
Historical precipitation series are essential for conducting hydrological studies; however, their quality may be compromised by missing data in the records. In such cases, the use of gap-filling methods is crucial to ensure data consistency and continuity. Although different methods are used to fill gaps in rainfall time series, studies that systematically evaluate the influence of the selection of supporting stations on the accuracy of the estimates are still limited. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the influence of the selection of supporting rain gauge stations on gap filling in historical precipitation series. Nine rainfall stations were selected in the northern region of Minas Gerais, Brazil, eight of which were used as supporting stations for filling gaps in the central station. Missing data rates of 10% and 40% were simulated, and the missing values were filled using the Linear Regression method. The performance of the fillings was evaluated through the RMSE, SMAPE, and NSE indices. The results indicated good performance of the Linear Regression method for gap filling and highlighted the importance of conducting a detailed spatial analysis of the region, considering topographic features, to select nearby stations free from orographic barriers, ensuring greater reliability in the completion of rainfall series.
The environmental vulnerability of the Mutum Creek basin (358 km(2), Bonito County, Mato Grosso do Sul) was assessed using the Natural Vulnerability to Soil Loss method. Potential vulnerability was evaluated by integrating the natural characteristics of Basic Territorial Units, while emergency vulnerability was determined based on land use and occupation data. The potential vulnerability assessment revealed natural protection against soil loss, with 25.8% of the area categorized as stable, 69.4% as moderately stable, and 4.8% as fairly stable/vulnerable. As regards emergency vulnerability, 39.38% of the basin area was considered stable and fairly stable/vulnerable, while 60.62% was categorized as moderately vulnerable and vulnerable. The results showed that moderately vulnerable and vulnerable areas can undergo rapid degradation, owing to heightened land use activity. Soil conservation practices, such as terracing, preservation of vegetation cover, contour lines, and reforestation of Areas of Permanent Protection, should be implemented before the problems identified reach critical levels.
This study analyzed the population structure and natural regeneration dynamics of Byrsonima crassifolia (L.) Kunth in a savanna area in Amap & aacute;, Brazil. Data were collected in four 10 x 250 m plots, including all adult and regenerating individuals with a minimum height of 20 cm. The adult structure was characterized by diameter and height classes, using exponential regression and De Liocourt's q-quotient to assess the fit to the inverted-J model, alongside spatial analysis via the Morisita Index. For the regeneration component, we evaluated diameter and height classes, spatial distribution relative to adults, and rates of natural regeneration (NGR), mortality, and recruitment. The horizontal structure of adults was balanced and followed the inverted-J pattern, while the vertical structure showed irregularities potentially linked to fire events. Spatial distribution was aggregate. We observed an increase in regenerants and recruits, low mortality, and positive NGR, signaling population growth. The regenerating cohort maintained a balanced structure across both years, with occurrence closely linked to the presence of adults, suggesting continuous self-regeneration of the species in the study area.
Floods represent one of the most recurrent natural disasters, causing serious consequences for populations. Haiti, in particular, faces repeated flooding, especially in Petit-Goave, associated with the rainy season, hurricanes, and tropical storms. This study aimed to analyze the contribution of hydrogeomorphological aspects to the occurrence of flooding in Petit-Goave, examining the relationship between geomorphology and water accumulation in the La Digue River watershed. A hydrogeomorphological approach was adopted, based on the analysis of morphological parameters and the development of topographic profiles. Hydrological aspects were assessed using the rational method, while flood susceptibility was determined through a multicriteria approach, considering slope, flow, and land use. The results indicate that flooding is strongly influenced by environmental factors, particularly urban occupation in floodplain areas. These findings reinforce the importance of territorial planning and environmental management to mitigate flood impacts in vulnerable regions.
