Diagnóstico do grau de preservação e percepção dos moradores sobre a importância das nascentes do Rio Áura no Povoado Ponta de Paulo no Município de São Vicente Férrer – MA

Abstract

Springs play a key role in the hydrological cycle, as they are responsible for bringing groundwater to the surface. Its importance is highlighted in this water process. This article analyzes the conditions of the sources of the Áurea River in Ponta de Paulo, São Vicente Férrer – MA, and highlights the factors that affect their conservation and the benefits of their preservation. For the present study, it was divided into three stages to achieve the objectives. In the first stage, field research was carried out to identify springs in accordance with Federal Law No. 12.651/2012, which considers PPAs as areas within a minimum radius of 50 meters around springs and perennial wells in rural or urban areas. In the third stage of this research, a qualitative research was carried out to evaluate the perception of the residents of the region where the springs are located, the research had 15 residents of rural properties in the study area. As for the results, a study was carried out in five springs of the Aura River. The springs showed water contamination, solid waste, disorderly human occupation, presence of animals, absence of vegetation and protective fences. A questionnaire was also applied to rural residents to collect information on water use and waste disposal. Thus, the study recommends conservation and environmental education practices to minimize environmental impacts and identify problems associated with human interventions.