Water quality: parameters and methods used for water analysis of surface water resources

Abstract

Concern about measuring water quality has become increasingly global, given the increasing demand for water for agricultural supply and use, as well as the progressive loss of potability of available water resources. The definition of water quality is depending on the intended use, since different physical, chemical and biological parameters must be considered for each case. CONAMA - National Environment Council classified the water bodies into nine classes, according to the maximum allowed value of certain parameters and the type of water use (called with the framework), being an important criterion in the management of water resources. It was the objective of the present work to carry out a bibliographical review of scientific articles referring to the analysis of surface water quality published in the last five years (2014 to 2018) in different regions of Brazil. Approach was given in the verification of the methods employed and the parameters most commonly evaluated in the characterization of water quality. The following keywords were searched for: "water quality analysis", "water quality parameter analysis", "water quality characterization". The data tabulation generated graphs of percentage of parameters analyzed according to CONAMA resolution nº 357/2005. The IQA calculation appeared in 25.5% of the articles. The number of parameters established by CONANA nº 357/05, demands great investment. The indicators adopted by the National Water Agency (ANA) require few parameters for analysis, but they do not always portray the real condition of the water resource if they are contaminated by heavy metals, but they are quite a tool used for decision making and management.