Micro Plastics Extraction Techniques in Sediments – A Review

The contamination of micro plastics in environmental matrices has been reported worldwide, and the search for an extraction method is relatively recent. Sediments are considered its greatest receptor, posing a significant challenge among environmental matrices for the extraction of these pollutants. The physicochemical complexity of the sediments challenges the standardization of techniques for micro plastic extraction, making their studies more intricate, requiring more in-depth investigation. Currently, there are ongoing discussions regarding existing research gaps, and a lack of standardized techniques persists in the assessment of the presence of micro plastics in sediment samples. In this work, we conducted a study review to describe different extraction methods and highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each process, considering various salts and oils used in micro plastic extraction techniques from sediments. At the end of the study, we identified some promising methods to be used in micro plastic monitoring programs in sediments that can be replicated in laboratories at a low cost and with easy execution

Turismo de Base Comunitária em Unidades de Conservação de uso sustentável no Brasil: para pensar práticas de gestão

Community-based tourism has been considered a fundamental strategy to understand and support conservation, value the attributes of nature and culture and the very process of management of protected areas. The first initiatives emerged in the mid-1990s in the North, Northeast and South regions of Brazil, characterized by a strong component of participation and protagonism of the local community in the process of planning and management of activities. These initiatives are presented, above all, in defense of their traditionally occupied territories, which, for the most part, are linked to the protected areas with sustainable use of natural resources. The article seeks, thus, to analyze the perceptions of local actors and institutional interlocutors on community-based tourism in federal protected areas with sustainable use of natural resources during the COVID-19 pandemic, considering four experiences: Guapi-Mirim Environmental Protection Area (Rio de Janeiro) Environmental Protection Area of Cairuçu (Rio de Janeiro), Prainha do Canto Verde Extractive Reserve (Ceará) and Tapajós-Arapiuns Extractive Reserve (Pará). The main results achieved revealed numerous opportunities for community-based tourism in protected areas with sustainable use of natural resources, lessons learned and difficulties faced locally.El turismo de base comunitaria se ha considerado una estrategia fundamental para comprender y apoyar la conservación, valorizar los atributos de la naturaleza y de la cultura y el propio proceso de gestión de unidades de conservación de la naturaleza. Las primeras iniciativas de esa práctica surgieron, a mediados de la década de 1990, en las regiones norte, nordeste y sur de Brasil, caracterizadas por un fuerte componente de participación y protagonismo de la comunidad local, en el proceso de planificación y gestión de las actividades, sobre todo, en defensa de sus territorios tradicionalmente ocupados, que en gran parte están vinculados a las unidades de conservación de uso sostenible. El artículo busca, así, analizar las percepciones de los actores locales e interlocutores institucionales sobre el turismo de base comunitaria en unidades de conservación de uso sostenible federales, considerando cuatro experiencias: Área de Protección Ambiental Guapi-Mirim (RJ), Área de Protección Ambiental de Cairuçu (RJ), Reserva Extractivista Prainha do Canto Verde (CE) y Reserva Extractiva Tapajós-Arapiuns (PA). La metodología de investigación cualitativa adoptada se basó, principalmente, en el estudio bibliográfico y documental, el trabajo de campo virtual y el análisis y tratamiento de los datos. Los principales resultados obtenidos han revelado numerosas oportunidades de turismo de base comunitaria en unidad de conservación de uso sostenible, de organización sociopolítica, reconocimiento y valorización mutua de naturaleza-cultura, además del diálogo entre comunidades, ICMBio, colaboradores y sociedad civil.O turismo de base comunitária tem sido considerado uma estratégia fundamental para compreender e apoiar a conservação, valorizar os atributos de natureza e cultura e o próprio processo de gestão de unidades de conservação. As primeiras iniciativas dessa prática surgiram, em meados da década de 1990, nas Regiões Norte, Nordeste e Sul do Brasil, caracterizadas por um forte componente de participação e protagonismo da comunidade local, no processo de planejamento e gestão das atividades, sobretudo, em defesa dos seus territórios tradicionalmente ocupados, que, em sua maioria, são vinculados às unidades de conservação de uso sustentável. O artigo busca, assim, analisar as percepções dos atores locais e interlocutores institucionais sobre o turismo de base comunitária em unidades de conservação de uso sustentável federais, considerando quatro experiências: Área de Proteção Ambiental Guapi-Mirim (RJ), Área de Proteção Ambiental de Cairuçu (RJ), Reserva Extrativista Prainha do Canto Verde (CE) e Reserva Extrativista Tapajós-Arapiuns (PA). A metodologia de pesquisa qualitativa adotada se baseou, principalmente, em levantamentos bibliográfico e documental, no trabalho de campo virtual e na análise e tratamento dos dados. Os principais resultados alcançados revelaram inúmeras oportunidades de turismo de base comunitária em unidade de conservação de uso sustentável, de organização sociopolítica, reconhecimento e valorização mútua de natureza-cultura, além do diálogo entre comunidades, ICMBio, parceiros e sociedade civil

