Research explains how forests help stop floods and filter pollutants Native forests, which occupy around 15% of Rio Grande do Sul's territory, can play an important role in reducing the impacts caused by intense rain in cities. This is what research carried out by the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM) shows, which analyzed how forest areas influence the behavior of rainwater and environmental quality. ? Access the g1 RS channel on WhatsApp According to researchers, trees act as a kind of natural barrier. Part of the water is retained in the canopy before reaching the ground. When rain reaches the ground in areas covered by forest, it tends to infiltrate the land and remain stored in the layer of organic matter formed by leaves, branches and other plant residues. According to Mauro Schumacher, professor at the Department of Forestry Sciences at UFSM, this material reduces surface water runoff, preventing it from moving quickly over the soil. "This dead wood, these branches, this lite [organic material], will then prevent this water from flowing superficially", explains Schumacher. Studies indicate that this ability to retain and absorb water contributed to mitigating the effects of the floods that hit Rio Grande do Sul in 2024. According to the researchers, without the presence of these forest areas, the damage caused by the floods could have been even greater. For PhD student in Forestry Engineering Pedro Borges, forests act both in preventing and reducing the impacts of extreme events: "Forests are a means of preventing us from having these catastrophes that have so many social, environmental, economic impacts and also as an element of mitigating these impacts", points out Borges. Data collection in a forest area Tree in RS Reproduction/ RBS TV The results were obtained from the analysis of collectors installed in open places and in areas with vegetation in the UFSM Botanical Garden. In addition to measuring rainwater, the equipment allows the identification of chemical substances transported by the atmosphere and deposited in the environment. The researchers found that trees also serve as natural filters by retaining particles brought by the wind. Among them are compounds that travel great distances, such as dust originating in the Sahara Desert and residues from fires recorded in the Center-West of Brazil. According to Schumacher, this material transported by the atmosphere can cause changes, including in the living conditions of the population. "This deposition that exists all over the planet, today due to climate change, certainly ends up reflecting and having inferences on the soil, water, biodiversity, animals and the population's quality of life", observes Schumacher. More forest, more protection Tree in RS Reproduction/ RBS TV For those responsible for the study, expanding and preserving forest cover is an important strategy to protect water resources and increase the adaptation capacity of cities in the face of climate change. "Certainly, forests contribute a lot to the health of the environment, the ecosystem", highlights Forest Engineering academic Lucas Almeida. The researchers' assessment is that the presence of more forested areas brings direct benefits to society, both by reducing the impacts of rain and by contributing to the health of ecosystems. "The more we preserve forests, the more we plant forests, the better it will be for society", concludes Borges. VIDEOS: Everything about RS