Abstract
Abstract: Regardless of their topology, areas located at springs are considered permanent preservation areas in Brazil. Such areas may or may not be covered by native vegetation and contribute to the conservation of local natural resources through the determination of areas that are improper for land use in order to maintain the original plant coverage. Urban environments suffer degradation due to the lack of planning and basic sanitation. The aim of the present study was to analyze the permanent preservation area on the banks of the Salgado River in the urban zone of the municipality of Aurora, state of Ceará, Brazil. A case study was conducted involving the following steps: bibliographic review, determination of the study area, selection of indicators, on-site visits, identification of problems and the presentation of a proposed solution. The results indicated that the banks of the river were highly degraded due to urbanization and the removal of vegetation. The water resource was contaminated due to the construction of houses, enterprises and a public square in the protected area and was contaminated by residential sewage and the sewage system itself as well as solid and liquid waste from means of transportation, noise pollution and light pollution, which hinder the habitation and movements of endemic animals. In conclusion, the area limits and treatments necessary for the permanent protection area stipulated by law have not been successful due to the continued process of appropriation for urbanization. Thus, human activities cause harm to the natural environment and the population itself, exposing these elements to diseases and floods.