Ribeirão Santa Rita (Fernandópolis/SP): geo-socio-environmental issues and physico-chemical characteristics of its waters from an interdisciplinary approach

Abstract

The main objective of this work was to analyze an environmental issue of extreme relevance for the municipality of Fernandópolis, SP, aiming at overcoming the disciplinary approach, traditionally fragmentary and decontextualized. Based on the work carried out with high school students, we sought to raise awareness of the importance of preserving a river (Ribeirão Santa Rita) that runs through the municipality. Severe environmental impacts, such as the silting of the spring, were observed, causing it to resurface in another area. The physical-chemical parameters of the water, such as turbidity, pH and dissolved oxygen content, indicate that it is contaminated by domestic sewage, since high turbidity, slightly acidic pH and low dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration were detected. It was found that the interdisciplinary and contextualized approach facilitated the teaching-learning process where the intended concepts were assimilated significantly by the students.