Geochemical analyses of water and public health of the Mangueirão and Salso Streams in Caçapava do Sul, RS, Brazil

Abstract Caçapava do Sul, RS, Brazil produces 80% of the State’s rock-dust, and its 1st district is located near four marble quarries. A significant increase in Brazilian mineral extraction has caused serious environmental problems, such as the development and proliferation of diseases directly related to water resources. This study sought to investigate the water composition in the 1st district area. Geochemical investigation revealed waters classified as soft and hard, neutral and alkaline pH. Electric conductivity ranged from 95.7 to 548 μs cm-1, and total alkalinity ranged from 57 to 241 mg L-1. Ca and Mg ranged from 6.01 to 54.1 and from 4.6 to 32.75, respectively. All measured values met the potability standards for human consumption established by Ordinance Nos. 2914 (2011), 36-GM/1990, and1469/2000.