.g., drugs) in water and wastewater treatment plants. In the present study, we investigated the performance of two ACs (from coconut shell and Pinnus sp.) in the adsorption of caffeine, carbamazepine, and ricobendazole considering the compounds separately and in combination in batch-scale experiments. The concentrations of the drugs were determined by a validated method using solid-phase extraction with on-line ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The most mesoporous AC provided higher drug removal. The kinetic data were described by the pseudo-second-order, Elovich, and Weber-Morris models, while the adsorption isotherms showed a better fit to the Freundlich model, indicative of multilayer adsorption. The Dubinin-Radushkevich model was used as a first approach to estimate the mean adsorption energy (E) and the results indicate that chemisorption governed the adsorption process, with E higher than 8 kJ mol-1. In the multicomponent assays, the adsorption of caffeine showed the greatest hindrance caused by the presence of other drugs. Multicomponent assays are fundamental to evaluate the potential adsorption capacity in real water treatment plants. Our study suggests that drugs with different structures and physicochemical properties may interact differently with ACs, especially in multicomponent solutions, with important implications for the design (e.g., volumes and areas of treatment plants) and operation (e.g., water residence time) of the treatment plants.

The Longitudinal Profile of a Stream Contaminated With 2,4-D and its Effects on Non-Target Species.

Pesticides can cause harmful effects to aquatic communities, even at concentrations below the threshold limit established as guidelines for the water bodies by environmental agencies. In this research, an input of the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (i.e., 2,4-D) was simulated under controlled conditions in a 500-m-long reach of a first-order tropical stream in Southeastern Brazil. Two water samplings at eight stations investigated the stream longitudinal contamination profile. The ecotoxicological effects were analyzed using Eruca sativa L. seed germination assays and the acute and chronic toxicity tests with the neotropical cladoceran Ceriodaphnia silvestrii. Physicochemical parameters of water quality were evaluated to characterize the study area and quantify 2,4-D concentrations along the stream to assess pesticide retention. The 2,4-D concentration was reduced by approximately 50% downstream in the samplings, indicating that the herbicide was retained along the stream. Moreover, C. silvestrii reproduction in long-term assays decreased approximately 50% in the stations with higher concentrations of 2,4-D than the laboratory control. After contamination, E. sativa L. showed a lower average root growth (1.0 cm), statistically different from the control (2.2 cm). On the other hand, similar growth values were obtained among the background and the most downstream stations. Our study highlighted the relevance of reviewing and updating herbicide guidelines and criteria to prevent possible ecological risks.

Spatial optimization of the water quality monitoring network in São Paulo State (Brazil) to improve sampling efficiency and reduce bias in a developing sub-tropical region.

Water quality monitoring networks (WQMNs) are essential to provide good data for management decisions. Nevertheless, some WQMNs may not appropriately reflect the conditions of the water bodies and their temporal/spatial dimensions, more particularly in developing countries. Also, some WQMNs may use more resources to attain management goals than necessary and can be improved. Here we analyzed the São Paulo State (Brazil) WQMN design in order to evaluate and increase its spatial representativeness based on cluster analysis and stratified sampling strategy focused on clear monitoring goals. We selected water resources management units (UGRHIs) representative of contrasting land uses in the state, with bimonthly data from 2004 to 2018 in 160 river/stream sites. Cluster analysis indicated monitoring site redundancy above 20% in most of the UGRHIs. We identified heterogeneous spatial strata based on land use, hydrological, and geological features through a stratified sampling strategy. We identified that monitoring sites overrepresented more impacted areas. Thus, the network is biased against determination of baseline conditions and towards highly modified aquatic systems. Our proposed spatial strategy suggested the reduction of the number of sites up to 12% in the UGRHIs with the highest population densities, while others would need expansions based on their environmental heterogeneity. The final densities ranged from 1.6 to 13.4 sites/1,000km2. Our results illustrate a successful approach to be considered in the São Paulo WQMN strategy, as well as providing a methodology that can be broadly applied in other developing countries.

Characterizing Trophic State in Tropical/Subtropical Reservoirs: Deviations among Indexes in the Lower Latitudes.