Identifying suitable zones to Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) L.M.Liao farming in densely portion of Atlantic South

Algae aquaculture rapidly expanded into what currently represents approximately half of global marine aquaculture production landings (51%). In Brazil, seaweed aquaculture is more concentrated on the exotic species K. alvarezii, and the rearing areas are restricted to the southern coast of Rio de Janeiro State, northern São Paulo State, and central Santa Catarina State. The southern coast of Rio de Janeiro State, which comprises two socio-economical and geographically important bays: Ilha Grande and Sepetiba, is densely populated with multiple economic activities using coastal environments, where recently algae farming is considered strategic to its socioeconomic development, an alternative to oil-based economy. This study serves as a tool to identify suitable areas for Kappaphycus farming in this densely urbanized portion of southern Atlantic. We formulated suitability maps, as a marine spatial planning tool to facilitates decision making, for civil society, managers and investors while providing resources for algae farming sustainable development. Thirty-one maps were generated related to the criteria and constraints that influence their productivity. Individual weights were obtained through the judgment of technicians, researchers, and other stakeholders using the pairwise comparison method. The criteria and weights were combined using the multicriteria decision rules and the suitability map was created derived from reclassifications. Of the total area calculated, 12,88% are areas restricted for cultivation and 87,12% were considered suitable areas. The analyses indicated aquaculture potential for the entire region. Sepetiba Bay has more most suitable areas than Ilha Grande bay. However, the presence of heavy metals in Sepetiba Bay should be taken account when the biomass is for human consump even if it can be used for other purposes. The results contribute to the construction of a marine spatial planning, which assists producers, decision makers, and social actors in the sustainable development of seaweed farming.Macroalgae aquaculture is growing even though still holds a remarkable potential for innovation, particularly on the development of valuable products. Algae aquaculture rapidly expanded into what currently represents approximately half of global marine aquaculture production landings (51%). In Brazil, seaweed aquaculture is more concentrated on the exotic species K. alvarezii, and the rearing areas are restricted to the southern coast of Rio de Janeiro State, northern São Paulo State, and central Santa Catarina State. The southern coast of Rio de Janeiro State, which comprises two socio-economical and geographically important bays: Ilha Grande and Sepetiba, is densely populated with multiple economic activities using coastal environments, where recently algae farming is considered strategic to its socioeconomic development, an alternative to oil-based economy. This study serves as a tool to identify suitable areas for Kappaphycus farming in this densely urbanized portion of southern Atlantic. We formulated suitability maps, as a marine spatial planning tool to facilitates decision making, for civil society, managers and investors while providing resources for algae farming sustainable development. Thirty-one maps were generated related to the criteria and constraints that influence their productivity. Individual weights were obtained through the judgment of technicians, researchers, and other stakeholders using the pairwise comparison method. The criteria and weights were combined using the multicriteria decision rules and the suitability map was created derived from reclassifications. Of the total area calculated, 12,88% are areas restricted for cultivation and 87,12% were considered suitable areas. The analyses indicated aquaculture potential for the entire region. Sepetiba Bay has more most suitable areas than Ilha Grande bay. However, the presence of heavy metals in Sepetiba Bay should be taken account when the biomass is for human consump even if it can be used for other purposes. In Ilha Grande bay due to intense use of the coastline and conflicts between existing heavy industries and conservation units, conflicts already overlap areas considered as very appropriate. The results contribute to the construction of a marine spatial planning, which assists producers, decision makers, and social actors in the sustainable development of seaweed farming

