Evaluation of dissolved silicate as an indicator of erosion in the drainage basin of estuarine systems. Bruno Otero Sutti, Luciana Lopes Guimaraes, Roberto Pereira Borges, João Marcos Miragaia Schmiegelow

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate seasonally and spatially the dissolved silicate in surface waters of two rivers with similar physical characteristics, but with different levels of anthropogenic interference. In dry season the surface water in shallow sites can represent high concentrations, proving that the estuarine circulation is very influential in the concentrations of dissolved silicate on surface. The dissolved silicate as an indicator of erosion becomes more evident during rainy periods.