Hydrobiological Characterization of Guanabara Bay

Abstract

Guanabara Bay forms an ecological unity with serious environmental problems derived from an accelerated and unorganized process of urbanization without the necessary support. The UFRJ/Institute of Biology soon became aware of these problems and since 1985 it has been developing systematic studies about the bay. Based on data obtained from previous isolated studies, a new project was elaborated so as to establish the systematization and planning of a series of field studies which would finally furnish the hydrobiological characterization of the bay. This paper discusses general aspects of the bay, study methodology, and study results. Among the conclusions drawn thus far are that the low water quality, accompanied by high Cyanophyceae concentrations and frequent phytoplanktonic blooms, indicates that the bay undergoes severe environmental stress. The great social-economic importance of Guanabara Bay justifies the high investments necessary for its recuperation.