A balneabilidade em praias no município de Natal/RN e o saneamento básico

Abstract

This monograph aims to evaluate the balneability of beaches in Natal and identify possible factors that affect the quality of these waters. For this, data were gathered from the analysis of the reports issued by the Institute of Susainable Development and Environment of the State of Rio Grande do Norte (IDEMA), which classified the beaches as PROPER or IMPROPER for recreational use. In addition, it also made use of rainfall data, made available by the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET), which occurred on the days of sample collection. Data analysis was performed between 2013 and 2022. From this, it was sought to relate the collection of samples, the irregular release of sanitary sewage, anthropic actions and the functioning of the beaches, with the balneability of the beaches under study. The beaches treated in this study were: Praia de Mãe Luiza, Praia de Miami, Praia de Areia Preta and Praia dos Artistas, all being part of the Municipality of Natal, and these were chosen for their contiguity and the proximity of an area of the city known for its deficiency in urban infrastructure that at the same time is confused with one of the noble regions of the city. The results showed a variation in water quality, with some beaches presenting their balneability repeatedly below the standards established by norm. It was also possible to identify the main sources of contamination. These results highlight the need for measures to be taken for environmental management and preservation to ensure the health and safety of bathers and the sustainability of Natal tourism.