Geoquímica das águas da bacia hidrográfica do Rio Descoberto, Brasília/DF - Brasil

Abstract

Recebido em 13/10/03; aceito em 25/2/05; publicado na web em 25/5/05 GEOCHEMISTRY OF THE WATERS OF THE DESCOBERTO RIVER HYDROGRAPHIC BASIN, BRASÍLIA/DF-BRAZIL. The objective of this paper is to investigate the physical and chemical quality of the water of the Descoberto River during the dry and rainy seasons by measuring pH, temperature, electric conductivity, total dissolved solids, turbidity, color, alkalinity and NO 3-, SO 4 2-, PO 4 3-, NH 4 + , Cl-and HCO 3-, and the elements Sr, Mo, Cd, Y, Ti, and K. The results showed high concentrations in both seasons, with dilution along the course of the river, minimizing for a while problems that compromise the quality of the water of this source. However, a progressive deterioration can occur due to an increase in the discharge of pollutants, resulting from population growth, agricultural activities and other factors.