INVESTIGATION OF THE WATER QUALITY IN NATURAL SPRINGS OF CHAPADA DO ARARIPE THROUGH CORRELATION ANALYSIS AMONG PHYSICAL, CHEMICAL, AND BIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS

Abstract

The majority of surface water in bodies of water is ensured by the contribution of groundwater. In the Cariri region of Ceará, the Araripe Sedimentary Basin holds significant reserves of groundwater that are extracted from springs and tubular wells, driving socioeconomic development as it is used by communities and industries. This work aims to assist in the management of water resources in Cariri through the analysis of the correlation or degree of association of the physical-chemical and biological parameters that characterize the water quality of the region's springs. The database was obtained from a study conducted by the management of the Water Resources Management Company of Ceará (COGERH) of the Salgado Basin, which measured eight parameters (Ammoniacal Nitrogen, Nitrite, Nitrate, Total Coliforms, Electrical Conductivity, Total Dissolved Solids, pH, and Temperature) during six campaigns carried out in 2018 and 2019, in the Rainy, Intermediate, and Dry periods. The Pearson correlation matrix showed 41.3% strong and moderate correlations. There are strong and positive correlations between EC and TDS, nitrite and TDS, nitrite and EC, and total coliforms and nitrite. The presence of ionized substances and the possible presence of fecal contaminants (especially in the rainy period) were highlighted, posing a potential risk to consumer health. The oxidation processes in conjunction with organic or inorganic nitrogen associated with substances present in the total dissolved solids were also prominent, influencing nitrite and total solids levels in the water and directly affecting water quality changes.