Evaluation of water quality in a channel in the Paraíba do Sul River estuary, northern Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

Coastal areas suffer several impacts from urban expansion along the coast. This advance occurs in an irregular way and without proper planning, in addition, in these environments there is evidence of untreated domestic effluents in the mangroves, as occurs in the Paraíba do Sul River estuary. Thus, the objective of this is to assess water quality , using the Multiple Tube Method to analyze microbiological parameters (total and thermotolerant coliforms), and potentiometers to check the physical-chemical parameters (electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity and temperature). The averages of all physical-chemical parameters are similar to those found in the literature, except for dissolved oxygen concentrations. The results of total and thermotolerant coliforms showed significant correlations with pH and temperature. The most degraded point has affected more preserved areas. Thus, actions are needed to promote the protection of this environment, due to its importance for environmental and social balance.