Water Quality and Vegetation Health in Urban Conservation Areas: A Case Study of Paragem Municipal Natural Park

Authors

  • Marina Stefanes Schibichewski Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Genotoxicity, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados (UFGD), Dourados, MS, Brazil https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6313-556X
  • Bruno do Amaral Crispim Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Genotoxicity, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados (UFGD), Dourados, MS, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0606-4905
  • Alexeia Barufatti Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Genotoxicity, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados (UFGD), Dourados, MS, Brazil

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5132/eec.2024.01.08

Keywords:

Anthropogenic impact, Ecotoxicology, Genotoxicity, Vegetation index, Water health

Abstract

The Paragem Municipal Natural Park (PMNP), an integral protection conservation unit, plays a crucial role in the conservation and recovery of ecosystems located in the city of Dourados/MS. Located in an urban area, it faces challenges related to human influence, which can affect its terrestrial and aquatic communities. This study aimed to analyze the vegetation index and diagnose the water quality of a tributary of the Paragem stream located within the PMNP. The research involved examining the Green Leaf Index, physical-chemical and microbiological parameters of the water, as well as ecotoxicological tests covering three trophic levels. In addition, the genotoxic effect of the water on a piscean model was investigated. The results revealed low vegetation cover and degradation of the park’s water quality, evidenced by microbial contamination, toxicity to primary producers, and genetic damage to fish. Therefore, these results indicate the need for monitoring and environmental education measures, ecological restoration, and water resource recovery and conservation management in the PMNP to favor the recovery and conservation of its environmental resources.

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Published

19-08-2024

How to Cite

Schibichewski, M. S., Crispim, B. do A., & Barufatti, A. (2024). Water Quality and Vegetation Health in Urban Conservation Areas: A Case Study of Paragem Municipal Natural Park . Ecotoxicology and Environmental Contamination, 19(1), 72–81. https://doi.org/10.5132/eec.2024.01.08

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Section

Original Articles

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