Is it possible to evaluate the energy contributions of an estuary?

This study conducts an emergy analysis to explore the natural physical foundation supporting the ecological organization of the Araranguá River estuary, located in the southern region of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The primary aim is to assess the emergy signature of renewable natural energy sources within the Araranguá River and quantify their emergy contributions to the system. The energy model developed for the study area is based on a detailed account of the system, incorporating expert insights, literature reviews, and field research. This is followed by the creation of an energy diagram to represent the system visually. Energy sources, stores, and flows within the system are then evaluated and described. The total environmental energy sources required to sustain the Araranguá River estuary amount to 2.07 million emReais annually, including associated imagery. By successfully employing emergy analysis, this study identifies the key energy sources that uphold the structure of the estuary. These findings can support informed decision-making and the formulation of public policies, such as resource allocation and conservation strategies.