This paper aimed to identify and analyze socio-environmental conflicts in the Area of Relevant Ecological Interest (ARIE) of Mangroves, located in the municipality of Barra dos Coqueiros, Sergipe (Brazil). The territory has been subjected to intense anthropogenic pressures, including real estate speculation and deforestation. Drawing upon Little's (2001) typology, 77 conflicts were identified and classified, mainly associated with the control of natural resources (65%) and with socio-environmental impacts (35%). These included the improper disposal of solid waste, real estate expansion over mangrove ecosystems, and disputes among fishermen, shellfish gatherers, and shrimp farmers. The methodology combined field research, documentary analysis, and georeferencing with QGIS software. The findings demonstrate the predominance of material conflicts over symbolic and cultural tensions, as well as institutional weaknesses in addressing such disputes. It was also observed that no conflicts related to environmental knowledge (Little's third analytical category) were identified in the ARIE. This absence indicates the need for more sensitive methodologies, such as ethnographic approaches, to reveal these often overlooked disputes.
This article analyses, from a comparative perspective, how different wind energy governance designs impact procedural justice and the distribution of benefits and burdens of the energy transition in the rural and coastal territories of Ceara (Brazil) and Galicia (Spain). It begins with a reconstruction of the regulatory background of PROINFA and the Galician Wind Energy Law, highlighting, on the one hand, the establishment of a start-up policy based on tariff incentives and, on the other, the consolidation of binding land use planning linked to compensatory fiscal mechanisms. Methodologically, the study draws on documentary and normative analysis, combined with the systematization of secondary data and the identification of socio-environmental conflicts through scholarly literature, institutional reports and official databases, judicial decisions, and public institutional documents; the comparison is conducted in a relational manner, taking regulatory design as the central explanatory variable and examining its effects on procedurally and distributively oriented indicators defined ex ante. The results indicate that both models, although successful in expanding installed capacity, reproduce deficits in procedural justice: in Ceara, due to the recurrence of simplified licensing and a social decision-making gap; in Galicia, due to compressed deadlines and massive judicialisation. In terms of distribution, gains are concentrated in large business groups, while impacts remain territorialised, revealing the limits of current compensation mechanisms. It is concluded that the combination of neoliberal rationality and technocratic governance tends to produce an energy transition that is sustainable but socially asymmetrical.
The article aims to compare the performance of the TIN (Triangulated Irregular Network) and Topo to Raster interpolation methods in generating Digital Elevation Models (DEM) in river basins. For this, vector data from contour, stream and elevation points in the study area, the Toropi and Ibicui-Mirim river basins. DEMs were generated with a spatial resolution of 20 meters, and the results were analyzed using geomorphometric parameters, such as slope, aspect and profile. The results indicate that the Topo to Raster method is more suitable for flat and wavy relief areas, while the TIN performs better in regions with high slopes. It is concluded that the choice of interpolation method must take into account the topography of the study area and the desired level of detail, with Topo to Raster being more accurate in hydrological contexts and TIN being more efficient in areas with greater altimetric variation and dense point cloud.
The preservation of Permanent Protected Areas (PPAs) along watercourses and springs in river basins is essential to ensure adequate, sustainable water resource management and should be linked to territorial planning. Therefore, this study, using qualitative and quantitative parameters, aimed to analyze land use and occupation conflicts, as well as the technical and legal aspects in accordance with the provisions of the Brazilian Forest Code, in accordance with the provisions of the Brazilian Forest Code in the watercourses and springs of the Rio da Madre river basin. This study aimed to understand the potential environmental impacts associated with the failure to preserve PPAs. The methodological procedures used included a bibliographic survey on the topics addressed and the development of thematic maps, including location, hydrography, permanent preservation areas, land use and occupation, land use conflicts, and population density, using QGIS software for data processing and manipulation. The results showed that the Rio da Madre river basin faces management challenges. The demand for water and the pressure on local ecosystems is intensified in areas with unbridled urban expansion, resulting in negative impacts such as water pollution, soil impermeability, and degradation of natural habitats, which are hotspots for conflict. However, it is possible to propose subsidies to improve the integration of water resource management in line with land use and occupation. Integrated and sustainable natural resource management strategies in the Rio da Madre basin are essential to mitigate these conflicts and promote socioeconomic and environmentally responsible development. This includes implementing effective public policies, strengthening local governance, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and recognizing the rights of traditional communities over their territories, thus preserving the basin's integrity and environmental quality.
