The influence of the interception process on the precipitation quality in a catchment covered by subtropical Atlantic Forest

Influência do processo de interceptação na qualidade da água da chuva em uma bacia coberta por floresta Ombrófila Mista

ABSTRACT

The interception process is responsible for the spatial and temporal redistribution of the precipitation that reaches the ground. The contact of the precipitation with the canopy influences on the water quality, increasing the concentration of various nutrients in the throughfall (Tf) and stemflow (Sf). The objective of this study was to assess the influence of the interception process on the precipitation quality in a catchment covered by Mixed Ombrophilous Forest. The precipitation (P) monitoring consisted of two rain gauges installed outside the basin. Six gauges were installed within the basin for Tf monitoring. The Sf monitoring was conducted in nine trees. Water sampled at all points was analyzed for color, conductivity, pH, turbidity, and total dissolved solids. The concentrations of Nitrate (NO₃^-), Chloride (Cl^-), Phosphate (PO₄^3-), Sulfate (SO₄^2-), Acetate (CH₃CO₂^-) and Calcium (Ca²⁺) ions were measured in five points, i.e., one precipitation, two throughfall and two stemflow. Measured precipitation, throughfall and stemflow during the period were 652.1 mm, 584.5 mm (89,6% P) and 2.6 mm (0,4% P), respectively. Total interception loss was 65 mm, corresponding to 10% of the total precipitation. The highest values of the physicochemical parameters were found in the Sf and the Tf. The pH was lower in the Sf, and it decreases with the diameter at breast height. There was no significant relationship between the physicochemical parameters and the canopy cover fraction. The analysis shows the significant difference in the water quality of the precipitation that reaches the ground after being intercepted.

Keywords:
Atlantic Forest; Precipitation interception; Precipitation water quality