This study analyzes the environmental indicators of the municipality of Cáceres, Mato Grosso, a territory that encompasses portions of three major Brazilian biomes: Amazon, Cerrado, and Pantanal. Due to its location at the convergence of these biomes, Cáceres represents an ecologically sensitive mosaic where land-use pressures interact with fragile transitional dynamics. The methodology combined a systematic literature review with geotechnological analysis based on data from the MapBiomas Project and Landsat images (1985–2022), integrated into the Pressure-State-Response model. The biome figures reported here refer to the fraction of each biome contained within the municipal boundary, not to the biomes in their entirety. Anthropic conversion was highest in the Amazon portion (57.8% of its area), followed by the Cerrado (33.8%) and the Pantanal (16.5%). Under a continuation of recent trends, the Amazon portion remains within the range that biome-scale studies associate with severe ecological degradation. The multivariate analysis identified cattle ranching, rather than crop expansion, as the driver whose annual dynamics most closely track native-vegetation loss. The institutional responses identified in this study encompass federal, state, and municipal legislation in environmental, economic, and social dimensions, including the Forest Code, Climate Change Policies, and specific measures for fisheries. However, gaps in implementation were revealed, particularly at the local scale. These results demand the development of integrated local environmental planning capable of articulating effective institutional responses to the ongoing environmental pressures. Keywords: biomes, deforestation, environmental indicators, environmental planning, land use.
Permanent Preservation Areas (PPAs) are essential for protecting sensitive ecosystems. However, their functions are increasingly compromised by human activities. Incorporating PPAs into environmental fragility assessments is strategic for identifying conflicts between land use and legally protected areas. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), this study proposes a methodology that integrates land use and land cover (LULC) data with PPA boundaries to generate an environmental fragility layer, using the municipality of Lorena, State of São Paulo, Brazil, as a case study. The method applies spatial overlay techniques and assigns different fragility levels to LULC classes according to their occurrence inside or outside water-related PPAs. The application of the methodology in Lorena showed that more than 60% of water-related PPAs are occupied by pastures and mixed-use mosaics, resulting in high-fragility areas diffusely distributed across the municipality. PPAs associated with urban areas, rocky outcrops, and non-vegetated areas concentrated very high fragility levels (0.2% of the territory) mainly in the central region. These patterns are driven by soil impermeabilization and consolidated land occupation. The integrated analysis enabled a more refined fragility classification than assessments based solely on LULC data. The proposed methodology effectively identified overlaps between anthropogenic land uses and legally protected areas, providing an environmental fragility diagnosis consistent with ecological and regulatory frameworks. It represents a robust and replicable tool for environmental management, supporting territorial planning, identification of priority areas for ecological restoration, and natural resource conservation in different regional contexts. Keywords: environmental planning, geographic information systems, land use and land cover.
The use of brackish water can cause severe effects and irreversible damage to the growth and physiological indices of agricultural crops. Thus, the agricultural environment emerges as an alternative to mitigate saline stress in tomato hybrids (Solanum lycopersicum L.). This study evaluated the gas exchange and growth of tomato hybrids irrigated with brackish water in different environments. The study was carried out in Aratuba, Ceará, Brazil. The experimental design was a randomized block design with split-split plots. The main plots consisted of two environments (protected environment and full sun); the subplots consisted of five levels of irrigation water electrical conductivity (ECw) (1.0, 1.7, 2.4, 3.1, and 3.8 dS m-1) and the sub-subplots consisted of two tomato hybrids (Itaipava and BS DI0014), with five replicates. Salt stress reduced CO2 assimilation rate and instantaneous carboxylation efficiency rates more intensely in the full sun environment, while the use of low electrical conductivity in the protected environment promoted greater stomatal conductance in tomato hybrids. The BS DI0014 hybrid was more tolerant to salt stress in terms of transpiration in the protected environment and in full sun than the Itaipava F1 hybrid. The Itaipava F1 and BS DI0014 hybrids grown in a protected environment had higher internal CO2 concentrations. Keywords: protected cultivation, salinity, Solanum lycopersicum L.
