Seasonal changes of water quality in a tropical shallow and eutrophic reservoir in the metropolitan region of Recife (Pernambuco-Brazil)

An Acad Bras Cienc. 2014 Dec;86(4):1863-72. doi: 10.1590/0001-3765201420140128. Epub 2014 Oct 14.

Abstract

This study investigated the water quality in an urban eutrophic reservoir in Northeastern Brazil, considering the influence of seasonality. Monthly, samples were collected in the sub-surface reservoir. The following abiotic variables were analyzed: temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, apparent color, turbidity, conductivity, fluoride, total nitrogen, chlorides, total dissolved solids, total hardness, iron, copper, manganese, aluminum, chlorophyll-a and phaeophytin. Total and thermotolerant coliforms were analyzed according to APHA (2012). Cyanobacteria density was quantified through its biomass. The data were analyzed using one- way ANOVA and Pearson correlation test. Higher values mean phytoplankton biomass (26.3mm3.L-1) occurred in the dry season, especially Planktothrix agardhii and Geiterinema amphibium, which occurred in 100% of samples. High trophic state index was detected throughout the year. Seasonality exerted some influence on both biotic and abiotc variables, leading to changes in water quality of the reservoir.

MeSH terms

  • Biomass
  • Brazil
  • Cyanobacteria*
  • Environmental Monitoring*
  • Fresh Water / chemistry*
  • Fresh Water / microbiology*
  • Phytoplankton*
  • Seasons
  • Water Quality*