Trophic state indexes (TSI) guide management strategies regarding eutrophication control worldwide. Such indexes usually consider chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), total phosphorus (TP), and Secchi disk depth (SDD) as independent variables for estimating aquatic productivity and the degree of impairment. TSIs for each of these components are frequently averaged to produce a single TSI value associated with a trophic state classification (e.g., oligotrophic, mesotrophic, or eutrophic). The potential divergence among equations and classification systems originally developed for temperate lakes or tropical/subtropical reservoirs might be particularly relevant in the tropics, where there is a lack of data and the use of equations originally developed for temperate systems may be inappropriate. We calculated two widely used TSIs for temperate lakes (TSItemp) or tropical reservoirs (TSItrop) and explored the deviations among TSI components in Brazilian reservoirs. When applied to our tropical/subtropical reservoirs, the TSItemp provided a conservative approach, with lower limits anticipating increasing trophic state classification. TSI components for Chl-a and SDD significantly deviated for both sets of equations, and these discrepancies were related to turbidity, water temperature, and cyanobacterial biomass. For TSItemp, but not for TSItrop, TSI values in relation to Chl-a and TP were also significantly different. All such deviations have important management implications especially when Chl-a, TP, and SDD are averaged in a single TSI, representing loss of information and less useful trophic state classifications. Our results demonstrate that tropical water bodies may respond to drivers of eutrophication differently than temperate systems, highlighting the need for more data to better inform management of these understudied ecosystems. As managers collect data from more tropical water bodies, regional models may offer even better understanding of factors influencing trophic state.

Avaliação espacial e temporal de aspectos sanitários de reservatórios com captação de água para abastecimento em SP com ênfase em cianobactérias e cianotoxinas / Spatial and temporal assessment of sanitary aspects of public water supply reservoirs in SP, Brazil, with emphasis on cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins

RESUMO A presença de cianobactérias e cianotoxinas em reservatórios no estado de São Paulo constitui um desafio para produção de água potável. Sete reservatórios utilizados para abastecimento público, monitorados pela Companhia Ambiental do Estado de São Paulo (CETESB), foram analisados em relação a cianobactérias, microcistina e indicadores de contaminação fecal entre 2011 e 2015. Calcularam-se porcentagens de não conformidade com padrões de qualidade. Os resultados evidenciaram a presença de cianobactérias e microcistina (máximo de 22,4 g.L-1), além de conflitos com os padrões da Resolução CONAMA nº 357/2005 (BRASIL, 2005), o que reforça a importância de investimentos em coleta e tratamento de esgotos sanitários. É discutida a necessidade de maior integração entre as leis e resoluções que versam sobre qualidade da água, além do melhor planejamento dos recursos hídricos, com foco em metas progressivas de melhoria da qualidade da água.

ABSTRACT The occurrence of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in reservoirs in São Paulo State is a challenge to the production of drinking water. Seven reservoirs used for public supply and monitored by CETESB, were analyzed regarding cyanobacteria, microcystin and indicators of fecal contamination between 2011-2015. The percentages of non-compliance with water quality standards were calculated. Results highlighted the presence of cyanobacteria and microcystin (maximum of 22.4 µg/L), as well as conflicts with the standards provided by CONAMA Resolution No. 357/2005 (BRASIL, 2005), which reinforces the importance of investments in sanitary sewage collection and treatment. The need for greater integration between laws and resolutions on issues related to water quality were also discussed, as well as better planning of water resources, focusing on progressive goals for water quality improvement.

Caracterização e avaliação de fatores que determinam a remoção de microcistina-LR em carvão ativado granular produzido a partir de diferentes matérias-primas / Characterization and evaluation of factors influencing microcystin-LR removal by granular activated carbon produced from different raw materials

RESUMO As microcistinas (MC), que estão entre as cianotoxinas mais encontradas em florações de cianobactérias, não são eficientemente removidas pelas tecnologias do ciclo completo de tratamento de água. Como barreira adicional para sua remoção, destaca-se o processo de adsorção com carvão ativado granular (CAG). Esta pesquisa comparou a eficiência de remoção de MC-LR por sete CAG produzidos a partir de diferentes matérias-primas, analisando as propriedades das amostras: umidade, teor de cinzas, pH e características texturais. Inicialmente, os resultados indicaram que as propriedades dos CAG foram influenciadas pelo material de origem, assim como pelo método de produção. Nos ensaios de adsorção, o modelo de Langmuir indicou que, em quatro horas, com dosagem de 100 mg.L-1, o CAG de linhito (CGLIN) apresentou a maior capacidade de remoção (97,2%) de MC-LR (Co: 115,1 µg.L-1), com qe,máx de 10,6 mg.g-1. O volume de mesoporos influenciou significativamente a capacidade adsortiva de MC dos carvões avaliados (r=0,98, Pearson). Esses resultados podem oferecer subsídios para a aplicação do processo de adsorção de MC-LR em estações de tratamento de água (ETA) para a minimização de intoxicações por água contaminada.

