SOURCES OF THE LIMEIRA STREAM WATERSHED: LANDSCAPE DYNAMICS AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION AND ASSOCIATED IMPACTS IN THE PANTANAL REGION, CÃCERES, MATO GROSSO

Authors

Abstract

Springs are fundamental to the formation and functioning of rivers and streams. Any interference contributes to water fragility. In this sense, this research aimed to analyze the types of water use and availability in the springs of the Limeira stream in the municipality of Cáceres, in the Pantanal region of Mato Grosso. Four field studies were conducted over a one-year period for hydro-sedimentological observation and monitoring. A 20 m measuring tape was used to measure depth and width; a stopwatch and floats at a distance of 10 m were used for velocity. Plastic bags and bottles were used to collect bottom and suspended sediment, respectively. The results demonstrated that the expansion of livestock farming in the spring areas contributed to landscape modification. The lack of vegetation altered the hydrological dynamics, decreasing the flow rate. A greater quantity of sandy sediments was recorded, which compromises and indicates a silting process. The environmental degradation observed in the headwaters of the Limeira stream represents a threat to the hydrological connectivity and environmental integrity of the Pantanal region, highlighting the need for planning and management (environmental and territorial) of conservation practices that ensure its functioning so that water supply can occur for the people who depend on this unit of analysis. Thus, the headwaters of this stream play an important role in regional water regulation.

Author Biographies

  • Ana Rosa Rodrigues de Souza, State University of Mato Grosso

    She holds a degree in Spanish Language and Literature from the University of Cuiabá (2015), a degree in Visual Arts from the State University of Mato Grosso (2021), a degree in History from the Faveni University Center - Unifaveni (2023), a degree in Pedagogy from UNINA College (2024), and a master's degree in the Postgraduate Program in Geography (PPGGEO) from the State University of Mato Grosso (2026). Currently, she is a language teacher at the João Florentino Silva Neto State School and a language teacher at the Paulo Freire Municipal School in the Paiol Settlement.

  • Leila Nalis Paiva da Silva Andrade, State University of Mato Grosso

    Bachelor's degree in Geography from the State University of Mato Grosso (2006). Master's degree in Environmental Sciences from the State University of Mato Grosso - UNEMAT (2009). PhD in Sciences. Area of ​​Concentration: Ecology and Natural Resources from the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) (2019). Post-Doctorate in Geography with emphasis on Fluvial Geomorphology "urban river channels" from the Federal University of Ceará. Post-doctorate in Geography with emphasis on Water Availability and Traditional Communities" from the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS). Adjunct Professor of the Geography Course - Cáceres-MT Campus of the State University of Mato Grosso (UNEMAT). Area of ​​Expertise: Physical Geography: Hydrogeography and Geomorphology. Professor and Permanent Advisor in the Postgraduate Program in Geography (Master's and Doctorate) at UNEMAT, based in Cáceres. Research Area: Environmental Analysis. Vice-coordinator of the Postgraduate Program in Geography (Master's and Doctorate) at UNEMAT. Researcher and Coordinator of the Laboratory for Research, Teaching and Extension in Fluvial Geomorphology at the State University of Mato Grosso - LAPEGEOF (Prof. Dr. Sandra Baptista da Cunha). Supervising Professor of the Pedagogical Residency Program of the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel, Geography Center, Cáceres Campus (2020-2022). Coordinating Professor of the Institutional Program for Teaching Initiation - PIBID (2014-2018). Leader of the Research Group Water Resources: Pantanal, Amazon, Cerrado - RHIDROPAC

  • Fabio Junior do Espírito Santo Andrade, State University of Mato Grosso

    Holds a Bachelor's degree in Geography from the State University of Mato Grosso, Colider Campus, Mato Grosso. Master's degree in Geography from the State University of Mato Grosso, Cáceres Campus. Recipient of a scholarship from the Institutional Scholarship Program for Teaching Initiation - PIBID (2014-2017). CAPES scholarship recipient in the Postgraduate Program in Geography - PPGGeo (2023-2025). PROEC scholarship recipient for the extension project (Aqui tem Geografia). PhD candidate in the Postgraduate Program in Geography (PPGGeo-Unemat). Member of the Research, Teaching and Extension Laboratory in Fluvial Geomorphology - LAPEGEOF "Prof. Dr. Sandra Baptista da Cunha". Member of the research group - Water Resources: Pantanal, Cerrado and Amazon.

  • Eduarda da Silva Vieira, State University of Mato Grosso

    Holds a Bachelor's degree in Geography from the State University of Mato Grosso (UNEMAT). Currently a scholarship recipient of the Social Demand Program (DS) from CAPES. Integrates the Research, Teaching and Extension Laboratory in Fluvial Geomorphology Prof. Dr. Sandra Baptista da Cunha - LAPEGEOF/UNEMAT. Master's student in the Postgraduate Program in Geography - PPGGeo, at the State University of Mato Grosso. Member of the Water Resources Research Group - PANTANAL, CERRADO and AMAZON.

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Published

2026-06-29

Issue

Vol. 18 No. 1 (2026): Revista Percurso

Section

Dossiê Geografias do Pantanal

License

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How to Cite

Rodrigues de Souza, A. R., Nalis Paiva da Silva Andrade, L., Junior do Espírito Santo Andrade, F., & da Silva Vieira, E. (2026). SOURCES OF THE LIMEIRA STREAM WATERSHED: LANDSCAPE DYNAMICS AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION AND ASSOCIATED IMPACTS IN THE PANTANAL REGION, CÁCERES, MATO GROSSO. Revista Percurso, 18(1), 31-59. https://periodicos.uem.br/ojs/index.php/Percurso/article/view/83486