Seaweed-based biostimulants (SBB) have emerged as sustainable alternatives for traditional soil-based agriculture and have garnered worldwide attention in recent years. Despite their growing popularity, there is limited information available on the application and efficacy of SBB in hydroponic crops. This study assesses the biostimulant effects of a commercial SBB using Lemna minor as a model organism, developing a standardized bioassay for evaluating SBB in hydroponic cultures. The experiment was carried out under controlled conditions, following a randomized design with 10 treatments. These treatments included SBB (0T1, 0.5T1, 2T1) alone at concentrations of 0, 0.5, and 2.0 mg/L, SBB (0T2, 0.5T2, 2T2) + Hoagland and Arnon nutrient solution, and SBB (0T30, 0.5T3, 2T3) + 2.5 g/L NaCl. A control group (0TC) with distilled water was also included. The results showed that the isolated SBB did not significantly differ (p > 0.05) from the control treatment. Treatments in group T2 had significantly higher coverage area compared to treatments in group T3. The highest absolute percentage of coverage area was observed in 0.5T2 (14.0 ± 1.2%). Regarding the specific growth rate SGR, the higher growth rates were observed in 0.5T2 (0.37 ± 0.02% day⁻1). Group T2 treatments exhibited significantly higher dry biomass (p < 0.05) than group T3 treatments. Treatment with NaCl hindered plant growth. This methodology could enhance the development of a robust protocol for evaluating seaweed biostimulants for hydroponic crops. Keywords: biostimulants, duckweed, seaweed extract.
The improper disposal of organic waste generated in food supply centers significantly contributes to environmental impacts. This study evaluated waste management practices at CEASA-MA, in São Luís, capital of Maranhão, Brazil, through on-site visits, document analysis, and interviews with administrators and merchants. Approximately 245 tons of waste are generated monthly, with incomplete separation and disposal in landfills. In a scenario of adequate segregation, the estimated potential includes 18,468 Nm³ of biogas and 15,100 Nm³ of methane per month, corresponding to approximately 150,000 kWh of energy. Additionally, about 123 tons of compost could be produced monthly. These results highlight the potential for waste valorization through composting and anaerobic digestion, contributing to sustainable waste management and reducing Brazil's dependence on imported fertilizers. Keywords: biogas, composting, waste management.
This study examines the perception of environmental health surveillance workers regarding the independent monitoring of water fluoridation in Espírito Santo, Brazil. Using a qualitative approach, ten environmental health surveillance workers from nine municipalities of varying population sizes in Espírito Santo were individually interviewed based on a semi-structured script. The interviews were recorded and fully transcribed. Thematic Content Analysis was performed following Bardin. In total, eight respondents reported that independent monitoring of water fluoridation was not being carried out. Training and state support were identified as facilitators of water quality surveillance, whereas the lack of supplies and transportation, work overload, staff turnover, and lack of training on fluoridation and independent monitoring were cited as barriers. Positive perceptions predominated toward water surveillance activities due to their social relevance. Negative perceptions were mainly related to work overload and lack of training, the latter being the most frequent suggestion for improvement. It is concluded that the effectiveness of water fluoridation surveillance depends on the provision of adequate and safe working conditions for monitoring fluoride levels, ensured by health managers, including the implementation of continuing education programs. Keywords: environmental surveillance, independent monitoring, water fluoridation.
Tannins extracted from several forest species can be successfully used as coagulants in water treatment. This study employs a high-yield tannin extract from cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale) bark as an eco-friendly alternative for water treatment. First, ground bark was hot-water-extracted for tannins, using two adjuvants (NaOH and Na2SO3) at three concentrations for each. The total solids content (TST), Stiasny index (I), and condensed tannins content (TTC) were determined in the tannic extracts. The proanthocyanidins extracted from the bark were separated by solid-phase extraction into oligomeric and polymeric fractions. Total phenolic compounds were measured using the Prussian blue test method. The phenolic compounds present in the original extract and in the oligomeric and polymeric procyanidin fractions were analyzed by HPLC-MSn. The extracted tannins were cationized and applied in water treatment. The results showed that reagent-assisted extraction efficiently enhanced tannin yields and quality compared with pure hot-water extraction, with NaOH as the most effective. Total phenolic compounds and total condensed tannins in the Cashew tree bark were 154.18 mg GAE g-1 and 164.59 mg g-1, respectively. Phenolic compounds corresponded to catechin gallate, gallic acid, catechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin, ellagic acid glycoside, triterpenoids, and anacardic acid. Other phenolics included prodelphinidins and procyanidins, in both oligomeric and polymeric forms. Cationized tannins used as coagulants effectively decreased water turbidity. The study demonstrated the potential of Cashew tree bark tannins as a sustainable alternative for water treatment. Results showed the potential of tannins as eco-friendly coagulant bases in water treatment. Keywords: natural flocculant, natural products, non-wood forest products, tannins, water treatment.
