Applying geochemical and colour properties to quantify sediment sources in a Brazilian semiarid ephemeral river system

• The Brazilian semiarid is the most densely populated dry region in world. Sediment source apportionment was quantified a ephemeral catchment. combination of conventional and alternative tracers improved discrimination. Our results may gain high visibility given climate change projections for regions. Although underline need creation integrated strategies to protect water resources semiarid, sediment data remain scant this environment. Accordingly, we evaluated contributions one relevant catchments by combining geochemical colour tracer properties. In doing so, explored applicability as low-cost use time-consuming costly properties, such tracers. Two classification schemes were used based on environmentally contrasting regions within catchment (upper, middle lower parts) land (Caatinga biome - natural vegetation, unpaved roads, channel banks). Suspended sediments (SS) bed (BS) target sediment. A total 660 individual material samples collected composited. Geochemical measured potential fingerprints discriminate quantify contributions. provided weak discrimination use. However, final outputs. Using MixSIAR model, contributed more than other regional sources. Caatinga (SS = 49 %; BS 47 %) banks 35 39 %). Overall, our suggest that recovery conservation vegetation stabilization banks, especially part, are critical improving supply control study basin. More studies needed evaluate conservative behaviour rivers.