Assessment of Water Quality in the Irurá Stream in Different Seasonal Periods: Environmental Impacts and Challenges for Water Management

Objective: This study evaluates the influence of land use and land cover patterns on the water quality of the Irurá stream, an urban water body located in Santarém, Pará, aiming to understand its environmental impacts and challenges for water resource management. Theoretical Framework: The research is based on the principles of environmental management and water resource conservation policies, relying on Brazilian environmental legislation and water quality concepts as defined by CONAMA Resolution 357/2005. Method: Four sampling campaigns were conducted between 2019 and 2020 at six different points along the stream, during periods of high and low rainfall. Eleven physicochemical and microbiological parameters were analyzed and correlated with current environmental regulations. Results and Discussion: The results indicated variations in water quality due to seasonality and the level of urbanization in adjacent areas. Sampling points closer to urbanized zones showed higher levels of thermotolerant coliforms, turbidity, and dissolved solids, reflecting the influence of irregular discharges and the lack of proper sanitation. Research Implications: The findings highlight the need for public policies for integrated water resource management, including basic sanitation measures, riparian forest restoration, and monitoring of irregular discharges. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the environmental literature by presenting an analysis of water quality in an urban water body in the Amazon, providing insights for environmental management and water conservation policies.