Geochemical mapping and the determination of reference values receive increasing attention. The need to know regional geochemical background data as well as the spatial allocation of areas with anomalous geochemical concentrations and chances to identify their major sources motivate the interest. Here, results from a high-density geochemical mapping exercise and derived related reference values are presented; 541 stream sediment samples have been collected across the Iron Quadrangle (IQ), Brazil, with a density of one sample per 13 km 2 . Geochemical maps were compiled using the inverse distance weighted interpolation method. ''Normal'' concentrations were distinguished from anomalies with the separation-byconcentration-range technique, where positive anomalies are defined by the ''boxplot'' Upper Inner Fence (UIF) rule. More than 70 % of the IQ show exclusively geogenic concentration ranges for the elements studied. About 20 % represent positive anomalies, likely related to both near surface rock types and to human interference. Distinct anthropogenic anomalies, notably from mining activities explain 5-10 % of all samples. This first high-density sampling in the IQ allows delineating the role of lithology on the elemental composition of stream sediments, and to establish reference values for the main river basins-thus pinpointing localities, cities and fluvial basins that are exposed to environmental risks and need to be protected.
Several water parameters were evaluated: river flow, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, total phosphorus, total coliform, turbidity and pH. Monitoried points downstream of the construction sites showed an increase of more than 100% in dissolved oxygen and a decrease of fecal coliform bacteria (over 800%). Relatively small investments can bring major improvements to the quality of water resources in rural communities areas.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.