Water quality in streams is determined by several factors, including geology, topography, climate, and anthropogenic changes. This study aimed to assess the effects of watershed physical, morphology, and precipitation seasonality on the water quality of two streams that supply drinking water to rural settlements and urban areas in the Cerrado-Amazonia transition region. We monitored 16 physico-chemical attributes of water at six different sample locations over three years (2013–2016). Our results indicate that eight of these physico-chemical attributes did not meet the standards for safe drinking water established by Brazilian legislation. Precipitation seasonality, degradation of riparian zones, stream length, and watershed slope were the most important predictors of impaired water quality. Our results highlight the importance of restoring and conserving riparian forests in order to maintain drinking water quality.
Effects of experimental fires on the phylogenetic and functional diversity of woody species in a neotropical forest
Effects of experimental fires on the phylogenetic and functional diversity of woody species in a neotropical forest
Although tropical forest fires are naturally rare, they have become more frequent and intense in response to recent changes in land use and climate. This shift in fire regime may drive widespread forest degradation in Amazonia, with important consequences not only...