TOCANTINS RIVER BASIN IN MARABÁ-PA: ANTHROPOGENIC IMPACTS AND WATER QUALITY

Abstract

The Tocantins River basin, the largest entirely Brazilian basin, plays a strategic role in water supply and economic development in the Northern region. The municipality of Marabá-PA, located at the confluence of the Tocantins and Itacaiúnas rivers, concentrates mining, agricultural, and commercial activities that pressure local water resources. This research analyzed the impacts of anthropogenic activities on water quality in the Tocantins River basin in Marabá-PA, through bibliographic and documentary review. The search was conducted in Google Scholar and SciELO databases, including studies published between 2017 and 2025. Results showed that the municipality has a sewage collection rate of only 2%, with 51.80% of the population using rudimentary pits. Microbiological studies identified total coliforms in 81.81% of samples from the Tocantins River waterfront. Disordered urbanization amplifies recurrent floods, and mining contributes heavy metals to sediments. We conclude that sanitation deficiency is the main factor of water degradation, requiring integration between urban planning and public policies.