USE OF GEOTECHNOLOGIES AS A TOOL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERIZATION AND PLANNING IN A HYDROGRAPHIC UNIT OF THE CERRADO OF THE DF: IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC POLICIES AND DIFFUSE RIGHTS

Abstract

This paper presents an integrated geotechnological approach to assessing the susceptibility to water erosion and the vulnerability to contamination of porous aquifers in a hydrographic unit located in the Cerrado region of the Federal District. Using advanced tools such as GRASS GIS and spatial modeling via RUSLE, thematic maps and indicators were generated. The results demonstrate that, although much of the area presents low susceptibility to erosion, features such as plateau edges can present high and very high susceptibility. Nevertheless, the presence of native or regenerating vegetation as land cover in these features allowed them to be classified primarily as low. The analysis of the vulnerability of porous aquifers, coupled with the very high impairment of the flow rate available for dilution, however, revealed a worrying situation in an area that has been under strong pressure from unplanned urbanization. The findings can support the development, implementation, and execution of public policies and environmental management plans, highlighting the need for compliance with these latter. They are also closely related to diffuse rights, especially the right to a balanced environment, and to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially numbers 6, 13, and 15.