Analysis of the Bathing Suitability of Lagoons in the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the water quality of the lagoons of the Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Bonita circuits located in the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. Theoretical Framework: Bathing water quality refers to the ability of a location to allow for water and sports activities, i.e., activities involving direct contact. The large flow of visitors to the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park makes it necessary to monitor areas where visitors interact with the environment, in order to assess the impacts caused by these visits. Method: The bathing water quality of the lagoons was evaluated through microbiological and physical-chemical analyses following parameters guided by CONAMA resolution No. 274/00, which establishes water quality standards for activities involving primary contact. The microbiological analyses were performed using the Colipaper® method and the physical-chemical analyses were performed using an AKSO multiparameter device, model EZ-9909. Results: The results of the analyses show that the water in the lagoons was of excellent quality on most days when they were analyzed, and therefore did not pose any health risks to visitors. Implications of the Research: The results indicate the need for studies to complement the verification of the quality of these waters with the purpose of evaluating other factors that may directly influence the suitability of these lagoons for bathing. Originality/Value: This research contributed significantly to the literature and, through the results obtained, the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio), the agency responsible for managing the park, can take appropriate measures to conserve the aquatic ecosystems there.