Natural and anthropogenic hydrocarbons in sediments from the Chubut River (Patagonia, Argentina)

In march of 2001 a study was carried out to evaluate hydrocarbon levels in the lower course of the Chubut River. The study included 12 sample stations along the river from San Cristobal Bridge to the confluence with the sea, in a 25 km straight-line extension in a urbanized area. In the first 11 stations, resolved aliphatic (RAli) hydrocarbons presented low values, between 0.07 and 0.96 lg/g dry weight (dw); the unresolved complex mixture (UCM) between 0.42 and 2.72 lg/g dw, and the total aliphatic (TAli) hydrocarbons between 0.55 and 3.07 lg/g dw. In the last station, at the mouth of Chubut river, these values increased to 460, 284, and 741 lg/g dw for RAli, UCM and TAli, respectively. The n-alkanes distribution indices and the compositional parameters suggested a predominantly biogenic origin in eleven stations, and a predominantly anthropogenic origin in the last station, with the highest hydrocarbon values. It is possible to conclude that the stations with low hydrocarbon values and biogenic origin predominance would constitute the baseline of aliphatic hydrocarbons for river sediments at this zone. The station with the highest hydrocarbon concentration and predominantly anthropic origin was related to the presence of Rawson city’s port, where its activities (harbor and fishing vessels) generate hydrocarbon wastes unrelated to the river base profile in the study zone. Offshore, but within the river influence, there is an important fishing area of Argentine Red and Patagonian shrimps (Pleoticus muelleri and Artemesia longinaris, respectively).Fil: Commendatore, Marta Graciela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Nacional Patagónico; ArgentinaFil: Esteves, Jose Luis. Fundacion Patagonia Natural; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Nacional Patagónico; Argentin

Characterization of sediment subject or not to anthropogenic activities (golfo Nuevo, Patagonia Argentina)

Contaminantes orgánicos como el tributilestaño (TBT) son particularmente tóxicos para la fauna marina. El objetivo de este trabajo fue caracterizar un sitio contaminado crónicamente (Muelle Luis Piedrabuena-MLP) y otro sin signos de impacto antrópico (Cerro Avanzado-CA) previo al desarrollo de un experimento para evaluar la respuesta de la comunidad macrobentónica al TBT. Para ello, se colectaron muestras de sedimento (n=3) con un corer (diámetro: 11 cm, altura: 15 cm) y se realizó la determinación de parámetros ?in situ?. Los resultados indicaron mayores porcentajes de humedad y materia orgánica en MLP cerca de la superficie (46,7±4,1% y 2,8±0,2% versus 27,0±1,0% y 1,2±0,3% en profundidad, respectivamente), mientras que en CA la distribución de estos parámetros fue homogénea (28,5±1,2% y 1,5±0,1%, respectivamente). Con respecto a los análisis biológicos, la clase Polychaeta fue la más abundante en ambos sitios mientras que Anfípoda y Bivalvia predominaron en MLP y CA, respectivamente.Fil: Sturla Lompre, Julieta. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos; ArgentinaFil: Commendatore, Marta Graciela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos; ArgentinaFil: Ferrando, Agustina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto de Diversidad y Evolución Austral; Argentina. Universidad Tecnológica Nacional. Facultad Regional Chubut; ArgentinaV Reunión Argentina de Geoquímica de la SuperficieLa PlataArgentinaUniversidad Nacional de La Plata. Escuela de PosgradoAsociación Argentina de Sedimentologí

Hydrocarbon levels in sediments and bivalve mollusks from Bahía Nueva (Patagonia, Argentina): An assessment of probable origin and bioaccumulation factors

Effects of crude oil and its derived products on marine ecosystems are well known. Both aliphatic and aromatic fractions possess toxic properties that can affect marine organisms. Particularly, sixteen unsubstituted PAHs have been recognized as priority pollutants for the Word Health Organization, the Economic European Community, and the USA Environmental Protection Agency (Hellow et al., 1994). Many PAHs have been found to be carcinogenic in mammals and, consequently, there is concern over the mobilization of PAHs and their metabolites into marine food chains via bioaccumulation and trophic transfer from benthic fauna (Ferguson and Chandler, 1998).Fil: Massara Paletto, V.. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria; ArgentinaFil: Commendatore, Marta Graciela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Nacional Patagónico; ArgentinaFil: Esteves, Jose Luis. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Nacional Patagónico; Argentin

