Daniela Mariano Lopes da Silva (original) (raw)

Papers by Daniela Mariano Lopes da Silva

Agroforestry Systems

Inland waters such as streams that receive carbon from terrestrial landscapes usually have a net ... more Inland waters such as streams that receive carbon from terrestrial landscapes usually have a net heterotrophic metabolism and emit significant amounts of CO2 to the atmosphere. This research aims to analyze the role of hydrological routes to transport the dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and pCO2 concentration in stream water and describe their dynamics by comparing two small catchments under tropical preserved forest (TPF) and cacao agroforestry system (CAS) during distinct rainfall regimes. The sampling occurred weekly (for twenty-one weeks) from September to December 2012 and from April to June 2013. The pCO2 in stream water (SW) was calculated using total alkalinity and pH data. The DIC of soil solution (SS) and surface runoff (SR) were measured through a TOC analyzer. The SS and SR have different patterns of influence on the DIC concentrations in the streams. The DIC concentrations were higher in CAS than in TPF. The pCO2 in CAS was eight and sixteen times higher than TPF in dry and rainy periods, respectively. Fluxes in both areas were significantly elevated during the rainy period compared to the dry period. DIC fluxes were higher in CAS than TPF during both periods (CAS: 1.72 and 19.1 kg ha−1 year−1 and TPF: 0.10 and 2.82 kg ha−1 year−1 to dry and rainy periods, respectively). Based on these results and previous studies involving C fluxes, it is possible that the cacao agroforestry system promotes changes in stream water metabolism, considerably raising pCO2 and DIC concentrations, probably owing to organic matter created by cacao vegetation without management.

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment

The implications of land use change in small watersheds through the conversion of forests to agro... more The implications of land use change in small watersheds through the conversion of forests to agropastoral areas have altered the natural nutrient cycle, intensifying exports under freshwater ecosystems. This study aimed to investigate the land use effects on nutrient and sediment exports in two small watersheds in northeastern Brazil to understand if anthropogenic disturbance alters the structure end functioning of these systems. Thus, land use mapping and hydrological treatment of a digital elevation model were made to characterize the basins. Water samples were collected monthly from Aug. 2016 to Jan. 2017 to evaluate suspended sediments and dissolved nutrient fluxes (NH4+\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}mathrmNH4+{\mathrm{NH}}_4^{+}mathrmNH4+\end{document}, NO3−\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}mathrmNO3−{\mathrm{NO}}_3^{-}mathrmNO3−\end{document}, NO2−\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}mathrmNO2−{\mathrm{NO}}_2^{-}mathrmNO2−\end{document}, PO43−\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}mathrmPO43−{\mathrm{PO}}_4^{3-}mathrmPO43−\end{document}, and dissolved organic nitrogen and phosphorus). The results indicated that land use change had a greater influence on exports from the most disturbed basin, where the nutrient and sediment increments were respectively an average 6.61 and 5.81 times higher than the most preserved basin. Thus, the conservation status of the forest cover has influenced the assimilation capacity of diffuse loads, highlighting the differences between the microbasins of this study.

Environmental Science and Pollution Research

The present study evaluated the influence of land use and occupation on water quality indices (WQ... more The present study evaluated the influence of land use and occupation on water quality indices (WQI); the WQI developed by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), the WQI adapted by the Environmental Company of the São Paulo State (CETESB), WQI proposed by Bascarón and the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) WQI, obtained for watersheds located in the Eastern Water Planning and Management Region (BA). The study also analyzed the divergences and similarities of these WQI methods. Water quality data were obtained from the Monitoring Program (Monitora) of Environment and Water Resources Institute of Bahia (INEMA), covering the period from 2008 to 2015, at thirteen (13) sampling sites, with quarterly collections, as well as land use and occupation data. The influence of land use and occupation on water quality indices was assessed by principal component analysis (PCA). The PCA showed that urban and agricultural/pasture areas were influencing factors on water quality variables, such as total phosphorus, biochemical oxygen demand, total nitrogen, turbidity total residues and consequently lower WQI values in the Cachoeira watershed. Among the tested methods to evaluate the water quality of watersheds in the study area, the most similar were the NSF WQI, CETESB WQI, and Objective Bascarón WQI.

