Evidences of the artificial dams effects over the seasonal variation of total suspended solids at São Francisco river mouth

Abstract

Rivers fluxes has a relevant contribution over the transport of total suspended solids (TSS) for river mouths being responsible to promote primary production and sediment balance for coastal areas. In this sense it is necessary to monitor the spatial and temporal variability of coastal plumes once TSS anomalies could be associated with regional anthropogenic impacts and/or climate anomalies. The present study implemented the Tassan algorithm ober satellite data for the portion of the mouth of the São Francisco River between the years 2013 to 2021 to identify possible seasonal oscillations in this study region. The results presented a general profile with higher TSS values ​​for the region at the mouth of the São Francisco River with TSS reductions in the adjacent marine portion. Additionally, no significant fluctuations in local TSS levels were observed. Possibly, the expressive artificial dams throughout the São Francisco basin associated with unexpressive rainfall levels in the region are affecting the dynamics of TSS in downstream portions. We hope that this work can contribute to future coastal management purposes in face of current sustainability challenges.