Water toxicity assessment of Santos Bay under different climate conditions

Climate conditions and the movement of water masses are among the main factors that influence the destination of pollutants, acting upon transport and dispersion affecting, thus, the quality of water. Samples from Santos Bay were collected under normal conditions (08/21/2008) and during the entrance of a frontal system (08/22/2008) and tested for chronic ecotoxicity using fertilized eggs of sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus. Samples were toxic for stations near Xixová-Japuí State Park, Port of Santos, Submarine Outfall and Moela’s Island, sites related to pollution sources. Differences in climate conditions were observed and its contribution on toxicity seemed to be significant at the entrance of São Vicente estuary and Moela’s Island. At the stations in Santos Bay under influence of contamination from multiple sources such as the presence of outfall and sediments disposal from dredging, the continuous release of compounds still plays an important role in environmental quality

Chronic effects of fire suppressors on the reproduction of the copepod Nitocra sp.

Fire suppressors are widely used in firefighting and their chemical composition may present a mixture of perfluorochlorinated surfactants (PFCs), including the perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) which has been internationally banned due to its classification as a persistent organic pollutant (POP). PFCs have been found in environmental matrices and soft tissues of organisms, but the potential effect of such compounds on marine organisms has been overlooked. Here, it was evaluated whether the chronic exposures (i.e., seven days) to the fire suppressors Ageofoam, Cold Fire, Kidde and Argus could affect the reproduction of the copepod Nitocra sp. The tested concentrations consisted of those recommended on the products’ manuals and those ranging between 0.0001% and 1%. For each compound, the effective concentrations to 50% exposed organisms (EC50) and the lowest observed effect concentrations (LOEC) were estimated. All the fire suppressors exhibited high toxicity, causing fecundity reduction. At the recommended dilutions, 100% lethality occurred for all compounds. The EC50 values ranged from 0.00817% - Ageofoam - to 0.03081% - Argus. The LOECs ranged from 0.001% - Ageofoam - to 0.1% - Argus and Kidde; and were much lower than the concentrations recommended for commercial use. The fire suppressors showed high toxicity to the copepod, reducing the reproduction rates, even in very low concentrations, suggesting that the release of such substances in the estuary caused severe effects to the environment. This assessment provides subsides to the environmental regulation of fire suppressors in Brazil, because these compounds do not have national regulations for their use and disposal

Assessing legacy contaminants in sediments from marine protected areas of the central coast of São Paulo (Brazil)

The presence of legacy contaminants in sediments from three Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) of the coast of São Paulo State was evaluated. Four sampling surveys were conducted between 2013 and 2015 in 10 sites, distributed along the Laje de Santos Marine and Xixova-Japui State Parks (PEMLS and XJSP, respectively) and Central Coast Marine Protection Area (APAMLC). Samples were analyzed for sediment texture, total organic carbon, CaCO3, metals (Al, Fe, Hg, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn), aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (AH and PAH). Sediments were generally sandy (excepting muddy samples from APAMLC), with variable amounts of TOC, OM and CaCO3. Most of the sediments exhibited low to moderate concentrations of metals, except APAMLC. Low contamination of sediments by hydrocarbons was found but samples from XLSP and APAMLC exhibited the highest concentrations of biogenic AH and PAH from pyrogenic sources. In APAMLC and PEMLS, the levels of metals can be considered as background levels according to geochemical indices (Igeo and EF). In XJSP and especially in APAMLC data indicated poor sediment quality, probably due to the effect of anthropic activities.A contaminação dos sedimentos superficiais foi avaliada neste estudo em amostras de áreas marinhas protegidas (AMP) da costa central de São Paulo. Quatro campanhas de amostragem foram feitas entre 2013 e 2015 em 10 sítios localizados nos Parques Estaduais Marinho da Laje de Santos e Xixová-Japuí (PEMLS e PEXJ, respectivamente), e Área de Proteção Ambiental Litoral Centro (APAMLC). As amostras foram analisadas quanto granulometria, carbono orgânico total, CaCO3, metais (Al, Fe, Hg, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb e Zn) e hidrocarbonetos alifáticos(AHs) e policíclicos aromáticos (PAHs). Em geral os sedimentos foram arenosos (exceto aqueles de APAMLC, que foram lamosos) e com quantidades variáveis de COT, MO e CaCO3. A maioria das amostras apresentaram baixas concentrações de metais de acordo com índices geoquímicos (Igeo e fatores de enriquecimento - FE). Baixa contaminação por hidrocarbonetos foi encontrada e em APAMLC os sedimentos apresentaram as maiores concentrações de AHs de origem biogênica e PAHs de pirogênicos. Nos sedimentos de APAMLC e PEMLS, os níveis de metais podem ser considerados como valores de referência. Já em PEXJ, os dados indicaram baixa qualidade de sedimentos, possivelmente devido às fontes antrópicas