Abundância de nematódeos marinhos de vida livre em relação às características físico-químicas de sedimentos experimentais e naturais

Los nematodos han sido ampliamente utilizados para evaluar diferentes tipos de disturbios. El objetivo de este trabajo fue comparar la abundancia de la comunidad de nematodos marinos de vida libre en condiciones in situ y ex situ con el fin de evaluar el efecto de las condiciones experimentales ensayadas en el laboratorio. Para ello, se colectaron muestras de sedimento (n=4) en 3 sitios del golfo San Jorge (GSJ) con diferente historia de contaminación y se las incubó en el laboratorio bajo condiciones controladas de luz, aire y temperatura durante 45 días. Al finalizar este período, se analizaron las muestras del tratamiento ex situ y se colectaron otras cuatro muestras en los sitios estudiados (in situ). Luego se comparó la abundancia de nematodos y las características de los sedimentos entre ambos sets de muestras. Restinga Alí y Playa Alsina mostraron un aumento de la abundancia de nematodos (más de 300% y 600%, respectivamente) en las condiciones fisicoquímicas registradas ex situ respecto de in situ, mientras que Punta Gravina presentó una disminución (menor al 40%). Los resultados mostraron un efecto de las condiciones experimentales ensayadas en el laboratorio sobre la fauna de nematodos, el cual fue más evidente en los sedimentos provenientes de sitios sin historia previa de contaminación.Nematodes have been widely used to evaluate different types of disturbances. The goal of this work was to compare the abundance of free-living marine nematodes communities at in situ and ex situ conditions, to assess the effect of experimental conditions in the laboratory. For this purpose, sediment samples were collected (n=4) at 3 sites in San Jorge Gulf (GSJ) with different history of pollution, and then incubated in the laboratory under controlled conditions of light, air and temperature for 45 days. At the end of this period, the ex situ treatment samples were analyzed, and an additional four samples were collected at the study sites (in situ). We compared the abundance of nematodes and characteristics of the sediment between both sets of samples. Restinga Alí and Playa Alsina showed increased abundance of nematodes (over 300 and 600%, respectively) in ex situ physico-chemical conditions compared to in situ conditions, while Punta Gravina showed lower abundance (less than 40%). Results showed an effect of the laboratory conditions set on nematode fauna. This effect was more evident in sediments from sites that had no previous history of pollution.Os nemátodeos têm sido amplamente utilizados para avaliar diferentes tipos de distúrbios. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar a abundância da comunidade de nematódeos marinhos de vida livre em condições in situ e ex situ, a fim de avaliar o efeito de condições experimentais testadas em laboratório. Para isso, amostras de sedimentos (n = 4) foram coletadas em três localidades do golfo San Jorge (GSJ) com diferentes históricos de contaminação, e incubadas em laboratório sob condições controladas de luz, ar e temperatura por 45 dias. Ao final deste período, foram analisadas as amostras de tratamento ex situ e foram coletadas outras quatro nas localidades estudadas (in situ). Logo, se comparou a abundância de nematódeos e as características dos sedimentos entre os dois conjuntos de amostras. Restinga Alí e Playa Alsina mostraram um aumento da abundância de nematódeos (mais de 300% e 600%, respectivamente)nas condições físico-químicas registradas ex situ em comparação com in situ, enquanto Punta Gravina apresentou uma diminuição (menor que 40%). Os resultados mostraram um efeito das condições experimentais testadas em laboratório sobre a fauna de nematódeos, o qual foi mais evidente nos sedimentos provenientes de localidades sem histórico de contaminação.Fil: Lo Russo, Virginia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto de Diversidad y Evolución Austral; ArgentinaFil: Ferrando, Agustina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto de Diversidad y Evolución Austral; Argentina. Universidad Tecnológica Nacional; ArgentinaFil: Commendatore, Marta Graciela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos; ArgentinaFil: Pastor, Catalina Teresa. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto de Diversidad y Evolución Austral; Argentin

