Potencial risco de contaminação do aquífero Dunas/Barreiras por atividades antrópicas em área de manancial no Nordeste Brasileiro

Abstract

The search for water resources has always been a criterion for human development. However, the negative impacts triggered by the advance of urbanized areas and agriculture in areas of springs, which should be treated as Environmental Preservation Zones (EPZ), demonstrate the importance of conserving surface and underground water sources. From a multi-criteria Analysis, involving map algebra and Weighted Linear Combination of attributes of physical, biotic and anthropogenic environments, in a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) environment, this work aims to identify areas with greater potential for contamination of groundwater in the Dunes/Barreiras Aquifer in the Bonfim System area (BS). This spring is located in Brazil NE region, near the eastern coast of Rio Grande do Norte (RN) and is used to supply about 300,000 people in the semiarid Northeast. The results showed that 44.17% of the spring area presented Medium, Strong and Very Strong contamination potentials. On the other side, areas with dispersible potential covered 39.92% and represent natural areas, without the presence of anthropic activities. The results are intended to assist in decision-making and contribute to the territorial planning of the municipalities of San José de Mipibu and Nísia Forest, presenting areas where anthropic use should be delayed, giving priority to conservation