Water and sediment toxicity in a river affected by former mining residues

A bacia do Rio Ribeira de Iguape foi palco de intensa atividade de mineração de chumbo e, como resultado, estima-se que o \ud rio Ribeira de Iguape tenha recebido a descarga de aproximadamente 5,5 t/mês de materiais ricos em As, Ba, Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr e \ud Zn. No presente trabalho, foi analisada a toxicidade de sedimentos e águas coletados ao longo do rio com o intuito de avaliar \ud a qualidade ambiental, tendo sido realizadas 3 campanhas de coleta, entre 2009 e 2010. Os testes de toxicidade aguda foram \ud conduzidos com o cladócero Daphnia similis, utilizando as amostras brutas de água e a exposição aos sedimentos pela interface \ud sedimento-água. Os resultados indicaram, em geral, ausência de toxicidade, tanto para sedimentos quanto para águas, com \ud efeitos tóxicos agudos registrados apenas episodicamente (toxicidade marginal). Tais resultados são coerentes com as baixas \ud concentrações de metais em águas e sedimentos indicadas na literatura, porém diferem do monitoramento feito pela agência \ud ambiental estadual, que tem registrado toxicidade crônica. Essa toxicidade aguda eventual indica, ainda, que embora a qualidade do Rio Ribeira de Iguape esteja sendo recuperada, as condições ainda não estão totalmente controladas.The Ribeira de Iguape River basin received intense mining activities for lead exploiting and, as a result, the river received the \ud discharges of estimated amounts of 5.5 tons/month of material rich in As, Ba, Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr and Zn. In this article, the toxic-ity of waters and sediments collected in Ribeira de Iguape River was assessed aiming to estimate environmental quality. Three \ud sampling campaigns were conducted, from 2009 to 2010. Toxicity tests with the cladoceran Daphnia similiswere done for water \ud samples and for sediments, in this case using sediment-water interface exposure. Results showed in general absence of toxicity \ud for sediments and waters, and only eventually were acute effects registered (marginal toxicity). Results are consistent with the \ud conditions indicated by the literature, of low concentrations of metals in waters and sediments; however they differ from the \ud monitoring made by the state environmental agency, which registered chronic toxicity. The occurrence of eventual acute toxicity \ud indicates that although Ribeira de Iguape River quality is being restored, conditions still are not totally under control.FAPESPFundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Esta-do de São Paulo (FAPESP) - Processos n. 2008/54607-5 e n. 2009/52762-

Assessing the sediment quality of the Laje de Santos marine state park and other marine protected areas of the central coast of São Paulo (Brazil)