Brazil's agricultural sector consumes substantial freshwater resources, particularly in Mato Grosso state, which hosts one of the nation's largest irrigation complexes within the Cerrado and Amazon biomes. Given the finite nature of these resources and their intensive agricultural use, quantifying water consumption patterns can inform policy development for sustainable resource management. This study estimated the water footprint of rainfed soybeans, off-season corn, and winter beans across the Cerrado biome and Cerrado-Amazon transition zone in Mato Grosso state. Green and blue water footprints were determined through crop evapotranspiration calculations to assess water demand, whereas gray water footprint estimation incorporated nitrogen fertilizer application rates and soil leaching parameters. Results showed average water footprints in the Cerrado region of 1,486 m³ ton⁻¹ for soybeans, 1,016 m³ ton⁻¹ for corn, and 2,084 m³ ton⁻¹ for beans. The Cerrado-Amazon transition zone exhibited values of 1,476 m³ ton⁻¹ for soybeans, 1,052 m³ ton⁻¹ for corn, and 1,898 m³ ton⁻¹ for beans. These water footprint indicators reveal patterns of water appropriation in crop cultivation, providing quantitative metrics for evaluating agricultural water use sustainability. Keywords: environmental indicators, evapotranspiration, sustainability.
This study presents a systematic review of validated questionnaires for assessing risk perception and preparedness for natural disasters across diverse geographic and cultural contexts. The study focused on articles about people's perceptions of natural disasters, published between 2000 and 2023 in scientific databases. Of 100 articles, only 5 met the criteria. There is heterogeneity across the questionnaires, with variations in the assessed dimensions and the scales used. Most studies examined risk perception and preparedness for specific disasters, showing a limited relationship between awareness and the adoption of preventive measures. Gaps in methodological approaches were identified, including the lack of longitudinal studies and the underrepresentation of developing countries. Further studies with validated questionnaires are recommended, especially in developing countries. Keywords: environmental disasters, preparedness, review, risk perception.
In mining environments, erosion and sediment transport can generate significant downstream impacts. A comprehensive understanding of these processes is therefore essential for designing effective control and mitigation strategies. This study examined sediment deposition dynamics in drainage channels within a mining area during a single rainfall event. The Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation (MUSLE), calibrated with drone-based photogrammetric data, was applied to estimate sediment yield in sub-basins of the Germano Dam catchment (Mariana, Minas Gerais), currently undergoing decommissioning. Surface runoff and sediment discharge were incorporated into a two-dimensional hydrodynamic model (RiverFlow2D®) to simulate flood routing and bedload transport throughout the channel network. Results indicated minimal sediment deposition during the 2-year return period event, except in the Chico Basin channels, where sediment input from the Germano Pit promoted accumulation. Overall, the study highlights the potential of integrating empirical models, numerical simulations, and geospatial technologies to assess siltation in hydraulic systems in mining areas, particularly under conditions where in situ monitoring is limited. Keywords: mining, MUSLE, sediment transport.
