Adaptation and applicability assessment of the of a Rapid Assessment Protocol for the Gualaxo do Norte river basin, East-Southeast of the Quadrilátero Ferrífero, MG, Brazil

Abstract

In this study, we adapted a Rapid Assessment Protocol methodology (RAP) to assess the environmental conditions of the Gualaxo do Norte River, East-Southeast of the Quadrilátero Ferrífero, MG, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Then the RAP was applied to 31 sections along its course and the applicability/viability of the adapted instrument using scientific information on the history and current use and occupation of the Gualaxo do Norte River basin was evaluated. The results showed that RAP was effectively adjusted to evaluate environmental conditions of river under investigation. However, it was observed the need to evaluate parameters that can have their appearance appraisal influenced by the season of the year (dry or wet) or by their location in the basin. It was concluded that the implementation/adaptation of RAPs should be a continuous process of adjustments and improvements to the extent that their employment may cover a diverse range of rivers, watersheds and ecoregions.