Technological Hazard Vulnerability: A GIS-Based Approach for Supporting Environmental Zoning

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Risk Assessment
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Background:

• Technological hazard assessments are infrequent in Brazil, hindering effective environmental planning.
• Aquatic systems are critical endpoints for watershed processes, including technological disasters.
• Lagoon systems require specific vulnerability mapping due to their unique ecological characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and apply a GIS model for mapping technological hazard vulnerability in lagoon systems.
• To identify specific environmental systems within lagoons that are highly susceptible to technological pressures.
• To provide data for informed environmental planning and management strategies in Brazil.

Main Methods:

• Developed a GIS model integrating spatial data on technological pressure and environmental fragility.
• Applied the model to lagoon systems in Rio Grande do Sul State, Southern Brazil, as a case study.
• Used environmental systems as the spatial units for vulnerability assessment.

Main Results:

• Identified very high vulnerability in Northern Guaíba Lake due to concentrated technological infrastructure and wetland fragility.
• Found highly vulnerable systems in the Patos Lagoon Estuary, particularly in shallow water areas.
• Mirim Lagoon showed lower vulnerability, attributed to reduced technological pressure.

Conclusions:

• The GIS methodology effectively identifies environmental systems vulnerable to technological hazards.
• Management efforts should be intensified in identified high-vulnerability areas.
• Results informed Ecological-Economic Zoning and water quality framework revisions in Rio Grande do Sul.