ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION ON THE CURU RIVER BANKS IN THE STATE OF CEARÁ

Abstract

The coarse sand works as aggregate in the making of concrete and mortars used as
materials in the construction industry, and the clay serves as raw material for making bricks, and
tiles, among other products. The following paper analyzes the environmental impact caused by
the removal of coarse sand from the Curu River bed and banks and the clay used as raw material
in the red ceramic industry. When the Curu River is dry or even when it still has little water in its
bed, they remove the coarse sand, which is known as washed sand. The same happens on the river
banks, showing that sand extraction, which is nothing more than a mining process, generates a
significant environmental impact on the local flora and fauna. It was also possible to conclude
that the extraction of clay on the banks of the Curu River to supply two red ceramic industries
generated environmental impact, degrading the riparian forest.