The objective is to match or predict how the particles may affect the water quality
An important step for analyzing the quality of the Doce River water and identifying the material in suspension that makes the river look reddish. Therefore, Renova Foundation team is developing a study to define these particles.
Water samples are being analyzed, the colloidal fraction (solid particles smaller than 1 micrometer) and sediment, collected in the region of Mariana (MG), and the Carmo River near Rio Doce (MG). From this evaluation, it will be possible to match or predict how the particles may affect the water quality.
Field teams work on the collection of water samples for analysis. | Photo: Release
Mariana Werneck, of the water monitoring department of the Renova Foundation, tells about the challenges faced by the team during the collections. “Because the work takes place outside, climate conditions directly interfere with the tasks. It was necessary to stop the collections in December due to rainfall. Still, this break was an opportunity to rethink the planning and conclude the successful sampling”, she says.
The expectation is that the technical report will be completed by the end of the first semester of 2017. The project is being developed in partnership with experts from the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama) and the State Institute for the Environment and Water Resources of Espírito Santo (Iema), and members of the Technical Board of Water Security.