Water Quality and Environmental Challenges: A Study at Chapéu Virado and Farol Beaches, Mosqueiro Island, Pará-Belém

Abstract

Purpose: This study emphasizes the importance of water quality at Chapéu Virado and Farol Beaches, on Mosqueiro Island, highlighting its role in ensuring bathers' safety and preserving the local ecosystem.   Method/design/approach: Following CONAMA Resolution 274 guidelines, the bathing water quality assessment was conducted using E. coli and pH parameters. Samples were collected at seven strategic points and analyzed using the Colilert method for E. coli, while pH was measured using a field pH meter.   Results and conclusion: The results revealed a persistent increase in E. coli levels over five weeks, potentially associated with a rise in visitors during July, suggesting an upsurge in improper waste and sewage disposal practices as the primary hypothesis. As a consequence, several beach points were deemed unfit due to high concentrations of E. coli and sewage detection. Additionally, maintaining an acidic pH in one of the five analysis weeks rendered certain areas unsuitable for bathing. A range of complex factors, including effluent discharges, the presence of acidic groundwater, coastal erosion, and weather conditions, may contribute to the detected acidity.   Research implications: The implications of this research are quite significant in various aspects:   Public Health: Identifying potential health risks related to water and beach environment quality is crucial to prevent waterborne diseases and ensure the safety of beachgoers.   Environment: By highlighting the negative impacts on beach quality, the research underscores the importance of conservation and environmental preservation, encouraging actions to reduce pollution and protect coastal ecosystems.   Sustainable Tourism: It reveals the need to promote sustainable tourism practices by educating visitors and tour operators about the importance of preserving beaches for long-term tourism.   Public Policies: It can influence governmental policies and regulations to enhance water quality, implement more effective monitoring systems, and establish guidelines for environmental protection.   Public Awareness: By disseminating the results, this research can raise public awareness about the importance of caring for beaches and the environment, encouraging both individual and collective actions for conservation.   Originality/value: The originality of this research lies in the way it addresses beach problems. It doesn't just focus on water quality but also examines how it affects people's health and tourism. This is important because it helps better understand the issues and find solutions. As for its value, it lies in showcasing how poor beach quality impacts public health and how this can be resolved. It also emphasizes the importance of caring for the environment and promoting more sustainable tourism. All this provides valuable information for decision-makers, aiding in the preservation of beaches for the future.