Surface water on the influence of the Carajás Mineral Province (Brazil) – Consequences to an indigenous community

Abstract

The Cateté River belongs to the Itacaiúnas River watershed, including the most prominent mining area of Brazil with active mines of Fe, Cu, Ni, and Mn. This river has a high vulnerability associated with the drainage of mining effluents and crosses the “XikrinCateté Indigenous Land”. Most water samples from Cateté river are neutral and poorly mineralized, but with high concentrations of Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu, Cr, Zn, and Pb. Some waters are contaminated and unsuitable for human consumption and agricultural activities. The water contamination is mainly associated with mine activities; however, Fe is also related to geological setting and lithologies.