Análise do processo de recuperação de três nascentes no município de Pitanga-PR

Abstract

Springs, as natural outcrops of the water table, play a crucial role in watersheds, providing water for human consumption in various rural communities. However, water quality is fundamental, as contamination can result in the transmission of diseases. In this context, this study aimed to implement the soil-cement technique for spring recovery in small rural properties. This qualitative and exploratory research was conducted in the rural communities of Santa Barbara, Santa Rita Linha Cantu, and Borboleta São Roque, located in the municipality of Pitanga, PR. The study comprised three distinct stages: data collection, practical intervention, and educational material development. Initially, meetings were held in the three communities to decide which spring would be selected for the application of the soilcement recovery technique. After selection, the preservation conditions and location of the springs on the properties were evaluated, along with the preparation of maps for guidance. Water samples were collected from the selected springs for water quality analysis, considering a variety of parameters such as total alkalinity, aluminum, chloride, free residual chlorine, apparent color, total hardness, iron, taste, manganese, odor, pH, sodium, sulfate, turbidity, presence of Escherichia coli, total coliforms, and heterotrophic bacteria count. After the evaluation of water quality, the soil-cement technique was applied for the preservation of the selected springs. The results obtained after the implementation of the technique demonstrated significant improvements in key parameters, such as turbidity and pH, in the studied sources, reflecting the effectiveness of the proposed intervention. However, some challenges were identified, such as the persistence of total coliforms in one of the springs, even after the application of the technique, suggesting the continuous importance of monitoring and proper maintenance of the structures. It is worth noting that water quality is not only a local concern but also a matter of public health and the overall well-being of communities.