This systematic review evaluates the use of Eichhornia crassipes as a phytoremediation agent in Mexico, based on scientific studies published between 1990 and 2023 following PRISMA guidelines. The analyzed works were classified into four categories: heavy-metal removal (54%), treatment of water with high organic load (15%), dye removal (18%), and other uses (13%). The geographical analysis identified the Mexican states where biomass was collected for phytoremediation experiments. In heavy-metal removal, 87.5% of studies specified collection sites, mainly in the State of Mexico; in organic-load treatment, 66.7% reported works in Baja California Norte, Sinaloa, Tabasco, and Tlaxcala; while in dye removal, 87.5% documented biomass origin, mostly from Mexico City. Results across categories showed reproducible performance in both field and laboratory conditions. For metal remediation, E. crassipes exhibited high bioaccumulation capacity, with removal efficiencies of about 90% for Pb and 85% for Cd, concentrated in roots. In waters with high organic content, constructed and free-surface wetland systems achieved reductions above 60–90% in COD, BOD₅, total nitrogen, and phosphorus, depending on design and retention time. It should be emphasized that the dye-related studies using Eichhornia crassipes tissues as a metabolically inactive sorbent, rather than in situ phytoremediation based on living plants. Regarding dyes, cyclic biosorption with dried or treated tissues achieved near-complete color removal and maintained adsorption efficiency over multiple cycles, evidencing long-term stability of the bioadsorbent. Additionally, some studies emphasized its potential for pesticide retention and nanoparticle synthesis, suggesting emerging research directions that expand its application beyond conventional wastewater treatment. Keywords: Eichhornia crassipes, Mexico, phytoremediation.
This study evaluated the composition of the ichthyofauna in an artificial lake formed by sand mining in the floodplain of the Paraíba do Sul River, municipality of Tremembé, state of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil. Although anthropogenic in origin, sand pit lakes may provide suitable conditions for the establishment of diverse fish communities, including native, non-native, and exotic species. Monthly sampling was conducted from May 2021 to September 2022 at five sites distributed around the lake, using fishing rods, trap nets, cast nets, and sieves. A total of 32 species were recorded, belonging to seven orders, 13 families, and 31 genera. Characiformes (31.3%), Cichliformes (28.1%), and Siluriformes (25.0%) were the most representative orders. The high proportion of non-native taxa highlights the ongoing transformation of the regional ichthyofauna and raises concerns regarding potential ecological impacts on native communities. These findings reinforce the importance of continuous monitoring of artificial lentic systems and the assessment of species introductions, contributing to conservation planning and sustainable management strategies within the Paraíba do Sul River Basin. Keywords: fish species richness, invasive species, Paraíba do Sul River Basin.
To optimize water usage and increase production, it is important to use efficient irrigation control and management systems. The crop water stress index (CWSI) and soil matric potential have emerged as promising alternatives for irrigation management. In a greenhouse experiment, different irrigation rates were applied to two types of soil (Red Latosol and Red-Yellow Latosol) based on various water tensions (-10, -20, -25, -30, and -40 kPa). The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD), in a 5x2 factorial arrangement (five soil water tension levels and two soil types), with four replications. Soil matric potential (SMP) and crop water stress index (CWSI) were evaluated, calculated from thermal images of common bean plants and meteorological data. Linear and non-linear relationships between these stress indicators were analyzed at different crop growth stages. The CWSI based on canopy temperature is an effective tool for determining irrigation requirements for beans at different growth stages. Linear and quadratic regressions were obtained between soil matric potential and CWSI for Red Latosol at growth stage R7 and for Red-Yellow Latosol at stages R5 to R8. Keywords: canopy temperature, thermal imaging, water deficit.
This study investigated the hydrochemistry of three oxbow lakes and the Chandless River, within Chandless State Park (Acre, Brazil), during the dry season (June–July 2021). We tested whether oxbow lakes had lower nutrient concentrations than the river. Water samples were analyzed for cations and anions, alongside in situ measurements of pH, temperature, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen. Results showed higher pH, conductivity, and oxygen in the river, while lakes were more acidic with lower values. Contrary to the hypothesis, nutrient concentrations showed contrasting patterns among environments: Ca²⁺, Na⁺, and Mg²⁺ were higher in the river and Lake São João II, while SO₄²⁻ and NO₂⁻ dominated in Lakes Buião and São João I. The findings highlight distinct ionic profiles and the ecological uniqueness of each system—critical for managing the park's environmental diversity. Keywords: aquatic ecosystems, floodplains, hydrochemistry, limnology.
