Optimized allocation of forest restoration zones to minimize soil losses in watersheds.

Increase of water erosion is one of the main problems in watersheds all over the world and directly affects soil and water resources, causing economic and environmental losses. We proposed a combination of Genetic Algorithm and Erosion/Deposition modelling to allocate vegetation zones in order to reduce soil losses within watersheds. In this study, we have used Unit Stream Power Based Erosion Deposition (USPED) model to predict the spatial distribution of erosion and sediment deposition.

Environmental risk assessment for sustainable pesticide use in coffee production.

The extensive use of pesticides in agricultural practices has been associated with human health problems and environmental contamination worldwide. Brazil is the largest consumer of pesticides in the world and Espírito Santo State stands out as the second Brazilian producer of coffee. However, there is no information about environmental impact of coffee producing at Itapemirim River Basin (IRB) region, Espírito Santo State, Brazil; hence a simple and quick method using open access softwares (AGROSCRE and ARAquá Web) to estimate surface entrainment and pesticide leaching potential was carried out.

A new methodology for royalties distribution of the Itaipu hydroelectric plant: The hydrographic basin as the unit of analysis.

Over the past few years, many sectors such as energy generation, industry, domestic supply, and agriculture have encountered serious environmental problems due to the lack of rainfall. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to review the current methodology of royalties distribution from Itaipu hydroelectric plant. In the proposed approach, two criteria were considered to establish the division of Itaipu royalties: (1) the relative percentage of the water flow in the generation of electricity and, (2) the relative percentage of the drop in the height of water.

Spatial and temporal distribution of urban heat islands.

The formation of an urban heat island (UHI) is one of the most common impacts of the urbanization process. To mitigate the effects of UHI, the planning of urban forests (e.g.