Hospitalidade e saberes locais em festivais gastronômicos de Minas Gerais

Gastronomic festivals directly contribute to connecting visitors to local culinary traditions. This research had the general objective of understanding how cultural aspects influence the hospitality relations of gastronomic festivals associated with local knowledge in Minas Gerais, from the perspective of their organizers and exhibitors. Because their trades are heritage or in process, the Serro Cheese Festival and the Festival of Quitanda de Congonhas were considered. With a qualitative approach, the methodological procedures included a bibliographical and documentary survey, and interviews with organizers and exhibiting producers of gastronomic festivals, and specialist professionals in the areas of gastronomy and heritage. As a result, through the content analysis technique, it was found that the recognition and celebration of local knowledge associated with food contributed to the creation of the gastronomic festival, strengthening the region of origin and promoting pride among its producers. It was also observed that mastery of crafts associated with local knowledge and cultural aspects influence hospitality relations between organizers and producers, and between these and visitors, inducing aspects in the definition of regional hospitable characteristics.Los festivales gastronómicos contribuyen directamente a conectar a los visitantes con las tradiciones culinarias locales. Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo general comprender cómo los aspectos culturales influyen en las relaciones de hospitalidad de los festivales gastronómicos asociados al saber local en Minas Gerais, desde la perspectiva de sus organizadores y expositores. Por ser sus oficios patrimoniales o en proceso, fueron consideradas la Fiesta del Queso de Serro y la Fiesta de la Quitanda de Congonhas. Con un enfoque cualitativo, los procedimientos metodológicos incluyeron un levantamiento bibliográfico y documental, y entrevistas a organizadores y productores expositores de festivales gastronómicos, y profesionales especialistas en las áreas de gastronomía y patrimonio. Como resultado, a través de la técnica de análisis de contenido se encontró que el reconocimiento y celebración de los saberes locales asociados a la comida contribuyó a la creación de la fiesta gastronómica, fortaleciendo la región de origen y fomentando el orgullo entre sus productores. También se observó que el dominio de los oficios asociados a los saberes locales y aspectos culturales influyen en las relaciones de hospitalidad entre organizadores y productores, y entre estos y los visitantes, induciendo aspectos en la definición de las características hospitalarias regionales.Os festivais gastronômicos contribuem diretamente para a conexão do visitante às tradições culinárias locais. Essa pesquisa teve como objetivo compreender como os aspectos culturais influenciam as relações de hospitalidade de festivais gastronômicos associados aos saberes locais em Minas Gerais, a partir da perspectiva de seus organizadores e expositores. Por terem seus ofícios atualmente reconhecidos ou em processo de reconhecimento como patrimônio cultural nacional, foram considerados a Festa do Queijo do Serro e o Festival da Quitanda de Congonhas. De abordagem qualitativa, os procedimentos metodológicos compreenderam levantamento bibliográfico e documental, e realização de entrevistas com organizadores e produtores expositores dos festivais gastronômicos, e profissionais especialistas nas áreas de gastronomia e patrimônio. Como resultado, por meio do método de análise de conteúdo, obteve-se que o reconhecimento e a celebração do saber local associado à alimentação contribuíram para a criação de ambos os festivais, fortalecendo a região de origem e promovendo orgulho entre seus produtores. Observou-se também que o domínio dos ofícios associados aos saberes locais e os aspectos culturais influenciam as relações de hospitalidade entre os organizadores e os produtores, e destes com os visitantes, aspectos indutores na definição das características hospitaleiras regionais.

Editorial

This editorial has the intention to highlight the role of the toxicological scientific societies in the Brazilian regulatory framework, reflecting on the importance of scientifically sound based protocols for the derivation of environmental standards, especially for the protection of the aquatic life. Some examples of initiatives organized by the scientists of Ecotox- Brasil and other toxicological societies are presented as well as the contribution of the EEC journal in the process. The involvement of the society, industry and academia in the regulatory process in a constructive dialogue in is key for the improvement of the Brazilian norms and consequently a better protection of our environment

Explorando os fatores críticos de sucesso que afetam a visitação em Unidades de Conservação Estaduais em Minas Gerais

