Environmental evaluation of water resources in the National Park of Serra Itabaiana, Sergipe

Abstract

The National Park of Serra Itabaiana is situated in the ecotone region of Sergipe, in the transition between two biomes: Atlantic forest and Caatinga, the east side is located 4 3rd order streams that form the basin Jacarecica I. This study evaluated the environmental quality of the habitats of streams through the Rapid Assessment Protocol developed by Callisto et al 2002. In the total sample recorded 163 points that swept all extensions of the four streams. Each point was equidistant 100 meters. The streams had riparian vegetation stratified canopy and keep ombrófita of up to 25 meters high. The Coqueiro streams were assessed 32 points, Agua Fria (42), Black (33), Red 32 points. In 2nd order streams, joint-Coqueiros- Agua Fria sampled (13) points and Vermelho - Negros (8) sampled. The diagnosis showed that 91% of the points presented conditions and close to the natural state, 8% had altered intermediate and 1% have environmental impacts that require functional recovery. The changes were associated with agricultural irrigation activities, livestock, thinning of vegetation for maintenance of transmission lines CHESF. Reviewed parameters of water quality in the winter and summer season of variables: pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen (mg/L and % saturation), salinity, total dissolved solids, total nitrogen and total phosphorus and found no significant differences between tests for average "t" and “F” for variance within and between streams (p <0.05), but the environmental impacts in streams segments Coqueiro-Agua fria and Vermelho – Negros found significant differences based on the limits of resolution CONAMA 357/2005. The physical chemistry of water quality and habitat quality within the Serra PARNA Itabaiana reinforces the need to include water resources as well as a sustainable management plan for the administration of water resource.