Este estudo analisou a qualidade dos sedimentos de três Áreas Marinhas Protegidas (AMP) situadas na porção central do litoral paulista (Parque Estadual Marinho da Laje de Santos - PEMLS; Parque Estadual Xixová-Japuí- PEXJ; Área de Proteção Ambiental Marinha do Litoral Centro - APAMLC). Quatro campanhas de coleta foram organizadas (Setembro/Outobro-2013; Janeiro-2014; Julho-2014; Janeiro-2015). Amostras de sedimento foram coletadas em 10 pontos ao longo das 3 AMP. As amostras foram analisadas para granulometria, carbono orgânico total, CaCO3, metais, hidrocarbonetos alifáticos e policíclico aromáticos, e toxicidade de sedimento integral e interface sedimento-água. Análise de Componentes Principais foi utilizada na integração dos dados. A maioria das amostras exibiu baixa contaminação, exceto a amostra de P2 (APAMLC) onde níveis moderados de contaminantes foram detectados. Sedimentos de P7 e P9 (PEMLS) eventualmente apresentaram sinais de hidrocarbonetos de petróleo. As demais amostras não apresentaram contaminação relevante, mas tiveram toxicidades variáveis, especialmente os sedimentos predominantemente bioclásticos. A PCA indicou forte contribuição das propriedades do sedimento, principalmente CaCO3 e amônia, na geração da toxicidade, indicando que fatores naturais e/ou antrópicos podem estar induzindo a toxicidade nas AMP estudadas.In this study, the quality of sediments from three Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) located on the coast of São Paulo (Laje de Santos Marine State Park - PEMLS; Xixova-Japui State Park - XJSP; and Central Coast Marine Protection Area - APAMLC) was assessed. Four sampling surveys were conducted (September/October 2013; January 2014; July 2014; January 2015). Sediment samples were collected at10 sites, distributed along the 3 MPAs. Samples were analyzed for sediment texture, total organic carbon, CaCO3, metals, aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and for whole-sediment and sediment-water interface toxicities. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to integrate data. Most of the sediments exhibited low concentrations of chemicals, with the exception of those from P2 (APAMLC) where moderate levels of contaminants were detected. Sediments from P7 and P9 (PEMLS) occasionally showed signs of petroleum hydrocarbons. The other sediments showed no relevant contamination but presented variable toxicity, especially those of bioclastic composition. The PCA indicated a contribution of the sediment properties to the toxicities, especially the CaCO3. In bioclastic sediments, toxicity might be due to physical causes by or any indirect factor such as the presence of ammonia. It was concluded that both natural and anthropic factors are causing toxicity in sediments from the MPAs studied

Hematological analysis of Micropogonias Furnieri, Desmarest, 1823, Scianidae, from two estuaries of Baixada Santista, São paulo Brazil

Alterações hematológicas em peixes são consideradas uma importante ferramenta para avaliar processos patológicos decorrentes da exposição a poluentes ambientais. Micropogonias furnieri (Desmarest, 1823) (corvina) é comumente encontrada em regiões estuarinas e eventualmente está exposta a inúmeros contaminantes. No presente estudo foi avaliado o quadro hematológico de indivíduos de M. furnieri coletados na Baixada Santista: o Sistema Estuarino de Santos, considerado poluído, e o estuário do Rio Itanhaém (controle). Foram avaliados o número de Eritrócitos (Er), o Hematócrito (Ht), a taxa de Hemoglobina (Hb), o Volume Corpuscular Médio (VCM) e a Concentração de Hemoglobina Corpuscular Média (CHCM). Nos peixes coletados no Sistema Estuarino de Santos, os níveis de Ht foram significativamente menores, enquanto os níveis de CHCM e Hb foram significativamente mais altos, indicando que os prováveis efeitos estejam atribuídos aos diferentes níveis de contaminação encontrados nos estuários.Hematological alterations in fish are considered a useful tool to evaluate pathological processes resulting from the exposure to environmental pollutants. The whitemouth croaker Micropogonias furnieri is a common species in estuarine areas and potentially exposed to many contaminants. In the present study, the hematological characteristics of fish collected at two sites in Baixada Santista (Santos Estuarine System - SES, a polluted site; and the Estuary of Itanhaém River - EIR, unpolluted site) del was analysed. The following blood descriptors were analyzed: number of Erythrocytes (Er), Hematocrit (Ht), Hemoglobin (Hb), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Fish from SES exhibited significant lower levels of Ht and increase on MCHC and Hb. Such differences are likely related to the different contamination levels found in these estuaries