Reference evapotranspiration (ET₀) is a key parameter for water management in semi-arid regions with variable climates. This study analyzed the spatiotemporal dynamics of annual ET₀ in the Khenchela region of north-eastern Algeria (2000–2024). ET₀ was computed using the FAO-56 Penman–Monteith (PM) method. Spatial patterns were mapped using Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW). Meteorological data from 16 stations were used to train three models: Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), Generalized Regression Neural Network (GRNN), and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) to predict ET₀. The regional mean annual ET₀ increased by 7.2% from 2010 to 2019 decadal average (1 490 mm/year) to the 2020-2024 period (1597 mm/year), contributing to a cumulative 25-year increase of 7% from 2000 to 2009 baseline with hotspots in Babar 2 reaching ~2194 mm/year. The Mann–Kendall test confirmed significant upward trends (p < 0.05) driven by rising temperatures and declining relative humidity. All models performed well (R² > 0.965, RMSE < 0.49 mm/day, RSR < 0.20), with LSTM showing superior accuracy (R² > 0.987, RMSE < 0.232 mm/day, NSE ≈ 0.991, WI > 0.909). The superior performance of LSTM is attributed to its inherent capability to capture temporal autocorrelation and long-term dependencies in climatic time-series data. These findings support adaptive irrigation and drought mitigation in semi-arid regions of northern Africa. Keywords: Algerian semi-arid region, climate change, evapotranspiration, FAO-56 Penman-Monteith, machine learning, semi-arid regions, water resource management.
Soil controls processes within the hydrological cycle, which are fundamental to environmental sustainability and agricultural production, such as infiltration, redistribution, and storage of water. Numerical models capable of estimating soil water content at low operational costs are potential tools for the management of water resources. This study evaluated the HYDRUS-1D model for simulating soil water content in five tropical soil classes representative of the Brazilian Federal District, at two soil depths, using statistical indicators. Model parameterization was based on the determination of soil hydraulic and physical properties using field and laboratory methods, including soil water retention curves described by the van Genuchten–Durner dual-porosity model and saturated hydraulic conductivity. Model performance was assessed using RMSE, RSR, R², NSE, and PBIAS statistics. Overall, HYDRUS-1D showed high accuracy in predicting the temporal soil moisture dynamics across different soil classes and depths, indicating its suitability for applications in Cerrado soils. In particular, the use of the dual-porosity approach for describing the soil water retention curve contributed to improved prediction of soil hydraulic behavior. However, some statistical metrics indicated lower performance for the Rhodic Ferralsol in the subsurface layer, influenced by the sensitivity of the metrics to low data variability. The results highlight the importance of soil-specific determination of soil hydraulic parameters for the model performance. Despite the potential limitations, the study shows that the HYDRUS-1D model can be a valuable tool for soil water and land management in the Brazilian Cerrado and in the Federal District. Keywords: dual-porosity, HYDRUS-1D, soil moisture, soil water retention curve, vadose zone.
Freshwater periphytic algae play a vital ecological role in aquatic ecosystems. In this study, we examined the morphological features of periphytic algae in four rivers of the La Planada Reserve. We collected samples by scraping rocks, identified the algae, measured their morphological dimensions, and conducted descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses. We identified 59 morphospecies, mainly belonging to the classes Bacillariophyceae and Cyanophyceae. The functional groups identified included mucilage-forming colonies, simple filaments, hetero-filamentous algae, non-specialized algae, and non-flagellated siliceous algae. The community-weighted mean and variance (CWM and CWV, respectively) of morphological variables did not differ significantly between rivers. In the first-order river, the algae tended to be smaller and had a lower surface-to-volume ratio. Simple filamentous algae and small algae lacking specialized features seem to indicate nutrient-deficient waters. Non-flagellated, silica-shelled algae (diatoms) probably serve as indicators of moderate flow rates, higher nutrient levels, and clearer water. Colonial algae with mucilage tend to prefer waters with moderate to high nutrient concentrations and faster current speeds. Hetero-filamentous algae appear to indicate rivers with low light exposure and slow flow velocity. This initial investigation into the morpho-functional study of periphytic algae suggests that morphology-based groupings could help reflect river environmental conditions through the ecological responses of functional algal associations. Keywords: biogeographic Chocó, functional ecology, phycoperiphyton.