ABSTRACT Microcystins (MC), which are among the cyanotoxins more commonly found in cyanobacterial blooms, are not efficiently removed by full-cycle water treatment technologies. As an additional barrier, there is the adsorption process with granular activated carbon (GAC). This research compared the efficiency of MC-LR removal by seven GACs produced from different raw materials, analyzing these samples' properties: moisture, ash content, pH and textural characteristics. Initially, the results indicated that the GAC properties were influenced by the source material, as well as by the production method. In the adsorption assays, the Langmuir model indicated that in 4h, with 100 mg.L-1 dosage, the granular activated carbon of lignite (CGLIN) had the highest MC-LR (Co: 115.1 µg.L-1) removal capacity (97.2%), with qe,max of 10.6 mg.g-1. The volume of mesopores significantly influenced the adsorption capacity of microcystin by the evaluated GACs (r=0.98, Pearson). These results can support the application of the MC-LR adsorption process in water treatment plants to minimize intoxication with contaminated water.

The contribution of volunteer-based monitoring data to the assessment of harmful phytoplankton blooms in Brazilian urban streams.

Urban streams are vulnerable to a range of impacts, leading to the impairment of ecosystem services. However, studies on phytoplankton growth in tropical lotic systems are still limited. Citizen science approaches use trained volunteers to collect environmental data. We combined data on urban streams collected by volunteers with data obtained by professional scientists to identify potential drivers of phytoplankton community and determine thresholds for Cyanobacteria development. We combined datasets (n=117) on water quality and environmental observations in 64 Brazilian urban streams with paired data on phytoplankton. Sampling activities encompassed dry (July 2013 and July 2015) and warm (February and November 2014) seasons. Volunteers quantified phosphate (PO43-), nitrate (NO3-) and turbidity in each stream using colorimetric and optical methods and recorded environmental conditions in the immediate surroundings of the sites through visual observations. We used non-parametric statistics to identify correlations among nutrients, turbidity and phytoplankton. We also looked for thresholds with respect to high Cyanobacteria abundance (>50,000cells/mL). The streams were characterized by relatively high nutrient concentrations (PO43-: 0.11mg/L; NO3-: 2.6mg/L) and turbidity (49 NTU). Phytoplankton densities reached 189,000cells/mL, mainly potentially toxic Cyanobacteria species. Moderate but significant (p<0.05) correlations were observed between phytoplankton density and turbidity (ρ=0.338, Spearman) and PO43- (ρ=0.292), but not with NO3-. Other important variables (river flow, temperature and light) were not assessed. Volunteers' observations covaried with phytoplankton density (p<0.05, Kruskal-Wallis), positively with increasing number of pollution sources and negatively with presence of vegetation in the riparian zone. Our results indicate that thresholds for PO43- (0.11mg/L) can be used to separate systems with high Cyanobacteria density. The number of pollution sources provided a good indicator of waterbodies with potential cyanobacteria problems. Our findings reinforced the need for nutrient abatement and restoration of local streams and highlighted the benefits of volunteer-based monitoring to support decision-making.

Trophic State Evolution and Nutrient Trapping Capacity in a Transboundary Subtropical Reservoir: A 25-Year Study.

Artificial reservoirs have been used for drinking water supply, other human activities, flood control and pollution abatement worldwide, providing overall benefits to downstream water quality. Most reservoirs in Brazil were built during the 1970s, but their long-term patterns of trophic status, water chemistry, and nutrient removal are still not very well characterized. We aimed to evaluate water quality time series (1985-2010) data from the riverine and lacustrine zones of the transboundary Itaipu Reservoir (Brazil/Paraguay). We examined total phosphorus and nitrogen, chlorophyll a concentrations, water transparency, and phytoplankton density to look for spatial and temporal trends and correlations with trophic state evolution and nutrient retention. There was significant temporal and spatial water quality variation (P < 0.01, ANCOVA). The results indicated that the water quality and structure of the reservoir were mainly affected by one internal force (hydrodynamics) and one external force (upstream cascading reservoirs). Nutrient and chlorophyll a concentrations tended to be lower in the lacustrine zone and decreased over the 25-year timeframe. Reservoir operational features seemed to be limiting primary production and phytoplankton development, which exhibited a maximum density of 6050  org/mL. The relatively small nutrient concentrations in the riverine zone were probably related to the effect of the cascade reservoirs upstream of Itaipu and led to relatively low removal percentages. Our study suggested that water quality problems may be more pronounced immediately after the filling phase of the artificial reservoirs, associated with the initial decomposition of drowned vegetation at the very beginning of reservoir operation.