Sector industrial

A continuación se exponen los resultados obtenidos a partir del relevamiento a empresas industriales del Partido de General Pueyrredon (PGP), realizado por el Grupo Análisis Industrial (CIEyS, FCEyS, UNMdP), durante el segundo semestre del año 2013 y primeros meses de 2014. Se encuestaron un total de 570 empresas industriales, con una tasa de respuesta del 62%. La información está agregada por ramas de actividad según la segmentación que emplea el Observatorio Pyme, a partir Código Industrial Internacional Uniforme (CIIU) Revisión 3.1 2. La industria del PGP se caracteriza por una predominancia de firmas pequeñas y familiares, con una única planta productiva. A su vez, dos de cada tres empresas realizan producción en serie, y una de cada tres firmas subcontratan parte del proceso productivo. El 65% de las firmas industriales del PGP tienen una marca registrada. También se destaca que un 23% de las empresas vendieron parte de su producción al exterior entre 2011 y 2013, siendo Mercosur, Brasil, Unión Europea, resto de América Latina y el Caribe los principales destinos. Las ramas más exportadoras son Alimenticia pesquera y Maquinarias, equipos y aparatos eléctricos. Asimismo, el 72% de las firmas invirtieron en dicho período, y la capacidad instalada utilizada se ubica en promedio en un 69%. Por último, los esfuerzos de innovación están vinculados principalmente a la adquisición de maquinarias y equipos (43%) y a la Investigación y Desarrollo (31%). Estos resultados y otros serán desarrollados a continuación.Fil: Mauro, Lucía Mercedes. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Sociales; Argentina.Fil: Graña, Fernando Manuel. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Sociales; Argentina.Fil: Liseras, Natacha. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Sociales; Argentina.Fil: Belmartino, Andrea. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Sociales; Argentina

Evaluation of the toxicity of sediments and benthic macrofauna in port areas: port and the terminal port of Mucuripe PecÃm (EC) and port of Santos (SP)