International Journal of Zoological Investigations

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment

Changes to land use generate imbalances in the natural dynamics of aquatic ecosystems. These chan... more Changes to land use generate imbalances in the natural dynamics of aquatic ecosystems. These changes can vary according to the specific characteristics of each environment and due to seasonal factors, reinforcing the importance of studies in this area in different regions of the globe. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the effects of land use change on the rivers and streams of the Cachoeira River Basin in the Northeast of Brazil. Samples were collected bi-monthly at 16 points along the basin over 1 year and analyzed for physical and chemical parameters (temperature, pH, conductivity, and percentage saturation of dissolved oxygen), inorganic nutrients (NO3−, NO2−, NH4+/NH3, PO43−, SiO4) and dissolved major ions (Ca2+, K+, Mg2+, Na+, HCO3−). The highest concentrations of NO3−, NO2−, NH4+/NH3, and PO43− occurred at the points with the highest percentage of urban areas and population density. The major ions Ca2+, K+, Mg2+, Na+, and HCO3− were positively correlated with the percentage of pasture coverage; however, the high concentrations of these ions and the strong correlation between them revealed that other factors besides land use, such as soil cover, geological formation, and water deficit, may be jointly contributing to increases in their concentrations. Thus, the results show that urbanization represents the type of land use with the greatest negative effect on water quality since it alters the concentrations of inorganic nutrients dissolved in the Cachoeira River Basin.

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment

Eutrophication is a natural process within the ecological succession of aquatic ecosystems that r... more Eutrophication is a natural process within the ecological succession of aquatic ecosystems that results from nutrient inputs to water bodies, especially limiting elements such as phosphorus and nitrogen. However, the anthropogenic activities in river basin influence areas accelerate the eutrophication process of water bodies. Eutrophication is a global problem and considered one of the most relevant reasons of aquatic environments' degradation. In this context, watercourses that make up the Eastern Water Planning and Management Region (RPGA) receive high pollutant contributions due to release of wastewater and agriculture diffuse sources from cities located in influence area. The present study aims to evaluate the land use effect in trophic state of the water bodies in Eastern RPGA basins. The Carlson Trophic State Index in 1977, adjusted by Lamparelli 2004, was used to determine the eutrophication degree of the three river basins (Almada, Cachoeira, and Una) located in the Eastern RPGA. The nutrient and chlorophyll a data were obtained from the Monitoring Program (Monitora) of Environment and Water Resources Institute of Bahia (INEMA), covering the period from 2008 to 2015, at thirteen (13) sampling sites, with quarterly collections. The results showed that, among three basins analyzed, Cachoeira River basin presented the worst values for trophic state index (TSI) due to the high level of anthropization, while best results were found in Una basin. It was verified that land use exerted a significant influence on the water quality of bodies of water evaluated.

Environmental monitoring and assessment, Jan 8, 2018

Nitrogen enters estuaries mostly through fluvial discharge and tide, although anthropogenic sourc... more Nitrogen enters estuaries mostly through fluvial discharge and tide, although anthropogenic sources are known to influence the amount of this element in these aquatic ecosystems. Thus, the objective of this work was to verify which river (Cachoeira, Fundão, and/or Santana) exerts greater influence on the distribution of dissolved N forms (Dissolved Organic Nitrogen and Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen = NH3/NH4+, NO2-, and NO3-) along a tropical urbanized estuarine system in northeastern Brazil. The studies estuarine system lies with in urban municipality, and the upper portion of the Cachoeira river estuary receives the treated effluent from this municipality through a sewage treatment station and untreated effluents from nearby villages. The selected sampling stations were located near the outfall of the rivers in the estuaries to the treatment plant and the villages. Of all the nitrogen forms, dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) prevailed in the estuarine system, followed by nitrate (NO...

