Contamination vulnerability of groundwater in the municipality of Nova Palma, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

  • Carlos Alberto Löbler Universidade Federal de Santa Maria
  • José Luiz Silvério da Silva Universidade Federal de Santa Maria
Keywords: GIS technology, GOD method, Guarani aquifer

Abstract

While often imperceptible to the human eye, groundwater has a relevant role as a very important component of the hydrological cycle. This research presents a case study of the GOD system assessing the vulnerability of the aquifer to contamination. The study surveyed thirty-six groundwater extraction wells in the municipality of Palma Nova, registered and located on the edge of the Paraná Sedimentary Basin in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Two aquifer systems occur in this area in both outcropping and confined zones; one is composed of volcanic flows known as the Serra Geral Aquifer System (SGAS) and the other of sedimentary sandstone rocks, known as the Guarani Aquifer System (SAG). The GOD method indicates that 8% of the wells are in the insignificant class of vulnerability, 15% in the low class, 31% in the moderate class, 31% in the high class and 15% in the extreme vulnerability class. Seven cemeteries and two gas stations were identified as pollution source points. These results could be used for land use planning by the municipality’s administration as well as for the preservation of groundwater quality.

Author Biographies

Carlos Alberto Löbler, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria
Geógrafo e Mestrando do Programa de Pós Graduação em Engenharia Ambiental/ PPGEAMB/UFSM.
José Luiz Silvério da Silva, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria
Geólogo Dr. Professor do Departamento de Geociências/PPGEAMB/PPGEC/CT/CCNE/UFSM. Santa Maria, RS.
Published
08/12/2014
Section
Papers