Environmental cartography has been placed as a means of reflection on environmental issues, raising questions about the form of appropriation of natural resources, a result of the society/nature. It highlights the transformations of the landscape, especially in naturally fragile environments. From this perspective, the aim is to present a proposal for environmental cartography for Southwest Goi & aacute;s as a subsidy for planning and territorial organization actions, having as an experimental cut the municipalities of Apor & eacute;, Chapad & atilde;o do C & eacute;u and Serran & oacute;polis. The study was based on the methodological systematization suggested by Martinelli; Pedrotti (2001), about the reasoning of synthesis in the production of cartography of landscape units. The results show five groups of units: I (Floodplain and Fluvial Terraces); II (Plateau area with altitude between 800 and 1000 m); III (Flat surface with elevation between 650 and 750 m); IV (Rio Verde Depression); V (Structural Escarpments) and 21 subgroups of attributes with individualized characteristics. Potential areas for the conservation of natural resources were identified, however it is necessary encourage ways to disseminate the benefits of conservation in order to ensure greater sustainability of the production system.
Digital technologies can effectively support the work of Geography teachers. This study specifically investigates the potential of the WhatsApp application as a digital resource to enhance Geography classes in the Final Years of Elementary Education. A systematic literature review was conducted to explore this topic. The findings revealed a limited number of studies focused on WhatsApp, and even fewer that directly relate it to the Geography curricular component. However, existing research consistently highlights the relevance of WhatsApp in basic education. Its functionalities-such as group chats, video calls, document sharing, audio messages, photos, and videos-facilitate the teaching of Geography. Additionally, WhatsApp proves useful for sharing links, news, and articles, encouraging research and deeper engagement with geographic topics. The use of polls, questionnaires, and task submissions enables teachers to monitor student progress and provide personalized feedback, contributing to more effective learning. Nonetheless, the studies emphasize the importance of the teacher's role as a mediator, guiding activities, fostering participation, and ensuring a respectful and collaborative learning environment.
In May 2024, Rio Grande do Sul (RS) declared a state of public calamity after being severely affected by an extreme meteorological event involving intense rainfall, generating landslides, flooding, and flash floods. Thus, this study corroborates the analysis of the impact of landslides on rural properties of the mega-disaster resulting from accumulated rainfall on the Southern Slope of the Southern Plateau of the state of RS, between April 27th and May 13th, 2024. The methodology used several databases organized in shapefile format, including landslides polygons, rural property polygons, the boundaries of the municipalities in this study, and land use and occupation. Furthermore, it was possible to relate landslides occurrences to their direct and indirect economic impacts on rural properties. In this sense, landslides were widely distributed across rural properties in the 150 municipalities analyzed, affecting approximately 10,212 registrations. Approximately 88% had one to three records of landslides on their registration. The three municipalities with the largest number of affected properties were Veran & oacute;polis, Bento Gon & ccedil;alves, and Caxias do Sul. The event devastated agricultural areas, destroying crops and pastures, directly impacting the 2024/2025 harvest and affecting the local and national supply chain. Therefore, public policies will be needed to reduce the risk of landslides and support the development of sustainable land use and management practices.
Urban springs are strategic sources of water supply, especially in areas not served by public systems. However, increasing unplanned urban occupation and the lack of adequate sanitation infrastructure compromise the quality of the available water. In this context, the present study aims to evaluate the water quality of a spring located in the Gioppo neighborhood, in the municipality of Ca & ccedil;ador/SC, through the analysis of physicochemical and microbiological parameters, according to the limits established by Ordinance GM/MS N. 888/2021. Three sampling campaigns were conducted between October and November 2024, with laboratory analyses performed in triplicate. The results showed high levels of total coliforms and Escherichia coli, as well as turbidity above the permitted limit, indicating fecal contamination and absence of treatment. The main vulnerability of spring is associated with the percolation of sanitary effluents and the lack of physical protection. Thus, it is concluded that the water is not potable, and corrective and preventive actions are necessary, such as fencing, basic sanitation, and environmental education, to ensure water security and promote public health.
