Water quality evaluation in a section of the Maxaranguape River hydrographic basin, RN: Contributions to science and environmental education
Lactotic environment, thermotolerant coliforms, scientific literacy, investigative teaching, socio-scientific questions.
Aquatic ecosystems have undergone significant changes, due to degrading processes as a function of human activities, compromising water quality. The objective of this work was to evaluate the water quality in a section of the Maxaranguape Rivers hydrographic basin, from the source of Pureza, Rio Grande do Norte (RN), Brazil, which is used to supply water to the population and also as a tourist attraction. Water samples were collected at six points in the river, from September 2016 to April 207, monthly, for analysis of nutrients, metals and microorganisms. The socio-environmental actions took place from June to September 2017 at the Escola Municipal Henrique de Oliveira Fagundes, in Pureza-RN. These included activities based on research teaching aiming to contribute to scientific literacy and to the construction for responsible citizenship. With the analysis of water and soil samples, it was noticed that the results do not exceed the limits established by CONAMA resolutions No. 357/2005 and No. 430/2011. In addition, the Kruskal Wallis nonparametric statistical test showed that the variables of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Temperature, Turbidity and Conductivity showed a significant difference between collection points. Based on the analysis of the data collected before and after the realization of the socioenvironmental activities of the interpretive trail in the Pureza Source, as well as the scientific literacy and water workshops, it was possible to perceive a greater perception expressed by the participants in their drawings, speeches, interviews and posters. Therefore, for its role in citizen education, mainly in the school environment, it is essential that the university promotes the access of the community to research information as well as to deepening the monitoring the Pureza Source, in order to maintain the water quality and contribute to the quality of life in the region.