Agroforestry Systems, 2017

In the southern region of Bahia, a large portion of the Atlantic Forest was occupied by the cacao... more In the southern region of Bahia, a large portion of the Atlantic Forest was occupied by the cacao–cabruca system, which is implemented after the complete removal of the understory vegetation without altering the canopy. The objective of this study was to determine the nitrogen concentration in the soil solution in two micro-basins; one with the cacao–cabruca system and one in the Atlantic forest in the southern region of the state of Bahia. Samples were collected weekly during two periods, from September to December 2012 and from April to June 2013, using sample extractors installed in the micro-basins at 15, 45 and 90 cm. The inorganic forms in the soil solutions were analyzed through ion chromatography, total nitrogen was analyzed using spectrophotometry and mineralization and nitrification rates were analyzed using the laboratory incubation method. Among the nitrogen forms analyzed in the cacao–cabruca soil solution, the dissolved organic nitrogen prevailed among the rain classes in the three depths. In the forest, nitrate predominated at 15 cm, while the organic nitrogen prevailed in the other depths. The highest mineralization and nitrification rates were recorded in the forest. Of the inorganic nitrogen forms analyzed in the soil, ammonium concentrations showed higher rates than nitrate in both areas. Low inorganic nitrogen concentrations in the cabruca soil solution are associated with low mineralization and nitrification rates. Thus we can conclude that even if some studies point towards the environmental efficiency of this system, there are differences in the N forms in the forest and cacao–cabruca areas.

Ecology and Evolution, 2016

Water flow pathways and water balance are fundamental components for understanding the dynamics o... more Water flow pathways and water balance are fundamental components for understanding the dynamics of C in the soil/water interface of small basins. The objective of this study was to describe the seasonal variations and estimate the annual balance of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) by comparing two tropical microbasins (preserved forest-PF and cacao plantation-CP). Twenty-one weekly collections were conducted from September to December 2012 and from April to June 2013. The calculation of the partial balance considered precipitation (P) as inflow and the stream as outflow. The samples were filtered and analyzed using a TOC analyzer. Overall, the DOC was higher CP compared with FP. The behavior of both venues showed that rainy season caused an increase in concentrations in the overland flow (OF) and in the stream, and a decrease in the precipitation (P) and in the throughfall (T). In the CP, the outflow and the soil were chiefly responsible for the high DOC concentrations in the stream, when compared to the PF, which is the result of constant OM decomposition. Soil composition contributes to the control of DOC consumption in each type of soil. The balances were negative in both microbasins, although losses were higher in the AFS (agroforestry systems) when compared to the PF, especially during rainy seasons (−8.98 and −3.05 kg ha −1 year −1 , CP and FP, respectively). Thus, the high annual loss of DOC in the CP of the microbasins during the rainy season indicates changes in ecosystem metabolism due to the vegetation cover and to the interactions with the soil.

Brazilian Journal of Aquatic Science and Technology, 2016

Land use effects on nutrient concentration in a small watershed in northeast Brazil. Braz. J. Aqu... more Land use effects on nutrient concentration in a small watershed in northeast Brazil. Braz. J. Aquat. Sci. Technol. 19(2).

Química Nova, 2008

The main objective of this paper was to evaluate the level of occurrence of the organochlorine co... more The main objective of this paper was to evaluate the level of occurrence of the organochlorine compounds in samples of sediments, bivalves and two fish species collected in the Piracicaba River basin (São Paulo, Brazil). The isomers α and γ of HCH and Heptachlor were most frequently detected in samples of sediments and specimens of bivalve and fish. Therefore, although the levels of these compounds found were not critically high, they are still found in the environment. This fact suggests that they are still being used, despite the fact that the use of these compounds was outlawed more than twenty years ago.

