Environmental quality of springs in a rural area, in the municipality of Pedra do Indaiá – MG

Abstract

This case study aimed to identify, georeference and analyze the environmental and microbiological quality of existing springs in the community of Camarão, a rural area of the municipality of Pedra do Indaiá, MG. Environmental impacts of 13 springs were evaluated based on the Índice de Impacto Ambiental em Nascentes (IIAN; Environmental Impact on Springs Index). Water microbiology was analyzed using the Chromogenic Substrate Test (Colitest®), which indicates the presence or absence of total and thermotolerant coliforms. The tests were applied in the dry season (July 2022) and rainy season (December 2022). Classification of springs according to Degree of Preservation found three to be "Good" (Class B, four to be "Reasonable" (Class C), four to be "Bad" (Class D) and one to be “Terrible” (Class E). Microbiological analysis found all the evaluated springs to be positive for the presence of total and thermotolerant coliforms (Escherichia coli). The results showed a high degree of degradation of practically all the evaluated springs.