Bioindicators assessing water quality and environmental impacts of water treatment plant sludge.

Alves Abreu da Costa, Talitha R.; Weber, Olmar Baller; Pestana, Carlos J.; Capelo-Neto, Jos�

Abstract

This study had as objectives to assess water quality using macroinvertebrate communities in Gaviao artificial reservoir (Brazil), used to supply potable water to 2.5 million people, and to evaluate how these organisms responded to the discharge of water treatment sludge into a natural wetland. A total of 1,621 specimens across 23 taxa were identified. Mollusca were the dominant and most frequent group while Insecta presented the most richness. Based on feeding mode, there were more predator organisms than scrapers. The Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP') method showed to be more sensible to water quality variations than ASPT index, going from polluted to questionable water quality more frequently. The chemical parameters analysed showed no significant variations and were not a sensitive method for assessing water quality. No organisms could be found downstream of the sludge discharge point, indicating a high impact of sludge disposal on local biota.

Citation

ABREU DA COSTA, T.R.A., WEBER, O.B., PESTANA, C.J. and CAPELO-NETO, J. 2017. Bioindicators assessing water quality and environmental impacts of water treatment plant sludge. International journal of environment and sustainable development [online], 16(1), pages 25-42. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1504/IJESD.2017.10001350

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 18, 2016
• Online Publication Date: Nov 18, 2016
• Publication Date: Mar 31, 2017
• Deposit Date: Jan 22, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 22, 2018
• Journal: International journal of environment and sustainable development
• Print ISSN: 1474-6778
• Electronic ISSN: 1478-7466
• Publisher: Inderscience
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 16
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 25-42
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1504/IJESD.2017.10001350
• Keywords: Macroinvertebrates; Bioindicators; Artificial reservoir; Water quality; Water treatment sludge
• Public URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10059/2677
• Contract Date: Jan 22, 2018