MONITORAMENTO DA QUALIDADE DA áGUA NO MANANCIAL DO RIO SANTO ANASTáCIO

In order to characterize spatially and temporarily the Santo Anastacio River according to limnological factors, four sampling stations were established in the main course of the river. The limnological variables analyzed were pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, conductivity, turbidity, chlorine, iron, ammonia and phosphate, as well the hydrologic variables flow and speed. These limnological variables were synthesized through a principal components analysis (PCA), in order to determinate their spatial-temporal behavior. Exploratory analysis revealed a longitudinal organization of the sampling stations according to the level of environmental integrity of each station, showing a water quality decrease along the river’s course. The principal components analysis revealed yet a seasonal pattern of sampling dates, allowing differentiate dry and rainy periods.