Quantification of phytoplankton bloom dynamics by citizen scientists in urban and peri-urban environments.

Freshwater ecosystems are severely threatened by urban development and agricultural intensification. Increased occurrence of algal blooms is a main issue, and the identification of local dynamics and drivers is hampered by a lack of field data. In this study, data from 13 cities (250 water bodies) were used to examine the capacity of trained community members to assess elevated phytoplankton densities in urban and peri-urban freshwater ecosystems. Coincident nutrient concentrations and land use observations were used to examine possible drivers of algal blooms. Measurements made by participants showed a good relationship to standard laboratory measurements of phytoplankton density, in particular in pond and lake ecosystems. Links between high phytoplankton density and nutrients (mainly phosphate) were observed. Microscale observations of pollution sources and catchment scale estimates of land cover both influenced the occurrence of algal blooms. The acquisition of environmental data by committed and trained community members represents a major opportunity to support agency monitoring programmes and to complement field campaigns in the study of catchment dynamics.

Trends in nutrient and sediment retention in Great Plains reservoirs (USA).

Reservoirs are artificial ecosystems with physical, chemical, and biological transitional characteristics between rivers and lakes. Greater water retention time in reservoirs provides conditions for cycling materials inputs from upstream waters through sedimentation, biological assimilation and other biogeochemical processes. We investigated the effects of reservoirs on the water quantity and quality in the Great Plains (Kansas, USA), an area where little is known about these dominant hydrologic features. We analyzed a 30-year time-series of discharge, total phosphorus (TP), nitrate (NO3(-)), and total suspended solids (TSS) from six reservoirs and estimated overall removal efficiencies from upstream to downstream, testing correlations among retention, discharge, and time. In general, mean removal of TP (42-74%), TSS (0-93%), and NO3(-) (11-56%) from upstream to downstream did not change over 30 years. TP retention was associated with TSS removal, suggesting that nutrient substantial portion of P was adsorbed to solids. Our results indicated that reservoirs had the effect of lowering variance in the water quality parameters and that these reservoirs are not getting more or less nutrient-rich over time. We found no evidence of temporal changes in the yearly mean upstream and downstream discharges. The ratio upstream/downstream discharge was analyzed because it allowed us to assess how much contribution of additional unsampled tributaries may have biased our ability to calculate retention. Nutrient and sediment removal was less affected by hydraulic residence time than expected. Our study demonstrates that reservoirs can play a role in the removal and processing of nutrient and sediments, which has repercussions when valuing their ecological services and designing watershed management plans.

Resolução CONAMA 357/2005: análise espacial e temporal de não conformidades em rios e reservatórios do estado de São Paulo de acordo com seus enquadramentos (2005-2009) / CONAMA Framework Resolution 357/2005: spatial and temporal analysis of water quality legal compliances in rivers and reservoirs from São Paulo state, Brazil (2005-2009)

A Resolução CONAMA 357/2005 estabeleceu condições de qualidade para o enquadramento dos sistemas aquáticos no Brasil. Essa pesquisa avaliou os níveis de não conformidade entre a qualidade de rios e reservatórios do estado de São Paulo e o seu enquadramento para algumas variáveis. Foram analisados dados (n=43.897) de fósforo total, oxigênio dissolvido, nitrato, turbidez e Demanda Bioquímica de Oxigênio de 360 pontos amostrais nas 22 UGRHIs (Unidades de Gerenciamento de Recursos Hídricos) de SP. A situação se apresentou mais crítica para o fósforo total e o oxigênio dissolvido, sobretudo nas UGRHIs industriais. Entre 2005 e 2009, não houve melhoria significativa em relação aos resultados desconformes para algumas variáveis. Há necessidade de investimentos no tratamento de esgotos em nível terciário e de medidas para atenuar a geração de cargas difusas.

