Author(s)

D. M. Bonotto & E. G. Oliveira

Abstract

This investigation reports the results of a study realized in areas related to the development of sand mining activities, which belong to CRS-Mineração Indústria e Comércio Ltd. and Sibelco Mineração Ltd. Both areas are located around Analândia municipality, nearly in the center of São Paulo State, Brazil. Flow rate and hydrochemical analyses were realized over different periods of time, with the aim of evaluating the possibility of release of several constituents to the liquid phase, which may be a source of pollution of the surface hydrological resources. This is because some tributaries from the Corumbataí River may be suffering contamination, implying on the impoverishment of the water quality that is a very important resource in the region, as it is extensively used for drinking purposes, among others. Keywords: sand mining activities, flow rate, hydrochemistry, water quality. 1 Introduction The study of discharge in hydrographic basins is important because it allows one to evaluate the water volume circulating annually in the basin. Consequently, it is possible to obtain the dilution capacity of effluents released into drainage during the development of industrial/mining activities, among others. It also permits one to know the depuration ability of rivers and streams during eventual pollution events. For instance, if occurs pronounced dry periods, then, in principle, it may be possible estimate the minimum flow rate of the water body, as well the dilution rate of pollutants released into it.

Keywords

sand mining activities, flow rate, hydrochemistry, water quality.