PAHs contamination in edible gastropods from north Patagonian harbor areas

PAHs are persistent pollutants released into the environment by fossil fuels burning and leak during petroleum operations. Associated with suspended particles upon entering marine ecosystem are accumulated by benthic fauna. Human exposure occurs mainly from ingestion such as gastropods consumption. The objective was to determine PAHs in sediments and in the marine gastropod Buccinanops globulosus in sites with different maritime and urban influences. In sampling sites located 20 km from the harbor, PAHs were non-detected; while in harbor gastropods, the level of PAH4 was exceeded according to international normative. Level of dibenzo[a,h]anthracene in sediments was between the ISQG and PEL. Since these are the first results of PAHs in edible gastropods in South America, we concluded that PAHs can be dangerous for consumers according to ingestion frequency. Integrative studies are necessary to evaluate the interaction among pollutants in maritime areas and the incidence in human health due to shellfish consumption.Fil: Primost, Monica Angelina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto de Biología de Organismos Marinos; Argentina. Universidad Tecnológica Nacional; ArgentinaFil: Commendatore, Marta Graciela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos; ArgentinaFil: Torres, Pablo Javier. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Posadas | Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Posadas; ArgentinaFil: Bigatti, Gregorio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto de Biología de Organismos Marinos; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco"; Argentin

Biosurfactant-enhanced degradation of residual hydrocarbons from ship bilge wastes

The use of Bacillus subtilis O9 biosurfactant (surfactin) and of bioaugmentation to improve the treatment of residual hydrocarbons from ship bilge wastes was studied. A biodegradation experiment was conducted in aquaria placed outdoors under non-aseptic conditions. Three treatments were examined: culture medium plus bilge wastes, bioaugmentation with microorganisms from bilge wastes, and bioaugmentation plus biosurfactant. Samples were analyzed for viable counts, aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations, n-C17/pristane and n-C18/phytane ratios. While the addition of biosurfactant stimulated hydrocarbon degradation, bioaugmentation did not produce any remarkable effect. At day 10, the remaining percentages of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons in aquaria, which received biosurfactant, were 6.8 and 7.2, respectively, while it took 20 days to reach comparable results with the other treatments. The biosurfactant did not affect the preferential biodegradation of n-C17/pristane and n-C18/phytane. This biosurfactant, which can be produced in a relatively simple and inexpensive process, is a promising alternative in the optimization of hydrocarbon waste treatment.Fil: Olivera, Nelda Lila. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Nacional Patagónico; ArgentinaFil: Commendatore, Marta Graciela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Nacional Patagónico; ArgentinaFil: Morán, A. C.. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos; ArgentinaFil: Esteves, Jose Luis. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Nacional Patagónico; Argentin

Effect of pH modification on bilge waste biodegradation by a native microbial community

During laboratory biodegradation of the oily liquid residue generated in normal ship operations, bilge waste, by an adapted native microbial community, bioemulsifier production and decrease in pH were observed. When the pH of the medium was modified by adding NaOH or buffering with Tris-HCl (pH 7.8), the greatest hydrocarbon reduction and biodegradation were found with NaOH treatment. With this treatment, total hydrocarbon removal and biodegradation efficiencies of, respectively, 97% and 86% for n-alkanes, 40% and 30% for total aliphatic hydrocarbons and 25% and 17% for total aromatic hydrocarbons were recorded after culture for 10 days. The emulsifying activity (quantified as emulsion index E24) was highest (60%) for neutralized treatment. For the three treatments the emulsifier activity was optimal at pH 6.5-7.5. Therefore, the culture medium should be neutralized to increase the rate of biodegradation and to minimize the residence time of the waste in a treatment unit.Fil: Nievas El Makte, Marina Lucrecia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico; ArgentinaFil: Commendatore, Marta Graciela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico; ArgentinaFil: Esteves, Jose Luis. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico; ArgentinaFil: Bucala, Veronica. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Planta Piloto de Ingeniería Química. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Planta Piloto de Ingeniería Química; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Ingeniería Química; Argentin

Biodegradation pattern of hydrocarbons from a fuel oil-type complex residue by an emulsifier-producing microbial consortium