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of biophysical, social and management variables on tourist visitation in protected areas in the state of Minas Gerais, Brasil, between 2015 and 2019, looking for possible correlations between those that most influenced the number of visitors. The results showed that reputation was the only variable that showed a significant relationship, indicating the importance of this intangible attribute in the choice of ecotourism destinations by tourists. Based on this finding, we suggest that protected areas adopt strategies to strengthen their reputation based on more efficientcommunication and understanding of the tourist market. This approach can increase the attractiveness of protected areas for ecotourists and contribute to the sustainable development of the region. In this way, the research contributes to a better understanding of the factors that influence tourist visitation in protected areas in the state of Minas Gerais, providing valuable subsidies for the management of ecotourism in these areas.Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la influencia de variables biofísicas, sociales y de gestión en la visitación turística en áreas naturales protegidas en el estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil, entre 2015 y 2019, buscando posibles correlaciones entre aquellas que más influyeron en el número de visitantes. Los resultados mostraron que la reputación fue la única variable que mostró una relación significativa, indicando la importancia de este atributo intangible en la elección de destinos ecoturísticos por parte de los turistas. Con base en estehallazgo, sugerimos que las áeras naturales protegidas adopten estrategias para fortalecer su reputación basadas en una comunicación y comprensión más eficientes del mercado turístico. Este enfoque puede aumentar el atractivo de las áeras naturales protegidas para los ecoturistas y contribuir al desarrollo sostenible de la región. De esta forma, la investigación contribuye a una mejor comprensión de los factores que influyen en la visita turística en áeras naturales protegidas en el estado de Minas Gerais, proporcionando valiosos subsidios para la gestión del ecoturismo en estas áreas.Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a influência de variáveis biofísicas, sociais e de gestão na visitação turística em unidades de conservação do estado de Minas Gerais, entre 2015 e 2019, buscando por possíveis correlações entre as que mais influenciaram o número de visitantes. Os resultados mostraram que a reputação foi a única variável que apresentou relação significativa, indicando a importância desse atributo intangível na escolha dos destinos de ecoturismo pelos turistas. Com base nesse achado, sugerimos que as unidades de conservação adotem estratégias para fortalecer sua reputação a partir de uma comunicação mais eficiente e compreensão do mercado turístico. Essa abordagem pode aumentar a atratividade das unidades de conservação para os ecoturistas e contribuir para o desenvolvimento sustentável da região. Desse modo, a pesquisa contribui para uma melhor compreensão dos fatores que influenciam a visitação turística em unidades de conservação do estado de Minas Gerais, fornecendo subsídios valiosos para a gestão do ecoturismo nessas área

The Effect of Fish Smoking Methods on Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) Contamination

Fish smoking can contaminate the smoked fish with Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), as they are formed as a result of incomplete combustion. Fish smokers in Borno State, Nigeria were known to employ three unique methods: A. Earth Oven, B. Traditional Open Tray and C. Drum Kiln Smoking methods. These methods differ in the distance between the combustion (heating) chambers and the fish smoking plates and may contaminate the smoked fish with PAHs. The study aimed to assess the effect of different fish smoking methods on the level of PAHs contamination and its corresponding human health risk. Fish samples of Carias gariepinus were brought directly from fishermen at Alau Dam, Maiduguri. The samples were identified and divided into four groups. Three of the four groups were subjected to a smoking method (A. Earth Oven, B. Traditional Open Tray and C. Drum Kiln), while the 4th group labelled D was used as the control. The smoking was done using Khaya senegalensis wood converted into charcoal by charcoal dealers in the Bakassi area, Damboa Road, Maiduguri. The results further reveal the concentration of 8 out of the 16 priority PAHs compounds detected: Naphthalene (1.02 and 1.03 μg/kg in smoking methods B and C respectively), Methyl Naphthalene (1.01 μg/kg in smoking method B), Acenaphthylene (2.01 and 1.58 μg/kg in smoking methods B and C respectively), Acenaphthene (1.01 μg/kg in smoking methods B), Pyrene (1.00 and 1.02 μg/kg in smoking methods B and C respectively), Chrysene (2.80 μg/kg in smoking method B), Benz (a) anthracene (1.10 and 1.00 μg/kg in smoking methods B and C respectively), Benzo(b)fluoranthene (1.00 μg/kg in both smoking methods B and C respectively). PAHs were not detected in smoking method A (earth oven) or Group D (control)

PATENTES DE ORGANISMOS GENETICAMENTE MODIFICADOS (OGMs) E SUSTENTABILIDADE AGRÍCOLA NA ARGENTINA E NO BRASIL: CONTRIBUIÇÕES INICIAIS

