Diego R. Macedo

Freshwater aquatic ecosystems are the most threatened by human activities on Earth, with species extinction rates higher than in terrestrial environments. These suffer directly from the impact of anthropogenic activities with greater intensity on terrestrial environments, as all influences of these activities affect the flows of matter and energy, directly impacting the watercourses.

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Land use and cover in a watershed are closely linked to both water quality, as it relates to riparian zone structures, and the integrity of riparian forests, substrate structure, and nutrient input, and to water quantity, through changes in infiltration and runoff rates. Anthropogenic activities, such as urbanization and agricultural practices, decrease native vegetation cover, including in riparian zones, leading to habitat degradation, increased sedimentation rates, hydrological changes, water temperature fluctuations, and elevated nutrient concentrations in freshwater ecosystems.

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So, this research line aims to investigate the relationship between anthropogenic pressures and changes in hydrological and water quality conditions in river systems, as well as actions that cause positive impacts, such as habitat restoration, river system rehabilitation, and better management of anthropogenic activities in watersheds.