Qualidade da água da nascente do córrego São Nicolau como tema gerador na educação ambiental.

Abstract

The spring of the São Nicolau stream, located on the Semente Peregrina Trail at the Institute of the Subhumid Tropics, was used as a generative theme in Environmental Education (EA). The objective was to address hydro-environmental quality and evaluate the physicochemical and microbiological parameters, emphasizing the importance of its preservation and its direct relation to sustainability, providing a basis for discussions in the field of Chemistry. The research was divided into two parts. The first part consisted of a bibliographic review of the main national and international historical events related to EA, the concept of Sustainable Development, the goals of the 2030 Agenda, the potential of ecological trails in EA, and the importance of springs as a study object. The second part involved field study at two points of the spring, one in a lentic environment and the other in a lotic environment, during the rainy season. The spring was classified as punctual, and the conservation status was classified as good. The microbiological results showed that the raw waters are not suitable for human consumption due to the presence of total and thermotolerant coliforms, indicating the need for proper treatment and further studies in the region. Overall, the physicochemical parameters followed current legislation for waters used for landscaping and irrigation. The preliminary study of the spring's water quality was essential to understand the use of water and the importance of preserving the spring and surrounding areas. The data generated will be used to support EA activities to raise students' awareness of the importance of preserving water resources and associated ecosystems, as well as to highlight the consequences of pollution and environmental degradation, and the need to protect these vital sources to ensure the health and well-being of future generations.