Análise multicriterial dos recursos hídricos subterrâneos de João Pessoa aplicando o método do processo analítico hierárquico em um sistema de informações geográficas.

Abstract

Considering groundwater resources, the existing researches are far less numerous in comparison to surface water ones. It may happen because the processes that involve the groundwater phase of the hydrological cycle are more complex and difficult to model. The current management of groundwater resources in Joao Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil, comes down itself to account the annual volumes granted, separated by basins and types of use - not taking into consideration, for example, influence among wells, lowering of water table or proximity of potentially polluting activities. Therefore, it is important to be implemented a multicriterial analysis that can incorporate a wider range of criteria in the judging of best alternatives for the management of water resources in Joao Pessoa. This research aims to present an application of the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) in a software Geographic Information System (GIS), which enables the simulation and visualization of scenarios from the intersection of location data of potentially polluting activities, water extraction from wells and areas of groundwater flow. Considering this application, it was possible obtained several scenarios to support groundwater management decisions.