Seasonal evaluation of surface and groundwater quality in the area of influence of the Lixão de Salinópolis, PA

Abstract This work evaluated the seasonality of surface and groundwater quality in the vicinity of the Salinópolis dump, located in the Cuiarana village, by characterizing precipitation in the region and its influence on the physicochemical and microbiological composition of local waters. To accomplish this, data regarding monthly local precipitation were reviewed, and measurements were taken of the rate of soil infiltration and the rate of flow of the Cachoeira and Teixeira Rivers. The physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters selected were pH, dissolved oxygen (OD), water temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, electrical conductivity (EC), salinity, ammonia, nitrate, total coliforms and Escherichia coli; and the metals aluminum, cadmium, lead, copper, chromium, iron, manganese, mercury, nickel and zinc. Both surface and groundwater were inadequate for human consumption and use. Parameters such as OD, iron, aluminum, lead, mercury, total coliforms and E. coli are not in compliance with current legislation in both surface and underground waters. The rainy season had a negative impact on surface water quality. In groundwater, parameters such as ammonia, nitrate, iron, mercury and lead were higher in the less rainy period, whereas EC, E. coli, total coliforms and aluminum increased their concentrations in the rainy period.