Scientia Agricola, 2007

Several studies in tropical watersheds have evaluated the impact of urbanization and agricultural... more Several studies in tropical watersheds have evaluated the impact of urbanization and agricultural practices on water quality. In Brazil, savannas (known regionally as Cerrados) represent 23% of the country's surface, representing an important share to the national primary growth product, especially due to intense agriculture. The purpose of this study is to present a comprehensive evaluation, on a yearly basis, of carbon, nitrogen and major ion fluxes in streams crossing areas under different land use (natural vegetation, sugar cane and eucalyptus) in a savanna region of SE Brazil. Eucalyptus and sugar cane alter the transport of the investigated elements in small watersheds. The highest concentration of all parameters (abiotic parameters, ions, dissolved organic carbon DOC - and dissolved inorganic carbon - DIC) were found in Sugar Cane Watersheds (SCW). The observed concentrations of major cations in Eucalyptus Watersheds (EW) (Mg, Ca, K, Na), as well as DIN and DOC, were foun...

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2015

Small watersheds are characterized by a high degree of sensitivity to changes observed in their e... more Small watersheds are characterized by a high degree of sensitivity to changes observed in their environment, making them important sampling and management units. Due to this high sensitivity, several studies have shown that intensive collecting may be more effective in these systems compared to other timescale procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration of organic and inorganic nutrients and major ions dissolved in two small watersheds with different land uses to determine whether there are differences between these watersheds with different levels of impact and to identify the most appropriate timescale procedure for the variables under analysis. Therefore, monthly, daily, and hourly samples were taken in the two streams in the northeast of Brazil. One of the streams is located in an undisturbed area (environmental protected area) (S1) and one in a disturbed area (S2). The results showed significant differences for conductivity, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (%), sodium (Na(+)), and chloride (Cl(-)) ions and higher values presented in the anthropogenic stream. Dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) in S2 mainly comprised ammonium (NH4 (+)), while nitrate (NO3 (-)) predominated in S1. The considerable increase in the concentration of NO3 (-) and dilution of Na(+) and Cl(-) after rain in April in S1 shows how precipitation may change the chemical composition of the water in a 1-day period. No changes were observed in the concentrations of major ions and nutrients that could be related to the cyclical variation of the hours during the day in both small watersheds. Daily collections allow better monitoring of the dynamics of streams and greater robustness of the data.

Agroforestry Systems

Inland waters such as streams that receive carbon from terrestrial landscapes usually have a net ... more Inland waters such as streams that receive carbon from terrestrial landscapes usually have a net heterotrophic metabolism and emit significant amounts of CO2 to the atmosphere. This research aims to analyze the role of hydrological routes to transport the dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and pCO2 concentration in stream water and describe their dynamics by comparing two small catchments under tropical preserved forest (TPF) and cacao agroforestry system (CAS) during distinct rainfall regimes. The sampling occurred weekly (for twenty-one weeks) from September to December 2012 and from April to June 2013. The pCO2 in stream water (SW) was calculated using total alkalinity and pH data. The DIC of soil solution (SS) and surface runoff (SR) were measured through a TOC analyzer. The SS and SR have different patterns of influence on the DIC concentrations in the streams. The DIC concentrations were higher in CAS than in TPF. The pCO2 in CAS was eight and sixteen times higher than TPF in dry and rainy periods, respectively. Fluxes in both areas were significantly elevated during the rainy period compared to the dry period. DIC fluxes were higher in CAS than TPF during both periods (CAS: 1.72 and 19.1 kg ha−1 year−1 and TPF: 0.10 and 2.82 kg ha−1 year−1 to dry and rainy periods, respectively). Based on these results and previous studies involving C fluxes, it is possible that the cacao agroforestry system promotes changes in stream water metabolism, considerably raising pCO2 and DIC concentrations, probably owing to organic matter created by cacao vegetation without management.