This article analyzes the management of urban solid waste in the municipality of Jaguaribe, Brazil, with a focus on collection logistics, final disposal, and the perceptions of the population and local government. A three-stage methodological approach was adopted: (i) bibliographic and documentary research with public agencies, (ii) application of questionnaires to 32 residents from three different neighborhoods, and (iii) waste sampling and gravimetric analysis at the municipal open dump. The results revealed deficiencies in basic sanitation, a lack of effective public policies, and the continued use of an open dump, in violation of the Brazilian National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS). The gravimetric analysis showed a predominance of plastic (100%) and organic (90%) waste, reflecting patterns of unprocessed disposal and the absence of selective collection. The study also identified unequal access to collection services, gaps in environmental education, and a lack of public initiatives for waste reuse. It is recommended to strengthen public policies and environmental education strategies to promote more efficient and sustainable waste management.
Forecasting and management strategies for water resources are increasingly urgent due to the growing demand for water, driven by rapid population growth and economic development. Streamflow forecasting is a key tool to ensure water security and mitigate impacts on agriculture, energy generation, and human consumption. While deterministic models based on water balance require extensive data availability and significant calibration efforts, stochastic models of the ARIMA class offer effective alternatives for time series forecasting in data-scarce locations. SARIMA is suitable for series with seasonal patterns, while SARIMAX stands out by incorporating explanatory variables, such as rainfall and temperature, which can significantly improve forecast accuracy. In this study, seasonal ARIMA class models were developed for forecasting monthly average streamflow, considering rainfall and temperature as explanatory variables. These models demonstrated excellent capacity to capture the temporal series fluctuations. The inclusion of temperature improved the performance of SARIMAX models compared to SARIMA models using only flow data. However, among models that included rainfall, temperature showed no significant impact, with similar performances. Notably, the SARIMAX model that incorporated rainfall achieved superior performance in the training stage, with RMSE of 13.20, NSE of 0.77, and PBIAS of-0.3%, and in the testing stage, RMSE of 19.49, NSE of 0.95, and PBIAS of 6.0%, for a 9-month forecast horizon. These results reinforce the relevance of including climatic variables in modeling, demonstrating the potential of the model as a strategic decision-support tool for water resource management.
The Atlantic Forest biome is considered a biodiversity hotspot; however, the illegal deforestation issue persists within its boundaries. This research aimed to analyze the deforestation that occurred in the Pau Brasil National Park (PBNP) and its Buffer Zone (BZ), from 2011 to 2021. A literature review, documentary research and collection of reports from enforcement agency officers were conducted between August 2022 and March 2023. The deforestation records described in inspection reports and Infringement Notices (INs) issued by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio), the Environmental Protection Police Company (CIPPA) of Porto Seguro, and the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) were analyzed. Descriptive statistical methods were used for data analysis. A total of 62 deforestation occurrences were identified, with 21% recorded within the PBNP, and 79% in the BZ, predominantly in the districts of Arraial D'Ajuda, Trancoso, and Vale Verde. There was an increase in this illegal activity within the protected area and its Buffer Zone between 2019 and 2021. Brazilwood, as a flagship species of the protected area and threatened with extinction, was among the most seized species during the period, highlighting the need for strategic decision-making for its protection.
This article addresses the importance of soils, highlighting how they are fundamental for agriculture, but are subject to degradation due to inadequate use, such as agriculture and pasture activities, both intensive. The methodology was based on empirical studies, with evaluation and identification of the quali/quantitative aspects of the physical attributes of the soil and laboratory analyses at two sampled points, agriculture and pasture in the municipality of Jatai, Goi & aacute;s, Brazil. The analysis of the textural triangle of the soil highlighted for point 1 a percentage of 53.7% of clay, with a textural triangle highlighting the soil as clay, and characterizing the soil as a Red Latosol. At point 2, the soil is characterized as Quartzarenic Neosol with a percentage of 16.2% of clay, in relation to 78.7% of sand, determining it as sandy loam. The relationship between pressure and depth identified in point 1 (Agriculture), an initial pressure of 28 kg, increasing to 35 kg in reading 4, while in point 2 (Pasture) it indicated a pressure of 28 kg in the first 3 (three) readings, and the maximum force was 35 kg in the fourth reading. Thus, the results highlighted the need for conservation practices to mitigate the effects of soil compaction and degradation, particularly in pasture areas, where the impact on the data was more highlighted.
