An overview of urban lagoons in Rio de Janeiro: Relevant aspects in the management of Rodrigo de Freitas and Araruama Lagoons and the Jacarepaguá Lagoon system

Abstract

Lake ecosystems, specifically those considered urban, have undergone changes in their physical, ecological and environmental characteristics. Intensification of anthropic pressure an absence of planning in the implementation of public services are observed, specifically with regard to water distribution and sanitation. Urban lagoons have been a frequent dumping location of sewage from illegal sewer connections. Therefore, it is necessary to build a management model that allows for the development of proposals aimed at mitigating the environmental impacts caused by anthropic actions. In light of this, this article strives to present an overview of the conditions of the lagoons in the state of Rio de Janeiro, highlighting managerial aspects and using the Rodrigo de Freitas, Araruama and Jacarepaguá lagoons as the basis for the analysis. To attain the proposed objectives, the research study conducted field studies and did interviews with people living in the region, public servants and environmental activists. The study found that lagoons that have touristic potential and can be used as source of water receive special attention, whereas isolated lagoon systems have been degraded to such a point that they are almost unrecoverable.