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment

The implications of land use change in small watersheds through the conversion of forests to agro... more The implications of land use change in small watersheds through the conversion of forests to agropastoral areas have altered the natural nutrient cycle, intensifying exports under freshwater ecosystems. This study aimed to investigate the land use effects on nutrient and sediment exports in two small watersheds in northeastern Brazil to understand if anthropogenic disturbance alters the structure end functioning of these systems. Thus, land use mapping and hydrological treatment of a digital elevation model were made to characterize the basins. Water samples were collected monthly from Aug. 2016 to Jan. 2017 to evaluate suspended sediments and dissolved nutrient fluxes (NH4+\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}mathrmNH4+{\mathrm{NH}}_4^{+}mathrmNH4+\end{document}, NO3−\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}mathrmNO3−{\mathrm{NO}}_3^{-}mathrmNO3−\end{document}, NO2−\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}mathrmNO2−{\mathrm{NO}}_2^{-}mathrmNO2−\end{document}, PO43−\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}mathrmPO43−{\mathrm{PO}}_4^{3-}mathrmPO43−\end{document}, and dissolved organic nitrogen and phosphorus). The results indicated that land use change had a greater influence on exports from the most disturbed basin, where the nutrient and sediment increments were respectively an average 6.61 and 5.81 times higher than the most preserved basin. Thus, the conservation status of the forest cover has influenced the assimilation capacity of diffuse loads, highlighting the differences between the microbasins of this study.

Environmental Science and Pollution Research

The present study evaluated the influence of land use and occupation on water quality indices (WQ... more The present study evaluated the influence of land use and occupation on water quality indices (WQI); the WQI developed by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), the WQI adapted by the Environmental Company of the São Paulo State (CETESB), WQI proposed by Bascarón and the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) WQI, obtained for watersheds located in the Eastern Water Planning and Management Region (BA). The study also analyzed the divergences and similarities of these WQI methods. Water quality data were obtained from the Monitoring Program (Monitora) of Environment and Water Resources Institute of Bahia (INEMA), covering the period from 2008 to 2015, at thirteen (13) sampling sites, with quarterly collections, as well as land use and occupation data. The influence of land use and occupation on water quality indices was assessed by principal component analysis (PCA). The PCA showed that urban and agricultural/pasture areas were influencing factors on water quality variables, such as total phosphorus, biochemical oxygen demand, total nitrogen, turbidity total residues and consequently lower WQI values in the Cachoeira watershed. Among the tested methods to evaluate the water quality of watersheds in the study area, the most similar were the NSF WQI, CETESB WQI, and Objective Bascarón WQI.

International Journal of Zoological Investigations

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment

Changes to land use generate imbalances in the natural dynamics of aquatic ecosystems. These chan... more Changes to land use generate imbalances in the natural dynamics of aquatic ecosystems. These changes can vary according to the specific characteristics of each environment and due to seasonal factors, reinforcing the importance of studies in this area in different regions of the globe. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the effects of land use change on the rivers and streams of the Cachoeira River Basin in the Northeast of Brazil. Samples were collected bi-monthly at 16 points along the basin over 1 year and analyzed for physical and chemical parameters (temperature, pH, conductivity, and percentage saturation of dissolved oxygen), inorganic nutrients (NO3−, NO2−, NH4+/NH3, PO43−, SiO4) and dissolved major ions (Ca2+, K+, Mg2+, Na+, HCO3−). The highest concentrations of NO3−, NO2−, NH4+/NH3, and PO43− occurred at the points with the highest percentage of urban areas and population density. The major ions Ca2+, K+, Mg2+, Na+, and HCO3− were positively correlated with the percentage of pasture coverage; however, the high concentrations of these ions and the strong correlation between them revealed that other factors besides land use, such as soil cover, geological formation, and water deficit, may be jointly contributing to increases in their concentrations. Thus, the results show that urbanization represents the type of land use with the greatest negative effect on water quality since it alters the concentrations of inorganic nutrients dissolved in the Cachoeira River Basin.

