Saneamento Básico: Impactos ambientais causados pelo despejo de esgoto no Rio Negro (Amazonas-Brasil)

Abstract

The disorganized growth of urban centers, coupled with the lack of public policies and investments, causes significant environmental impacts and health risks due to failures in basic sanitation. This study assesses the impacts of untreated effluent discharge into the Rio Negro through microbiological analysis of water samples collected at different points along the Manaus waterfront and streams. The results were compared with the limits established by current legislation. The possibility of discharging untreated wastewater directly into the Rio Negro, considering the supposed self-purification capacity of the subfluvial outfall, was also analyzed. The study highlights the need to update the Municipal Basic Sanitation Plan, aiming at concrete goals for expanding access to sewage collection and treatment in the city. The findings demonstrate severe pollution in the streams and the presence of harmful microorganisms, emphasizing the urgent need for effective measures.