Evaluation of occurrence of NO3–, Coliform and atrazine in a karst aquifer, Colombo, PR

Abstract

The vulnerability of karst aquifers to contamination by agrochemical compounds was studied. Such contamination occurs due to its geomorphological structure. Despite the fact, aquifers are important to provide potable water, there is a lack of research about karst aquifers in Brazil. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of nitrates, fecal coliform bacteria and atrazine in shallow and deep wells in the karst aquifer in the State of Paraná, which is affected by agricultural activities. This study was conducted in an intensive agricultural area located inside the basin of the Upper Iguassu/Ribeira in the Municipality of Colombo, Paraná in Brazil. The sampling campaigns were carried out between 2014 and 2015 in fifteen shallow wells and seven deep wells. Nitrates, total and fecal coliforms and atrazine were analyzed. Nitrates were found in higher concentration in all shallow wells, ranging from 0.14 mg L-1 and 40.22 mg L-1. In deep wells, the lower concentrations were between 1.24 mg L-1 e 17.86 mg L-1. The analysis of total and fecal coliforms showed the bias for nitrates. Atrazine was detected in five shallow wells and in four deep wells. Physico-chemical characteristics of atrazine as well as fractures of the karstic aquifer and high hydraulic conductivity can be considered as determining factors in the fate of pesticides.

An integrated assessment of water quality in a land reform settlement in northern Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil

“…Rheinheimer et al [28] showed results obtained from groundwater in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, had higher concentrations of nitrate, but none exceeding 22 mg L −1 of NO 3 − (5 mg L −1 of N-NO 3 − ). Higher values of nitrate found in shallow wells of Paraná state had maximum of 40.22 mg L −1 of NO 3 − [29].…”

Atrazine removal in aqueous solutions using activated carbon from peach stone

“…Atrazine is a suspected EDC (endocrine-disrupting chemical), and its intensive use and low biodegradability has led to the accumulation of this compound in the environment, contaminating surface water and groundwater (Schleder et al, 2017). There are several methods that can be used in water/effluent treatments containing pesticides, such as, adsorption in activated carbons, biological treatment, oxidation processes (Ozone, Hydrogen Peroxide, Chlorine, Ultraviolet Irradiation) and advanced oxidative processes (Photocatalysis, Fenton Reagent, Combined O3/H2O2/UV Systems) (Mudhoo and Garg, 2011).…”