Characterization and assessment of water quality in mountainous sub-basins on the Manhuaçu River, MG

The objective of this chapter is to carry out an analysis of the water quality of six different sites in the Manhuaçu River basin and to propose measures for the saved sites. Changes in land cover occur and can cause degradation of the landscape. Hydrographic data selected by IBGE and IEDE level curves on a scale of 1: 50,000 were used and performed on MDEHC using Arc GIS software. Six different locations were collected in the field in the Manhuaçu River basin in February 2019. The records provided by SAAE Manhuaçu were also used. How the analyzes were evaluated and using a Water Quality Index (IQA) for the saved locations. As sub-basins Córrego Bom Jesus, Rio Manhuaçu and Rio São Luis lowered low values of dissolved oxygen with values of 0.0; 2.3 and 2.5 mg l-1, respectively. Córrego Bom Jesus had the lowest IQA value, followed by Rio Manhuaçu and Rio São Luis with values of 36.69; 44.92 and 47.84 values considered ruins. High levels of pesticides were not detected in surface waters. The product of coffee plantations close to water courses and a potential contamination by pesticides are of concern, and it is necessary to increase a protected area in the riparian zone.