Avaliação da qualidade de águas subterrâneas localizadas no litoral, serra e sertão do Estado do Ceará destinadas ao consumo humano

Abstract

The state of Ceará, located in the northeastern region of Brazil, is in its totality included in the so-called drought polygon, with a pluviometricregime characterized by an irregularity of rains, in time and space, which represents the main condition that is unfavorable to exploitation of its natural resources. Due to the seasonal rainfall regime, it becomes necessary the capitation of groundwater, from wells, to supply the population. Most of these wells are embedded in the geological context of crystalline basement rocks, where anthropogenic factors such as septic tanks may compromise water quality. Such factors contribute so that the abstracted water does not have a suitable quality for human consumption. Based on this context, this research had as main objective to evaluate the quality of these waters. Groundwater samples were collected from wells located in three different types of relief: coast, high altitude, and hinterland. Chemical analyzes of the parameters pH, total hardness, chlorides, and nitrates were performed and compared to the current legislation, the Ordinance No. 2914 of December 12, 2011 of the Ministry of Health. It was verified that most of the waters were inadequate for human consumption.