Objective: The aim of this study is to identify the similarities and differences in
water quality monitoring systems in Brazil and Hungary, analyzing their regulatory
frameworks, methodologies used, and parameters assessed. In addition, it seeks to
assess the effectiveness of these approaches in the protection and sustainable management
of water resources, considering the challenges and advances of each country. Theoretical
Framework: This study is based on models and regulations that guide the monitoring
of water quality. The Water Framework Directive (WFD), applied in the European Union,
establishes the assessment of the ecological status of water bodies based on biological,
physical-chemical and hydromorphological indicators. In Brazil, the National Water
Resources Policy (Law No. 9.433/1997) and CONAMA Resolution No. 357/2005 regulate
the management and classification of water quality, adopting a decentralized model
based on river basins.The research is also based on the theory of environmental indicators,
which emphasizes the importance of physical-chemical and biological parameters in
assessing the health of aquatic ecosystems. This approach allows for a comparative
analysis between Brazil and Hungary, contributing to the improvement of water monitoring
and management policies. Method: This comparative study analyzes water quality monitoring
systems in Brazil and Europe-Hungary based on a law review and secondary data from
official bodies such as the ANA and the WFD. Data collection involved the analysis
of physical-chemical, biological and hydromorphological parameters, as well as legislation
and institutional reports. The comparison was made considering monitoring frequency,
regulatory guidelines and water management challenges, with the aim of identifying
good practices and opportunities for improvement. Results and Discussion: The results
showed that Hungary adopts an integrated ecological approach according to the WFD,
while Brazil uses the IQA, which focuses on physical-chemical parameters. Hungary
has a higher frequency of monitoring, allowing for more detailed assessments. The
discussion highlights how regulatory differences impact water management, with the
European Union ensuring greater standardization. In Brazil, challenges such as decentralization
and a lack of up-to-date data limit the effectiveness of monitoring. The study's limitations
include its reliance on secondary data. Even so, the findings suggest that Brazil
could adopt aspects of the European approach to improve water governance. Research
Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this study focus on comparisons
of water quality monitoring systems between Europe/Hungary and Brazil. The results
can influence water management practices, environmental policies and the implementation
of more effective monitoring systems. The implications are relevant to areas such
as environmental governance, sustainability, conservation of aquatic ecosystems and
the development of regulations and public policies for the protection of water quality.
Originality/Value: The present study, add to the literature by a comparison of water
quality monitoring systems in Hungarian and Brazilian rivers, providing differences
and similarities in the respective legal framework. The importance and contribution
of this study is clearly demonstrated in its ability to inform public policy on environmental
monitoring practices as well as the insights it provides about potential interventions
for the implementation of effective water quality protection systems in Brazil/Hungary.