Contextualization: Genetic engineering techniques allow us to isolate any gene from any organism and transfer it to the genome of any other living being, no matter how divergent or distant it may be on the evolutionary scale, resulting in the production of genetically modified organisms. New processes that involve genetically modified organisms - GMOs have the right to protection of intangible rights through patents. In Brazil and Argentina, the advance of GMOs was promoted starting in the mid-1990s. The granting of patents and the release of GMOs can have positive impacts, such as tight chemical control of evils; and negative, on the other hand, potentially affecting living beings and contaminating the environmental space, affecting biological diversity. Methodology:We  use  the  deductive  method  in our  work. Objectives: make a comparative, theoretical-normative study of the legal protection by patents of inventions/discoveries for the purpose of agricultural transgenesis in Brazil and Argentina. Results: As a step forward, it is understood that, although Brazilian and Argentine legislation provides for the patenting of GMOs, the granting of patents must be associated with environmental and property rights, – so that sustainability is guaranteed, protecting economic and social interests. To minimize, prevent or eliminate the risks inherent to biotechnological processes, promoting the preservation of the integrity of the ecosystem, biosafety (safety of life) arises. Contextualización del  tema: Las técnicas de ingeniería genética nos permiten aislar cualquier gen de cualquier organismo y transferirlo al genoma de cualquier otro ser vivo, por muy divergente o distante que esté en la escala evolutiva, dando como resultado la producción de organismos genéticamente modificados. Los nuevos procesos que involucran organismos genéticamente modificados - OGMs tienen derecho a la protección de derechos intangibles mediante patentes. En Brasil y Argentina el avance de OGMs se impulsó a partir de mediados de la década de 1990. La concesión de patentes y la liberación de OGM pueden tener impactos positivos, como un ajustado control químico de los males; y negativos, por otro lado, afectando potencialmente los seres vivos y contaminando el espacio ambiental, afectando la diversidad biológica. Objetivo: hacer un estudio comparado, teórico-normativo, de la protección jurídica por patentes de las invenciones/descubrimientos con objeto de transgénesis agrícola en Brasil y Argentina. Metodología: la investigación se utilizará esencialmente la metodología cualitativa y se emplearán métodos de las ciencias jurídicas, como o método deductivo. Resultados: Como un paso adelante, se entiende que, aunque la legislación brasileña y argentina prevea el patentamiento de OGM, la concesión de patentes debe estar asociada a derechos ambientales y de propiedad, – de modo que se garantice la sostenibilidad, protegiendo los intereses económicos y sociales. Para minimizar, prevenir o eliminar los riesgos inherentes a los procesos biotecnológicos, promoviendo la preservación de la integridad del ecosistema, surge la bioseguridad (seguridad de la vida).  Contextualização: As técnicas de engenharia genética permitem isolar qualquer gene de qualquer organismo e transferi-lo para o genoma de qualquer outro ser vivo, por mais divergente ou distante que seja na escala evolutiva, resultando na produção de organismos geneticamente modificados. Novos processos que envolvam organismos geneticamente modificados - Os OGMs têm direito à proteção de direitos intangíveis através de patentes. No Brasil e na Argentina, o avanço dos OGMs foi promovido a partir de meados da década de 1990. A concessão de patentes e a liberação de OGMs podem ter impactos positivos, como o rígido controle químico dos males; e negativas, por outro lado, podendo afetar os seres vivos e contaminar o espaço ambiental, afetando a diversidade biológica. Objetivo: fazer um estudo comparado, teórico-normativo, da proteção jurídica por patentes de invenções/ descobrimentos com objeto de transgênicos agrícolas no Brasil e na Argentina.  Metodologia: a investigação utilizará essencialmente a metodologia qualitativa e empregará métodos das ciências jurídicas, como o método dedutivo. Resultados: Como avanço, entende-se que, embora a legislação brasileira e argentina preveja o patenteamento de OGMs, a concessão de patentes deve estar associada a direitos ambientais e de propriedade, – para que a sustentabilidade seja garantida, protegendo os interesses econômicos e sociais. Para minimizar, prevenir ou eliminar os riscos inerentes aos processos biotecnológicos, promovendo a preservação da integridade do ecossistema, surge a biossegurança (segurança da vida).&nbsp

Evaluation of Embryo-larval Toxicity of the Antibiotic Ceftriaxone in the Fish Danio rerio (Zebrafish)

Antibiotics comprise a class of pharmaceutical products that have been generating increasing global concern due to their detection in environmental matrices. Cephalosporins constitute the largest group of antibiotics employed for human and animal treatment in most countries. Ceftriaxone belongs to the class of third-generation cephalosporins and can reach the aquatic environment. Studies in the literature have shown the toxic effect of ceftriaxone on zebrafish at high concentrations, and on cyanobacteria at environmental concentrations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ceftriaxone (0.05 mg/L, 0.5 mg/L, 5.0 mg/L, 50 mg/L and 100 mg/L) on the development of embryos and larvae of zebrafish. The Fish Embryotoxicity Test (FET) was performed according to OECD protocol n. 236. The results showed that the tested concentrations of ceftriaxone did not cause lethal or sublethal effects on zebrafish embryos and larvae. However, considering data in the literature, added to the fact that cephalosporin-class antibiotics are widely used, the use and disposal of ceftriaxone cannot be neglected