Environmental degradation related to mining, urbanization and pollutant sources: Pocos de Caldas, Brazil

摘要

The paper considers the environmental problems associated with development within a volcanic depression at Pocos de Caldas, Brazil, which was undertaken without appropriate investigation and planning. Engineering geological mapping was carried out to characterize the area and identify the main environmental problems. The results allowed the division of the region into geological and geotechnical zones. Decommissioned and abandoned mines, agricultural uses, point and non-point pollutant sources and urban land use were identified as the main causes of erosion, siltation, soil and surface water pollution and changes in geomorphology, infiltration rates, groundwater recharge conditions, groundwater pollution, runoff and channel density.