Environmental analysis of small rural catchments case study: Melo Creek - MG/Brazil.

Purpose - The purpose of this research was to identify the major environmental impacts occurring in Melo Creek, Minas Gerais, Brazil, especially as regards to its water quality. Design/methodology/approach - Initial evaluation was based on aerial photograph interpretation. All the small creek catchments were delimited and 12 stream segments were chosen for sampling and analyses. The segments had their water discharge calculated and channel pattern described. Also determined for these segments were the physical and chemical parameters of the water, as well as the microbiological content. Both water and sediment samples were analyzed for metals and trace element quantification. Meanwhile, an environmental inquiry was conducted in all the small villages along the creek. Findings - Data show a decrease in water discharge during the last decades, related to the increased destruction of the Atlantic Forest, especially at the riverheads and in permanent preservation areas (PPA). Most of the native vegetation was cut down to create farmlands and pasture. The water quality is also diminishing because for most of the properties, the main activities are pig raising and sugarcane liqueur production, which discharge their untreated effluents, along with domestic wastewater and sewage, directly into the creek. The results indicated that during its passage through the catchment, stream water became significantly contaminated with fecal coliform bacteria. As a consequence, the area possesses a high endemic disease index for water transmitted parasitism, especially for Schistosomiasis mansoni. Originality/value - This was the first study done in the Melo catchment, a small rural basin without basic sanitation and with a highly prevalent schistosomiasis rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]