The biodegradation of a hazardous waste (bilge waste), a fuel oil-type complex residue from normal ship operations, was studied in a batch bioreactor using a microbial consortium in seawater medium. Experiments with initial concentrations of 0.18 and 0.53% (v/v) of bilge waste were carried out. In order to study the biodegradation kinetics, the mass of n-alkanes, resolved hydrocarbons and unresolved complex mixture (UCM) hydrocarbons were assessed by gas chromatography (GC). Emulsification was detected in both experiments, possibly linked to the n-alkanes depletion, with differences in emulsification start times and extents according to the initial hydrocarbon concentration. Both facts influenced the hydrocarbon biodegradation kinetics. A sequential biodegradation of n-alkanes and UMC was found for the higher hydrocarbon content. Being the former growth associated, while UCM biodegradation was a non-growing process showing enzymatic-type biodegradation kinetics. For the lower hydrocarbon concentration, simultaneous biodegradation of n-alkanes and UMC were found before emulsification. Nevertheless, certain UCM biodegradation was observed after the medium emulsification. According to the observed kinetics, three main types of hydrocarbons (n-alkanes, biodegradable UCM and recalcitrant UCM) were found adequate to represent the multicomponent substrate (bilge waste) for future modelling of the biodegradation process.Fil: Nievas El Makte, Marina Lucrecia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Nacional Patagónico; ArgentinaFil: Commendatore, Marta Graciela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Nacional Patagónico; ArgentinaFil: Esteves, Jose Luis. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Nacional Patagónico; ArgentinaFil: Bucala, Veronica. Universidad Nacional del Sur; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

Sources and distribution of aliphatic and polyaromatic hydrocarbons in coastal sediments from the Ushuaia Bay (Tierra del Fuego, Patagonia, Argentina)

The environmental quality of Ushuaia Bay, located at the southernmost tip of South America, is affected by the anthropogenic pressure of Ushuaia city. In this study, levels and sources of hydrocarbons in coastal sediments were assessed. Aliphatic hydrocarbon fractions ranged between 5.5 and 1185.3 μg/g dry weight and PAHs from not detected to 360 ng/g. Aliphatic diagnostic indices, the nalkanes homologous series occurrence, Aliphatic Unresolved Complex Mixtures (AliUCMs), and pristane and phytane isoprenoids indicated a petrogenic input. Some sites showed biogenic features masked by the anthropogenic signature. Particularly in port areas biodegradation processes were evident. PAH ratios showed a mixture of petrogenic and pyrogenic sources. Aliphatic and aromatic UCMs were strongly correlated, reflecting chronic pollution. Three areas were distinguished inside the bay: (1) east, with low hydrocarbons impact; (2) central, where hydrocarbons accumulation was related to source proximity and sediment characteristics; (3) south-west, where sediment characteristics and current circulation favour hydrocarbons accumulation.Fil: Commendatore, Marta Graciela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico; ArgentinaFil: Nievas El Makte, Marina Lucrecia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico; ArgentinaFil: Amin, Oscar Antonio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; ArgentinaFil: Esteves, Jose Luis. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico; Argentin

Nutritive and Xenobiotic Compounds in the Alien Algae Undaria pinnatifida from Argentine Patagonia

Seaweeds have been used as food since ancient times. The edible brown algae Undaria pinnatifida is native to northeast Asia; however, in 1992, the first specimens in Patagonian environments were found and, since then, have rapidly expanded. The main object of this study was to determine, for the first time in Argentina, the nutritive composition and concentrations of trace elements and hydrocarbons in these alien algae and evaluate their usefulness as food. Sexually mature U. pinnatifida samples were collected at 10-m depth in the Nuevo and San José gulfs. The first site is influenced by activities from Puerto Madryn city, and the latter place was considered as the control. Protein, dietary fiber, and mineral concentrations were similar in both gulfs and in the same order as in eastern countries. Crude protein, indigestible fiber, and calcium and magnesium concentrations were greatest in blade; lipid concentration was greatest in sporophyll; and sodium and potassium concentrations were reatest in midrib. Amino acids showed the greatest concentrations in blades, and these were greater than those reported in kelp from Japan. Cadmium (Cd), arsenic, mercury, and hydrocarbons were detected, but only Cd showed concentrations that could be a risk for consumption. In Argentina, maximum acceptable levels of these contaminants in seaweeds are not established.Fil: Gil, Monica Noemi. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Nacional Patagónico; ArgentinaFil: Torres, Américo Iadran. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Nacional Patagónico; ArgentinaFil: Commendatore, Marta Graciela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Nacional Patagónico; ArgentinaFil: Marinho, Carmen Haydee. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Nacional Patagónico; ArgentinaFil: Arias, Andres Hugo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Bahía Blanca. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (i); ArgentinaFil: Giarratano, Erica. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Nacional Patagónico; ArgentinaFil: Casas, Graciela Noemi. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Nacional Patagónico; Argentin