The CONAMA Framework Resolution 357/2005 fixed the conditions for establishing water quality categories in Brazilian aquatic systems. We assessed the levels of non-conformity among the water quality in rivers and reservoirs from São Paulo State (SP, Brazil) and their framework. We analyzed data (n=43,897) from total phosphorus, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, turbidity and Biochemical Oxygen Demand of 360 sampling sites within the 22 UGRHI (Water Resources Management Units) in SP from 2005 to 2009. The situation was unsatisfactory for total phosphorus and dissolved oxygen, mainly in the industrial UGRHI. There was no significant water quality improvement in relation to some of the studied variables within these five years, which indicates the need for directing investments on tertiary domestic wastewater treatment and mitigation of non-point pollution loads.

Integração entre curvas de permanência de quantidade e qualidade da água como uma ferramenta para a gestão eficiente dos recursos hídricos / Integration between cumulative frequency curves for water quantity and quality as a tool for effective water resources management

A garantia dos usos múltiplos da água, dos serviços ambientais e do equilíbrio ecológico depende de uma combinação adequada entre aspectos quantitativos e qualitativos dos rios. A presente pesquisa descreve aplicações de uma nova abordagem das curvas de permanência de vazões, que foram associadas a curvas de frequência acumulada de qualidade da água. Foram compilados dados de fósforo total (2005 a 2009) e vazão média mensal (1959 a 2003) dos rios Paraíba do Sul e Sorocaba para ilustrar o conceito. A integração entre as curvas de quantidade e qualidade se mostrou desejável por oferecer subsídios a concessões de outorga, à cobrança pelo uso da água, ao monitoramento ambiental e ao enquadramento dos cursos de água. Outro aspecto positivo é que essas curvas podem incorporar variações no clima e no uso e ocupação do solo, o que permite o estabelecimento de cenários ambientais.

The security of the different water uses, environmental services and ecological balance depends upon a well-weighted combination between quantitative and qualitative aspects in rivers. This research describes applications of a new approach of the frequency curves for discharge, which were associated with frequency curves for water quality. Data on total phosphorus (2005 to 2009) and monthly average flow (1959 to 2003) from the Paraíba do Sul and Sorocaba Rivers were compiled to further illustrate the concept. The integration between the curves of water quantity and quality was considered desirable as it can aid in the planning of water concessions, charging for water uses, environmental monitoring and establishment of water quality standards and framework. Moreover, these curves can accommodate variations in climate and land use, allowing the establishment of environmental scenarios.

Análise probabilística de ocorrência de incompatibilidade da qualidade da água com o enquadramento legal de sistemas aquáticos - estudo de caso do rio Pariquera-Açu (SP) / Probabilistic analysis of the occurrence of incompatibility of the water quality with the legal framework of aquatic systems - case study of Pariquera-Açu River (SP, Brazil)

Embora relativamente comuns no Brasil, programas de monitoramento da qualidade da água frequentemente não transformam os resultados em elementos que norteiem o poder público para a recuperação dos sistemas aquáticos. Assim, a presente pesquisa teve por objetivo discutir a utilização das curvas probabilísticas de incompatibilidade da qualidade da água com o enquadramento legal dos corpos de água como ferramenta complementar ao monitoramento. As probabilidades de inconformidade com a resolução CONAMA 357/05 (Classe 2) para o rio Pariquera-Açu (SP) em 2007 foram de 35, 8, 44, 1, 0, 0 e 0 por cento, respectivamente para oxigênio dissolvido, turbidez, fósforo, nitrogênio amoniacal, nitrito, nitrato e clorofila-a. Concluiu-se que o grau de condensação de informações gerado pelas curvas probabilísticas representa uma contribuição para a gestão da qualidade de água.

Although relatively common in Brazil, water quality monitoring programs usually do not organize the results in a way that they are able to guide local authorities for reclamation of aquatic systems. Therefore, this research aimed to discuss the use of probabilistic curves of water quality incompatibility with Brazilian legal framework of water bodies as a complementary tool for monitoring. The incompatibility probabilities with CONAMA 357/05 (framework for Class 2) for Pariquera-Açu river (São Paulo, Brazil) were 35, 8, 44, 1, 0, 0 and 0 percent, respectively, for dissolved oxygen, turbidity, phosphorus, nitrogen-ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and chlorophyll-a. We concluded that the condensation level of information achieved by probabilistic curves represents an important contribution for management of quality of the water.