Water quality of the São Gonçalo channel, urban and agricultural water supply in southern Brazil

ABSTRACT São Gonçalo channel connects Patos and Mirim lagoons, in South Brazil. This ecosystem is 70 Km long, and is a major regional source of urban and agricultural water supply, mainly for the municipality of Rio Grande, with ca. 250 thousand citizens. This study aims to diagnose their water quality by measuring benthic invertebrates (Shannon-Wiener diversity index, richness and abundance), use of a BMWP biotic index, physical and chemical evaluation, and applying a trophic state index. The BMWP index showed predominance of taxa indicating altered conditions and polluted waters (Sarcodina and Hydracarina). The abiotic variables indicated eutrophicated waters, chlorophyll values characteristic of eutrophic environments (>2.9 µg. L–1), low N:P rates in sediment and water, with nitrogen limitation during most periods studied. The results of trophic state indexes indicated mesotrophic and eutrophic conditions, reaching hipereutrophic periods. The highest TSI were in Piratini river, in April 2009 and February 2011, coinciding with rice crop leaching. These results regarding nutrient concentration, nitrogen and phosphorus stoichiometry and biotic index support the need to evaluate the occupation of the surroundings of this water supply.