Technology Research Line

Environmental Technology Applied to Water Resources

This line deals with instruments and techniques for studying and treating impacts on the assessment of the quantity and quality of water in the environment. In an integrated way, the relationships between the terrestrial and atmospheric systems are evaluated for a better understanding of the hydrological cycle.

In this line, monitoring techniques are developed and/or applied, as well as planning and research for hydric-environmental studies. Emphasis is also placed on the organization of hydro-meteorological and sedimentometric data obtained from the hydrographic basin networks, in addition to the use of remote sensing data and information systems for environmental applications with an emphasis on water resources.

Solutions for monitoring and rational use of water in rural and urban environments are developed, aiming at conservation, reuse and treatment of effluents. Research related to technology applied to water resources is carried out, proposing solutions to minimize the cost of water and its reuse, providing cost reduction and greater urban and rural sustainability. It involves applied research on impacts, mainly on soil and water, including contaminant transport and soil-contaminant interaction, investigation and remediation of contaminated areas, management, treatment and disposal of waste.

The line also aims to solve and/or minimize issues related to desilting, erosion control, slope containment, population relocation/resettlement, land use and occupation for prevention of springs, and restoration of riparian vegetation. In this context, decision support systems are essential for the management of the environment and water resources, providing, through indicators, information on different land uses, water availability, protection measures, conservation of water bodies, and monitoring of quality standards.

Whenever pertinent, it is intended to incorporate into technological solutions alternatives that blend the "grey" technologies traditionally employed in environmental interventions to the implementation of nature-based solutions (SBN). SBNs are inspired and supported by cost-effective natural resource management practices carried out by local communities that provide environmental, social and economic benefits and contribute to maintaining ecosystem resilience, combining technical, commercial, financial, governance, regulatory and social innovation.

The integration of this line of research in technology with the line of research in modeling will occur, whenever possible, through the use of models related to watersheds, aquifers, reservoirs and others. These models require the database of the information systems used and/or developed. The use and systematisation of hydrological databases already existing in different government bodies and the private sector are essential for studies and research to be submitted in this line of research in technology. Besides, it provides the application of the models developed, in the line Modeling for Environment Applied to Water Resources, by environment managers in relation to water resources.

The disciplines, besides the compulsory ones, that will support this line of research are: Irrigated Agriculture, Erosion and Sediment Transport, Conservation and Protection of Springs, Environmental Impacts in the Use of Water Resources, Sustainability Indicators Applied to M. Amb. and Water Resources, Environmental Licensing, Water Quality in Rivers and Reservoirs, Recovery of Degraded Areas, Reuse of Water and Industrial Effluents, Remote Sensing Applied to Environmental Management and Water Resources, Geographic Information Systems in Environmental Management and Water Resources, Decision Support Systems, Water and Effluent Treatment Technology.