The advance of deforestation is endangering the quality of water that reaches Brazilian homes, as well as threatening aquatic life. A recent study by Embrapa Environment analyzed three streams of the Jaguari River Basin in Minas Gerais, an integral part of the Cantareira System, which supplies about 8.8 million people in São Paulo alone.
Research has revealed a direct correlation between human interference around the springs and the impact on watercourses and aquatic species. Practices such as deforestation and irregular use of pesticides were identified as main factors of degradation.
Impacts on water quality
The researchers observed that the removal of the riparian forest – the one that runs next to the river margin – resulted in significant changes in the aquatic environment. “We checked mainly that the removal of riparian forest caused some changes in this aquatic environment. For example, increased water temperature, increased phosphates and fertilizers,” explained Mariana Guerra – researcher at Embrapa.
The technology employed in this research is used globally to anticipate water quality problems in springs that supply urban areas. The method is based on the variation of aquatic organism tolerance to pollution and environmental degradation, allowing an accurate diagnosis of the health of ecosystems.
Threat to biodiversity
In addition to the impact on human supply, aquatic biodiversity is in serious threat. If the contamination of the springs and the destruction of the riparian forests persist at the current pace, a sharp drop is expected in the number of species that inhabit the aquatic environment.
The study of Embrapa Environment serves as an urgent warning for the need to adopt more sustainable practices in land management. The preservation of springs and riparian forests is crucial not only to ensure quality water supply, but also to maintain the ecological balance of aquatic ecosystems.
This content was originally published in CNN at COP30: Incorrect Management of Springs affects water supply on CNN Brazil.
Source: CNN Brasil
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