Avaliação ambiental macroscópica das nascentes da sub-bacia hidrográfica do córrego cachimbo em Palmas-TO

Abstract

Springs are phreatic outcrops that give rise to streams and rivers and are invaluable in the composition of hydrographic basins. The process of irregular land use and occupation, especially in Permanent Preservation Areas, can compromise the qualitative and quantitative capacities of spring water supply. The present work sought to qualitatively identify the environmental impacts to which the springs of the Córrego Cachimbo Watershed in the Municipality of Palmas are being subjected due to the urbanization process of the Santo Amaro and Lago Norte neighborhoods through the application of a Macroscopic Assessment of Environmental Impacts on Springs. In this evaluation, 20 parameters were verified that value the environmental conditions of the springs and their respective Permanent Preservation Areas. The diagnosis was based on in loco observations, together with a photographic record of the conditions of the areas surveyed in two field expeditions carried out in the months of September 2021 and January 2022. The field expeditions were preceded by the acquisition and treatment of vector layers and satellite images, making maps and reviewing the literature. As a result, three springs were identified that start the Cachimbo stream, two intermittent springs and one perennial spring. Among the environmental impacts identified in the springs evaluated, the deposition of solid urban waste inside the spring, the ease of access for humans and animals, the presence of domestic animals inside the springs and the existence of housing and urban infrastructure equipment in Permanent Preservation Areas. The Spring Environmental Quality Index obtained through the study indicated that none of the identified springs can be classified as “Preserved”. The two intermittent springs are “Moderately Preserved” and the perennial spring is “Degraded”