THE QUALITY OF THE WATER OF SPRINGS AND PONDS AT DR. "FERNANDO COSTA" (ÁGUA BRANCA) PARK, SÃO PAULO, SP

ABSTRACT

In May 1999, physical and chemical analyses of water was carried out at springs and ponds in Dr. "Fernando Costa" Park, São Paulo, SP, Brazil, with the aim of determining its quality and propose preservation measures. Six sampling points were used, at the surface and bottom of Negro Lake, at Horta and Ranário springs and in the Chafariz and Carpas tanks. The largest levels of dissolved oxygen were found in Negro Lake (12.0 at the surface and 12.70 mg/L at the bottom), and only in the springs were these values below that stipulated by the CONAMA 357/2005 legislation, for Class III Fresh Water (> 4.0 mg/L). Only in Negro Lake, at the surface and at the bottom, were there found color values above the limit stipulated by the legislation (up to 75.0 mg Pt/L). High values of DBO⁵ were only found in the Carpas (9.29 mg/L) and Chafariz tanks (11.22 mg/L). For all environments, N-NO₂ values were above the established limit (1.0 mg/L), and in relation to N-NO₃, only in the springs were these values equal to or higher than the established limit (10.0 mg/L). The results showed that the waters in Dr.Fernando Costa Park present good quality for ecological and landscape purposes. However, the disordered urban growth, without considering the preservation of springs and green areas, and the high contribution of organic matter, mainly in Negro Lake, are important factors in the loss of quality of the water. Only urban planning in conjunction with an environmental education program can aid in the improvement of ecological and sanitary conditions of this important green area in the central area of the city of São Paulo.

KEY WORDS
Urban parks; water quality; eutrophication