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment

Eutrophication is a natural process within the ecological succession of aquatic ecosystems that r... more Eutrophication is a natural process within the ecological succession of aquatic ecosystems that results from nutrient inputs to water bodies, especially limiting elements such as phosphorus and nitrogen. However, the anthropogenic activities in river basin influence areas accelerate the eutrophication process of water bodies. Eutrophication is a global problem and considered one of the most relevant reasons of aquatic environments' degradation. In this context, watercourses that make up the Eastern Water Planning and Management Region (RPGA) receive high pollutant contributions due to release of wastewater and agriculture diffuse sources from cities located in influence area. The present study aims to evaluate the land use effect in trophic state of the water bodies in Eastern RPGA basins. The Carlson Trophic State Index in 1977, adjusted by Lamparelli 2004, was used to determine the eutrophication degree of the three river basins (Almada, Cachoeira, and Una) located in the Eastern RPGA. The nutrient and chlorophyll a data were obtained from the Monitoring Program (Monitora) of Environment and Water Resources Institute of Bahia (INEMA), covering the period from 2008 to 2015, at thirteen (13) sampling sites, with quarterly collections. The results showed that, among three basins analyzed, Cachoeira River basin presented the worst values for trophic state index (TSI) due to the high level of anthropization, while best results were found in Una basin. It was verified that land use exerted a significant influence on the water quality of bodies of water evaluated.

Environmental monitoring and assessment, Jan 8, 2018

Nitrogen enters estuaries mostly through fluvial discharge and tide, although anthropogenic sourc... more Nitrogen enters estuaries mostly through fluvial discharge and tide, although anthropogenic sources are known to influence the amount of this element in these aquatic ecosystems. Thus, the objective of this work was to verify which river (Cachoeira, Fundão, and/or Santana) exerts greater influence on the distribution of dissolved N forms (Dissolved Organic Nitrogen and Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen = NH3/NH4+, NO2-, and NO3-) along a tropical urbanized estuarine system in northeastern Brazil. The studies estuarine system lies with in urban municipality, and the upper portion of the Cachoeira river estuary receives the treated effluent from this municipality through a sewage treatment station and untreated effluents from nearby villages. The selected sampling stations were located near the outfall of the rivers in the estuaries to the treatment plant and the villages. Of all the nitrogen forms, dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) prevailed in the estuarine system, followed by nitrate (NO...

Agroforestry Systems, 2017

In the southern region of Bahia, a large portion of the Atlantic Forest was occupied by the cacao... more In the southern region of Bahia, a large portion of the Atlantic Forest was occupied by the cacao–cabruca system, which is implemented after the complete removal of the understory vegetation without altering the canopy. The objective of this study was to determine the nitrogen concentration in the soil solution in two micro-basins; one with the cacao–cabruca system and one in the Atlantic forest in the southern region of the state of Bahia. Samples were collected weekly during two periods, from September to December 2012 and from April to June 2013, using sample extractors installed in the micro-basins at 15, 45 and 90 cm. The inorganic forms in the soil solutions were analyzed through ion chromatography, total nitrogen was analyzed using spectrophotometry and mineralization and nitrification rates were analyzed using the laboratory incubation method. Among the nitrogen forms analyzed in the cacao–cabruca soil solution, the dissolved organic nitrogen prevailed among the rain classes in the three depths. In the forest, nitrate predominated at 15 cm, while the organic nitrogen prevailed in the other depths. The highest mineralization and nitrification rates were recorded in the forest. Of the inorganic nitrogen forms analyzed in the soil, ammonium concentrations showed higher rates than nitrate in both areas. Low inorganic nitrogen concentrations in the cabruca soil solution are associated with low mineralization and nitrification rates. Thus we can conclude that even if some studies point towards the environmental efficiency of this system, there are differences in the N forms in the forest and cacao–cabruca areas.

