Qualitative and quantitative analysis of groundwater in the Japaratuba River Basin in the Eastern Sergipe Territory

Abstract

The quantity and quality of groundwater are related to climatic, geological, and land use characteristics. The Japaratuba River Basin, in the Eastern Sergipe Territory, is notable for it’s intense groundwater use, influenced by sugarcane cultivation for ethanol production, large livestock farming, and oil and mineral exploration. The region's soil and geomorphological characteristics and human activities affect the aquifers' storage and recharge capacity. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the basin's groundwater quantity and quality. Georeferenced data from the Digital Atlas of Water Resources of the State of Sergipe (Semac), MapBiomas Brasil, and hydrological and climatic data from ERA5/ECMWF were used. Thematic maps were created using QGIS software, and the water balance was calculated using an Excel spreadsheet. Water quality parameters were compared with the limits established by Ordinance GM/MS nº 888/2021 and Resolution CONAMA nº 396/2008. The results indicate that, despite natural conditions favorable for aquifer storage and recharge due to the predominance of granular and karst aquifers, the water balance indicated water deficiency in the years 2000 and 2023, reducing the rate of groundwater recharge and storage. Regarding quality, all parameters analyzed meet current legislation, ensuring good water quality for human consumption, animal watering, irrigation, and other uses. The tools and methodologies applied proved to be effective in characterizing the quality and quantity of groundwater in the region.