Acta Limnologica Brasiliensia
https://actalb.org/article/doi/10.1590/S2179-975X3725
Acta Limnologica Brasiliensia
Review Article

Impact of unpaved roads on the fluvial ecosystems in the XXI century: a review

Impacto das estradas não pavimentadas no ecossistema fluvial no século XXI: uma revisão

Jeferson Eslei Mazur; Valdemir Antoneli; Edivaldo Lopes Thomaz

http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S2179-975X3725 Acta Limnol. Bras. (Online), vol.38, e5, 2026
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Abstract

Aim: Considering the strategic role of water resources for ecosystem sustainability and the increasing anthropogenic pressure, particularly from roads, this study aimed to analyze the impacts of unpaved roads on fluvial ecosystems, with emphasis on erosion processes and related mechanisms.

Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using the Methodi Ordinatio, with searches in the Scopus and Web of Science databases. After applying the selection criteria, 29 articles published between 2001 and the present were analyzed. Initially, a scientometric analysis was carried out, followed by a knowledge synthesis and suggestions for future research directions.

Results: The findings indicate a growing interest in the topic, with a geographic concentration of studies in countries such as the USA, China, and Australia, predominantly focused on forest roads in mountainous regions and streams. Most investigations addressed hydro-sedimentological dynamics and the effectiveness of best management practices (BMPs), while fewer studies examined direct impacts on water quality and aquatic biota. The studies showed that unpaved roads reduce infiltration, increase surface runoff, and intensify the production and delivery of fine sediments, with strong hydrological connectivity, especially at stream crossings and roadside ditches. BMPs such as road decommissioning, gravel surfacing, revegetation, and the establishment of riparian zones were effective in mitigating these impacts, particularly when well-implemented and adapted to local conditions.

Conclusions: Although the reviewed studies provide evidence of the impacts of roads on fluvial systems, gaps remain in the literature. It is necessary to expand the geographical scope of investigations, deepen the evaluation of direct impacts on water quality and biodiversity, especially at a longitudinal scale, and test the effectiveness of BMPs under different environmental conditions to support the conservation of fluvial ecosystems in rural areas.

Keywords

soil erosion; rural roads; environmental impacts; water quality; best management practices

Resumo

Objetivo: Considerando o papel estratégico dos recursos hídricos para a sustentabilidade dos ecossistemas e a crescente pressão antrópica, especialmente a partir das estradas, este estudo teve como objetivo analisar os impactos das estradas não pavimentadas nos ecossistemas fluviais, com ênfase nos processos erosivos e mecanismos relacionados.

Métodos: Realizou-se uma revisão sistemática de literatura, a partir do Methodi Ordinatio, utilizando as bases Scopus e Web of Science. Após aplicação dos critérios de seleção, foram analisados 29 artigos publicados entre os anos 2001 e o presente. Inicialmente, foi realizada uma análise cienciométrica, seguida por uma síntese do conhecimento e indicações de futuras direções de pesquisa.

Resultados: Os resultados apontam para um crescente interesse pela temática, com concentração geográfica das pesquisas em países como Estados Unidos, China, Brasil e Austrália, predominando estudos sobre estradas florestais em regiões montanhosas e riachos. Destacam-se investigações sobre a dinâmica hidrossedimentológica e a eficácia das boas práticas de manejo (BMPs), sendo mais escassas pesquisas que tratam dos impactos diretos sobre a qualidade da água e a biota aquática. Os estudos demonstraram que estradas não pavimentadas reduzem a infiltração, aumentam o escoamento superficial e intensificam a produção e entrega de sedimentos finos, com forte conectividade hidrológica, especialmente em travessias de riachos e valas. BMPs como descomissionamento de estradas, uso de cascalho, revegetação e implantação de zonas ripárias mostraram-se eficazes na mitigação desses impactos, sobretudo quando bem implementadas e ajustadas ao contexto local.

Conclusões: Embora os estudos revisados forneçam evidências sobre os impactos das estradas nos sistemas fluviais, ainda há lacunas na literatura. É preciso ampliar o escopo geográfico das investigações, aprofundar a avaliação dos impactos diretos sobre a qualidade da água e a biodiversidade, especialmente em escala longitudinal, e testar a eficácia das BMPs em diferentes condições ambientais, visando à conservação dos ecossistemas aquáticos em áreas rurais.

Palavras-chave

erosão do solo, estradas rurais, impactos ambientais, qualidade da água, boas práticas de manejo

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Submitted date:
05/08/2025

Accepted date:
01/06/2026

Publication date:
03/05/2026

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