Ecology and Evolution, 2016

Water flow pathways and water balance are fundamental components for understanding the dynamics o... more Water flow pathways and water balance are fundamental components for understanding the dynamics of C in the soil/water interface of small basins. The objective of this study was to describe the seasonal variations and estimate the annual balance of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) by comparing two tropical microbasins (preserved forest-PF and cacao plantation-CP). Twenty-one weekly collections were conducted from September to December 2012 and from April to June 2013. The calculation of the partial balance considered precipitation (P) as inflow and the stream as outflow. The samples were filtered and analyzed using a TOC analyzer. Overall, the DOC was higher CP compared with FP. The behavior of both venues showed that rainy season caused an increase in concentrations in the overland flow (OF) and in the stream, and a decrease in the precipitation (P) and in the throughfall (T). In the CP, the outflow and the soil were chiefly responsible for the high DOC concentrations in the stream, when compared to the PF, which is the result of constant OM decomposition. Soil composition contributes to the control of DOC consumption in each type of soil. The balances were negative in both microbasins, although losses were higher in the AFS (agroforestry systems) when compared to the PF, especially during rainy seasons (−8.98 and −3.05 kg ha −1 year −1 , CP and FP, respectively). Thus, the high annual loss of DOC in the CP of the microbasins during the rainy season indicates changes in ecosystem metabolism due to the vegetation cover and to the interactions with the soil.

Brazilian Journal of Aquatic Science and Technology, 2016

Land use effects on nutrient concentration in a small watershed in northeast Brazil. Braz. J. Aqu... more Land use effects on nutrient concentration in a small watershed in northeast Brazil. Braz. J. Aquat. Sci. Technol. 19(2).

Química Nova, 2008

The main objective of this paper was to evaluate the level of occurrence of the organochlorine co... more The main objective of this paper was to evaluate the level of occurrence of the organochlorine compounds in samples of sediments, bivalves and two fish species collected in the Piracicaba River basin (São Paulo, Brazil). The isomers α and γ of HCH and Heptachlor were most frequently detected in samples of sediments and specimens of bivalve and fish. Therefore, although the levels of these compounds found were not critically high, they are still found in the environment. This fact suggests that they are still being used, despite the fact that the use of these compounds was outlawed more than twenty years ago.

Scientia Agricola, 2007

Several studies in tropical watersheds have evaluated the impact of urbanization and agricultural... more Several studies in tropical watersheds have evaluated the impact of urbanization and agricultural practices on water quality. In Brazil, savannas (known regionally as Cerrados) represent 23% of the country's surface, representing an important share to the national primary growth product, especially due to intense agriculture. The purpose of this study is to present a comprehensive evaluation, on a yearly basis, of carbon, nitrogen and major ion fluxes in streams crossing areas under different land use (natural vegetation, sugar cane and eucalyptus) in a savanna region of SE Brazil. Eucalyptus and sugar cane alter the transport of the investigated elements in small watersheds. The highest concentration of all parameters (abiotic parameters, ions, dissolved organic carbon DOC - and dissolved inorganic carbon - DIC) were found in Sugar Cane Watersheds (SCW). The observed concentrations of major cations in Eucalyptus Watersheds (EW) (Mg, Ca, K, Na), as well as DIN and DOC, were foun...

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2015

Small watersheds are characterized by a high degree of sensitivity to changes observed in their e... more Small watersheds are characterized by a high degree of sensitivity to changes observed in their environment, making them important sampling and management units. Due to this high sensitivity, several studies have shown that intensive collecting may be more effective in these systems compared to other timescale procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration of organic and inorganic nutrients and major ions dissolved in two small watersheds with different land uses to determine whether there are differences between these watersheds with different levels of impact and to identify the most appropriate timescale procedure for the variables under analysis. Therefore, monthly, daily, and hourly samples were taken in the two streams in the northeast of Brazil. One of the streams is located in an undisturbed area (environmental protected area) (S1) and one in a disturbed area (S2). The results showed significant differences for conductivity, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (%), sodium (Na(+)), and chloride (Cl(-)) ions and higher values presented in the anthropogenic stream. Dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) in S2 mainly comprised ammonium (NH4 (+)), while nitrate (NO3 (-)) predominated in S1. The considerable increase in the concentration of NO3 (-) and dilution of Na(+) and Cl(-) after rain in April in S1 shows how precipitation may change the chemical composition of the water in a 1-day period. No changes were observed in the concentrations of major ions and nutrients that could be related to the cyclical variation of the hours during the day in both small watersheds. Daily collections allow better monitoring of the dynamics of streams and greater robustness of the data.