Temporal Analysis of Water Quality for the Nilo Coelho Reservoir, Terra Nova, Pernambuco, Brazil

Abstract

The Brazilian northeast has a characteristic relationship with water resources because, in this region, water scarcity is associated with natural factors and accentuated by anthropic actions that interfere with water quality. The present work aimed to perform a temporal analysis of the water quality of the Nilo Coelho reservoir, municipality of Terra Nova, a semi-arid region of Pernambuco. Initially, the parameters of dissolved oxygen, nitrate, and phosphorus, available in the system of hydrological response units for Pernambuco (SUPer), following the resolution of the National Environment Council (CONAMA), for the years 1963–2021, were analyzed. Subsequently, land use and occupation mapping were carried out to identify the activities that developed in the region. The result of the analysis of water quality for the Nilo Coelho reservoir classifies it as little compromised, since the parameters are within acceptable limits, with greater variations for phosphorus. Regarding the use and occupation of the soil, there was an increase in water availability and agricultural areas, with a reduction in the caatinga. Continuous monitoring of water quality in the reservoir is recommended, in addition to the application of SUPer and land use and occupation maps as tools for the management of water resources.