Potentiometry and groundwater flow in the alluvial aquifer of Macaé River lower course, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

Abstract

Macaé city is inserted in the coastal portion of the Northern region of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. The study accomplished in the alluvial aquifer of the Macaé river lower course, whose waters fulfill the domestic needs of a significant part of the rural and peripheral population of the city, comprised the neighborhoods of Córrego do Ouro, Fazenda Severina, Virgem Santa and Aterrado do Imburo. Results comprise the hydrodynamic studies that lead to the elaboration of a potentiometric map in that alluvial aquifer. The potentiometry shows the relationship between the surface and subsurface water. The Macaé River has an effluent character in the studied area. Aquifer recharge is associated to the topographical adjacent higher grounds and discharge is towards the Macaé river channel and river mouth. The hydrographs of water level temporal variation suggest a possible hydraulic connection among the monitored water points, evidencing a lateral continuity in the area.