Portos e terminais portuÃrios sÃo importantes para a economia mundial, entretanto suas atividades de operaÃÃo tÃm sido consideradas altamente impactantes aos ecossistemas costeiros, em especial por representarem fontes significativas de contaminaÃÃo. Os sedimentos constituem o principal destino para os contaminantes, porÃm quando contaminados, passam a atuar como fonte secundÃria de contaminaÃÃo para o ambiente aquÃtico, prejudicando a saÃde dos ecossistemas e afetando algumas atividades econÃmicas, como a pesca e as dragagens. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a qualidade de sedimentos de trÃs Ãreas portuÃrias do litoral brasileiro, do ponto de vista ecotoxicolÃgico e ecolÃgico, atravÃs de testes de toxicidade e anÃlise da comunidade bentÃnica. Foram selecionados o Porto do Mucuripe e o Terminal PortuÃrio do PecÃm, ambos no litoral do estado do Cearà (CE), e o Porto de Santos, no estado de SÃo Paulo (SP). Os sedimentos foram caracterizados quanto à granulometria, teores de carbonatos, matÃria orgÃnica, carbono orgÃnico, nitrogÃnio e fÃsforo total. Os testes de toxicidade foram conduzidos com o anfÃpodo Tiburonella viscana, para sedimento integral, e embriÃes de ouriÃo do mar Lytechinus variegatus, para interface sedimento-Ãgua, e fases liquidas extraÃdas (Ãgua intersticial e elutriatos). A comunidade bentÃnica foi avaliada quanto à composiÃÃo taxonÃmica, sendo utilizados alguns descritores, como densidade (D - nÃmero de organismos), densidade de poliquetos, densidade de peracarida e os descritores ecolÃgicos: riqueza (S) e diversidade de Shannon-Weaner (Hâ). Os resultados mostraram toxicidade nos sedimentos das trÃs Ãreas estudadas, tanto sobre os anfÃpodos quanto sobre o desenvolvimento larval dos ouriÃos do mar. Os Ãndices de densidade de organismos, riqueza e diversidade foram considerados baixos, indicando que as comunidades bentÃnicas encontram-se sob stress. A integraÃÃo dos resultados apontou que tanto fatores naturais, como o hidrodinamismo, a presenÃa de diferentes massas dâÃgua e a composiÃÃo do sedimento, quanto a toxicidade, a qual à a expressÃo integrada da contaminaÃÃo, exercem influÃncia na composiÃÃo da fauna bentÃnica. Os resultados mostram que os mÃtodos aplicados podem ser usados como uma importante ferramenta para subsidiar a avaliaÃÃo da qualidade de sedimentos, sobretudo em Ãreas sujeitas à dragagem.Ports are important for the world economy; however, the activities related to them are considered very harmful the coastal systems, in special due to the contaminant inputs to the aquatic environment. Sediments constitute the main fate for the contaminants, and when contaminated, they may become a secondary source of contamination to the environment, threatening the health of ecosystems and affecting some economic activities, as fishing and dredging and disposal of dredged material. The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of sediments from 3 port areas influenced by ports, by the ecotoxicological and ecological perspectives. Three Brazilian ports were selected: Ports of Mucuripe PecÃm, both on the coast of Cearà State (Northeast of Brazil) and the Port of Santos, on the coast of SÃo Paulo State (Southeast of Brazil). Sediments were characterized as to grain size distribution, content of carbonates, organic matter, total organic carbon, nitrogen and total phosphorus. The ecotoxicity assays employed the amphipod Tiburonella viscana (for wholes sediment) and embryos of the sea urchin Lytechinus variegates, for sedimentwater interface and the liquid phases extracted from the sediments (porewater and elutriates). The benthic community was evaluated for taxonomic composition and for some ecological descriptors, as total density (D - number of organisms), density of polychaetes, and the density of peracarida, richness (S) and Shannon-Weaner diversity (Hâ). Toxicity was found in sediments of the three areas, as to the amphipods as to L. variegatus larval development. The density, richness, abundance and diversity indices were considered low, indicating that the benthic communities are under stress. The integrative analysis indicated that as the natural factors, such as hydrodynamic, different water masses, and sediment composition, as the toxicity of the sediments, which is the ultimate integrated expression of the contamination, influenced on the benthic fauna composition. The results showed that the applied methods may be used as a tool to subsidize the sediment quality assessment and the management of dredged materials

Potential toxicity of contaminants leached from cigarette butts in coastal environments

Cigarette butts (CB) are the most common litter on beaches worldwide and their incorrect disposal may lead to contamination by many toxic substances. Once in water, CB can release contaminants generated by the burning of cigarettes, which can have their toxic potential increased. Biocides, preservatives, and nitrogen compounds generated during tobacco cultivation and cigarette manufacturing are the most relevant compounds, while hydrocarbons and metals are generated and/or released from the burning of tobacco. A relevant issue is the lack of guidelines for CB management and benchmark values regarding these chemicals and additives for environmental quality purposes. The present study aimed to provide ecotoxicological information on the main contaminants present in CB leachates and its hazard was assessed in an Ecological Risk Assessment (ARE) context. Data on toxic effects for freshwater and marine organisms of substances reported to be leached from CB were obtained from the toxicity databases, and the hazard concentrations (HC10), a threshold for protecting 90% of the community, were determined based on the species sensitivity distribution (SSD) method. The most toxic substances for freshwater environments were benzo(a)anthracene, benzo(a)pyrene, acenaphthene and fluorene, Pb, and nicotine. For marine environments, the most toxic chemicals were benzo(a)pyrene, acenaphthene, fluorene and naphthalene, Cu, Pb, and Cd. The results of this study contribute to the advancement of knowledge about the contamination, toxicity, and ecological risks of CBs in coastal environments