Water quality of a stream subject to the release of industrial effluent in an environmental protected area

Abstract

This study evaluated the water quality of the Peri-Poçu Stream, Upper Paraná River basin, which is subjected to the effects of daily discharge of industrial effluent. Water samples were collected in August, September, November and December, 2013, at three sites (discharge of the effluent, upstream and downstream). At these sites, we determined temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and flow (Q). The pollutant load was estimated at each site to assess the role of the effluent as a polluter. From the ordination generated by the Principal Components Analysis we observed a clear spatial distinction, with the sites of discharge and downstream distinguished from the upstream site by the highest EC, BOD and pH, and by the lowest values of DO and Q. The mean values of the pollutant load were significantly different between sites, with the highest value found at the site of effluent discharge. The results highlight the need for efforts to better manage of water resources in the Mato Grosso do Sul State, especially those located in protected areas as is the case of the Peri-Poçu Stream in order to reduce costs to combat water pollution and conserve natural resources.