Dams impacts upon the fluxes of biogenic matter

Abstract

Dams impacts are usually associated with the formation of artificial lakes, population displacements and loss of continental habitats. However, but not less significant, are the impacts upon the fluxes of water and materials to the coastal zone with severe quantitative and qualitative alterations which may cause saline water intrusion and coastal erosion, loss of estuarine and coastal zone fertility and the alterations of regional and global biogeochemical cycles. The present article, presents a brief review on the theme by incorporating Brazilian examples addressed by the work group from the Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Transferência de Materiais Continente-Oceano (INCT-TMCOcean).