Caracterização dos sistemas ambientais dos municípios em colapso hídrico no estado da Paraíba

Characterization of the environmental systems of municipalities in water collapse in the state of Paraíba

Abstract

The Brazilian Semi-Arid region, especially the Northeast, faces the phenomenon of droughts, whose adverse effects are exacerbated by the degradation of water quality and inadequate water resource management. The state of Paraíba has the lowest per capita water availability index in Brazil, with a critical classification. Thus, the study aims to map and characterize the environmental systems of the reservoirs that supply small municipalities in Paraíba: Bananeiras, Casserengue, Esperança, Picuí, Pocinhos, Remígio, and Solânea. Remote sensing tools, information systems about the watersheds, and water quality data from 2010 to 2020 were utilized. The data analysis revealed that the reduced intensity of the rainfall regime, combined with the replacement of native vegetation by pasture areas, resulted in various consequences for the environmental systems of the studied municipalities, affecting the well-being and quality of the local biota. Insufficient water recharge negatively impacted water quality in these reservoirs, notably increasing turbidity and total phosphorus levels. Therefore, the study highlights the importance of sustainable practices and integrated water resource management to ensure the long-term sustainability of local environmental systems.