Environmental impacts arise from various specific factors related to the lack of, or inadequate, environmental planning and management process that can be observed in urban Permanent Preservation Areas (PPAs), especially because of anthropogenic development. This situation underscores the need to analyze land use to establish environmental measures aimed at preserving PPAs. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze land use and occupation within the PPAs along the Rio do Peixe, located within the urban perimeter of the municipality of Pinheiro Preto, Santa Catarina, in accordance with the guidelines of the Brazilian Forest Code (Law 12,651/2012). The study employed geotechnologies such as ArcGIS and Google Earth Pro software to delineate the PPAs and classify land use, based on the specifications set forth in Article 4 of the Forest Code. The results showed that the main land use classes within the PPAs were mixed use (40.19%) and native vegetation (32.62%). The presence of buildings (9.55%) and roads (10,07%) was also recorded, indicating land use conflicts in environmentally sensitive areas. Furthermore, agricultural activities and reforestation reinforce the anthropogenic pressure on local ecosystems. In conclusion, there is a need to implement environmental management actions, restore degraded areas, and carry out land-use planning to ensure the ecological functionality of PPAs and the environmental quality of urban spaces.
Environmental health encompasses essential aspects of sanitation, environmental preservation, hygiene and public health, which, when properly balanced, promote the social well-being and quality of life of the population. The aim of this study was to apply the Environmental Health Index (EHI) to the rural quilombola community of Abacatal, located in the municipality of Ananindeua-Par & aacute;, Brazil. The methodology was quantitative-qualitative and exploratory, with questionnaires administered to the population. The results indicated a condition of "medium health", mainly due to the absence of solid waste collection, the open disposal of gray water and the lack of a rainwater management system. These sanitation services emerge as priority areas that demand greater attention from government agencies. Therefore, the EHI is an essential tool for guiding public policies, assessing environmental and health conditions, and prioritizing interventions in vulnerable areas, promoting sustainable urban development and quality of life.
Brazil is a world leader in renewable energy, with over 90% of its electricity generation coming from sources such as hydroelectric, biomass, solar, and wind power. However, the country still faces challenges in meeting its growing energy demand, particularly due to the hydroelectric system's vulnerability to climate variability. Biogas has emerged as a promising solution for diversifying the energy matrix and enhancing energy security. Produced from the anaerobic decomposition of organic waste, it is a versatile energy source that can be used to generate electricity, heat, and biomethane. Brazil holds enormous potential for biogas production, estimated at 44.1 billion cubic meters per year-a volume capable of generating 19 GW of electricity or replacing 70% of the nation's diesel consumption. Despite this progress, biogas transportation logistics and energy transmission infrastructure remain significant obstacles to the economic viability of some projects. Investments in research, technological development, and infrastructure are crucial for advancing the sector. With appropriate public policies and investments, biogas is poised to play a key role in Brazil's transition toward a more sustainable and secure energy matrix.
Floristic and phytosociological studies are crucial to understanding native flora and the structure of plant communities. However, such studies are often scarce, especially in regions such as the state of Goi & aacute;s, where agribusiness plays a significant role. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the floristic composition and phytosociological structure of natural regeneration in a eucalyptus stand in Jatai town, Goi & aacute;s. The results revealed a significant diversity of shrub-tree species, emphasizing families such as Fabaceae, Anacardiaceae and Myrtaceae. The predominance of species with zoochoric dispersal syndrome suggests a positive interaction between regenerating flora and native fauna, while the predominance of non-pioneer species indicates an advance in forest succession, even in young stands. The phytosociological analysis highlighted that Astronium urundeuva and Chrysophyllum marginatum were the species with the highest importance value (VI). Furthermore, the Shannon diversity index (H') indicated suitable conditions for establishing native species in areas with eucalypts stand. The results also showed that eucalypts plantations do not block the development of native species in the understory, even at different stages of succession.