INTEGRATED APPLICATION OF TGI AND NDMI FOR IDENTIFYING CHEMICAL DEFORESTATION IN THE PANTANAL, BRAZIL

Autores

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5380/raega.v63i2.99972

Resumo

This study presents an innovative approach for detecting and monitoring chemical deforestation in the Brazilian Pantanal, revealing alarming impacts of aerial herbicide spraying on native vegetation. Through the integration of the Triangular Greenness Index (TGI) and Normalized Difference Moisture (NDMI) spectral indices applied to Sentinel-2A images, we identified characteristic patterns of chemical degradation in 158,776 hectares of wetlands and native vegetation formations in the Pantanal of Barão de Melgaço, Mato Grosso, that occurred between 2021 and 2023. The developed methodology demonstrated high precision (89% accuracy) in discriminating between pesticide damage and other natural or anthropogenic disturbances, revealing specific spectral signatures and spatial patterns typical of aerial application. The results provided crucial scientific evidence that supported environmental inspection actions, culminating in the embargo of the affected areas and the application of fines and environmental recovery commitments. In addition to demonstrating the effectiveness of TGI-NDMI integration for environmental monitoring, the study warns of a new frontier of degradation in tropical humid ecosystems, highlighting the urgency of specific public policies to regulate aerial spraying and protect these sensitive ecosystems. The approach developed presents itself as a strategic tool for environmental monitoring, allowing for the rapid detection and accurate assessment of large-scale damage, with potential application in other tropical biomes threatened by similar chemical deforestation practices.

Biografia do Autor

Jean Carlos Ferreira, Secretaria de Estado de Meio Ambiente

Forest Engineer, graduated in 2009 from the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), and Master's candidate in Forest and Environmental Sciences at the Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), with a concentration in forest resource management and conservation (expected 2025).

Environmental Analyst at the State Secretariat for the Environment of Mato Grosso (SEMA-MT) since 2011, working as an Environmental Inspection Agent. Experienced in forest management, environmental licensing, project management, degraded area recovery plans, remote sensing, and geoprocessing.

André Pereira Dias, Universidade do Estado de Mato Grosso - UNEMAT

PhD candidate in the Graduate Program in Ecology and Conservation (PPGEC/UNEMAT – Nova Xavantina). Holds a Master’s degree in Forest and Environmental Sciences from the Graduate Program in Forest and Environmental Sciences (PPGCFA/FENF/UFMT) and a Bachelor's degree in Forest Engineering from the Faculty of Forest Engineering at the Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Cuiabá campus. Also holds a postgraduate specialization in Environmental Management and Expertise from UFMT and a technical degree in Geomatics and Geoprocessing from CEFET-MT.

Participates in a research group focused on remote sensing and natural resource analysis, with solid experience in environmental geotechnologies, territorial planning, and environmental monitoring.

Served as Coordinator of Geoprocessing and Environmental Monitoring at the State Secretariat for the Environment of Mato Grosso (SEMA/MT) from 2017 to 2024, leading initiatives aimed at strengthening transparency and public access to environmental data. His work contributed to greater integration of geospatial information systems and improved territorial monitoring in the state. Currently works as an Environmental Analyst, with a focus on geoprocessing, remote sensing, and geospatial information management.

Joberth Firmino Gambati, Secretaria de Estado de Meio Ambiente de Mato Grosso

With a consistent trajectory dedicated to the environmental and administrative sectors, I have acquired solid experience in both project management and sociopolitical engagement.

Over the years, I have grown professionally, starting as an Intern and progressing to more complex roles such as Technical Advisor and, currently, Special Advisor. In each position, I have aimed to make meaningful contributions to the projects I have been involved in.

My academic background, which includes a degree in Sanitary and Environmental Engineering from the Federal University of Mato Grosso and partial studies in Business Administration at the Federal University of Rondônia, has provided a strong foundation for my professional development. Additionally, I have enhanced my technical skills in essential field-related areas and various functionalities, enabling holistic analysis and action.

Throughout my journey, I have also had the privilege of leading student organizations, such as the Sanitary and Environmental Engineering Academic Center and Crea Júnior Mato Grosso. These experiences were fundamental to my growth as a leader and event organizer.

I am proficient in a variety of tools, including ArcGIS, Python, Microsoft Office Suite, REST API, Geoserver, SQL Databases (Oracle, PostgreSQL, and their respective GIS extensions), as well as other areas of IT such as hardware and support. In addition, I bring knowledge of environmental policies, administration, and statistics.

Downloads

Publicado

2025-08-20

Como Citar

Ferreira, J. C., Dias, A. P., & Gambati, J. F. (2025). INTEGRATED APPLICATION OF TGI AND NDMI FOR IDENTIFYING CHEMICAL DEFORESTATION IN THE PANTANAL, BRAZIL. Ra’e Ga: O Espaço Geográfico Em Análise, 63(2), 195–217. https://doi.org/10.5380/raega.v63i2.99972

Edição

v. 63 n. 2 (2025): VIII - Geopantanal

Seção

Artigos

Licença

Declaro que o ARTIGO submetido é INÉDITO, ORIGINAL e de MINHA RESPONSABILIDADE. Declaro que o artigo não foi submetido ou está em avaliação em outra revista/periódico.

Estou ciente dos itens presentes na LEI Nº 9.610/98 (DIREITOS AUTORAIS) e me responsabilizo por quaisquer problemas relacionados a PLÁGIO.

Estou ciente de que o artigo submetido poderá ser removido da Revista, caso se observe A QUALQUER TEMPO que ele se encontra publicado integralmente ou em parte em outro PERIÓDICO científico. 

Declaro, COMO PRIMEIRO AUTOR, que os demais autores do trabalho estão cientes desta submissão e de que NÃO receberão qualquer tipo de remuneração pela divulgação do trabalho. 

Como primeiro autor, autorizo, de antemão, a RA’E GA - O Espaço Geográfico em Análise(ISSN 2177-2738), a publicar o artigo, caso aceito.