EVALUATION OF THE WATER QUALITY OF THE CUBATÃO RIVER (BAIXADA SANTISTA, SP-BRAZIL)

Abstract

Throughout the course of the Cubatão River, various anthropogenic activities influence its quality, highlighting its importance to both the community and the region’s industrial development. This study assessed water toxicity through ecotoxicological tests with Daphnia similis across seven sampling points, from upstream to the river’s mouth. The results reveal an increasing gradient of toxicity starting from point 4, indicating the impact of human activities. The study underscores the need for impact mitigation policies, stricter industrial regulation, and the expansion of sanitation systems.

Keywords: Chronic toxicity, Daphnia similis, anthropogenic activities, contamination, protected area.