This study evaluated the water intake, consumption, and disposal by the 30 largest industries in Brazil, based on water consumption coefficients developed by the Agência Nacional de Águas e Saneamento Básico (ANA), technical coefficients developed by the Confederação Nacional da Indústria (CNI), and considering Brazilian annual production based on coefficients from the literature. The collected data show that, according to the volumes available in the Planilha de Outorgas, licenses were granted for the intake of 741.47 ML and for the disposal of 515.8 ML of water for the period between 2021 and 2023, considering only the companies listed in this study that requested licenses from ANA. According to the data disclosed by the companies, the intake volumes are 465,733.441 ML and the disposal volumes are 136,067.19 ML (considering only the companies that disclosed their consumption). It was not possible to establish a direct correlation between the coefficient estimates based on declared production (CNI) and those related to the number of jobs (ANA). Therefore, estimating water use using technical coefficients may be more effective by accessing data obtained directly from the industry targeted by the study or through government water resource management agencies, and for better water resource management in the country, greater transparency in data disclosure is needed, both by companies and the government. Keywords: effluent, technical coefficients, water permits, water scarcity.
The transport of sediments in river systems has significant environmental and economic implications, affecting water quality, aquatic ecosystems, and the operational lifespan of hydraulic structures such as reservoirs. This study quantified and analyzed sediment discharge in three distinct river sections within the Mourão River basin in Paraná, Brazil, by applying and comparing various mathematical models. The three sampling sections were established on the Campo River (Section 1), the Mourão River (Section 2), and the Sem Passo River (Section 3). Bedload sediment discharge was calculated using the methods of Einstein (1942) with a Peter-Meyer modification, and Duboys (1879) and Zeller (1963). Suspended sediment discharge was estimated using the models of Yang (1973) and Righetto (1998) and compared with experimental results from total suspended solids analysis. Hydraulic characterization, including the development of rating curves and the calculation of the Froude number, was performed to understand the flow regime. The results indicated a subcritical flow regime (Fr < 1) in all three sections, characteristic of relatively slow-moving water. The Duboys (1879) and Zeller (1963) model was only applicable to Section 1, a smaller channel, as it yielded non-representative results for the larger perimeters of Sections 2 and 3 under the observed low-flow conditions. In contrast, the Einstein (1942) approach with the Peter-Meyer modification proved more robust, providing viable estimates for all sections. A strong correlation was found between the Froude number and the sediment discharge predicted by the theoretical models. This study highlights the critical importance of selecting appropriate models based on the specific hydraulic and geomorphological characteristics of the river channel and underscores the complexity of accurately predicting sediment transport. Keywords: Froude number, mathematical modeling, Mourão River, rating curve, sediment transport.
The removal of chromium from wastewater has received considerable attention in recent years due to its harmful environmental effects. This study evaluated the chromium adsorption capacity of activated perlite obtained by a hydrothermal process using 20% NaOH and 30% NaCl. The experiments were performed using a synthetic Cr(OH)SO₄ solution containing chromium predominantly as Cr(III), as confirmed by chromium speciation analysis. Adsorption experiments based on a factorial design assessed the effects of initial chromium concentrations (401-1482 mg L-¹) and activated perlite dosages (10-30 g L-¹). The Langmuir isotherm provided the best fit to the data at 273.15-298 K, yielding a maximum adsorption capacity of 133 mg g⁻¹ and a Langmuir constant of 0.09 L mg⁻¹. Kinetic data were consistent with both pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models. Hydrothermal activation increased the cation exchange capacity from 90.57 to 120.52 meq per 100 g. Statistical analysis indicated that chromium removal followed a linear model relative to both initial concentration and adsorbent dosage. These results demonstrate that hydrothermally activated perlite is a promising low-cost and sustainable adsorbent for the removal of Cr(III) from tannery effluents, with potential for large-scale implementation. Keywords: adsorption isotherm, cation exchange, chromium, factorial design, hydrothermally activated perlite, kinetics.
