Tanques de evapotranspiração como solução sustentável para o saneamento na ocupação Vitória: uma proposta de reabilitação ambiental na Bacia do Isidora, Belo Horizonte

Abstract

The Northern region of Belo Horizonte, especially the Vitória Occupation area in the Isidora Basin, represents a territory of intense urban and environmental transformations, hosting one of the most significant urban forest remnants, located in the transition between Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes. This area, marked by the absence of basic sanitary infrastructure, faces significant challenges related to the contamination of its water resources due to direct discharge of domestic effluents. The research investigates the implementation of Evapotranspiration Tanks (TEVaps) as a sustainable alternative for decentralized sewage treatment, based on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) principles. The TEVap system, like constructed wetlands, relies on the capacity of adapted plant species to promote organic matter decomposition through microbiological activity in the rhizosphere. The methodology involved the installation of 12 TEVap units along a reconstructed watercourse, with systematic monitoring through physicochemical analyses of soil and water. The results obtained after one year of implementation demonstrated significant reduction in BOD, phosphorus, nitrate, and coliform parameters, evidencing the system's effectiveness as a sanitation solution. The study presents a viable and replicable alternative for effluent treatment in vulnerable urban areas, combining environmental and social benefits through low-cost technologies with high positive impact on the environmental and social quality of directly and indirectly affected areas.