Heavy metals in the liver and muscle of Micropogonias manni fish from Budi Lake, Araucania Region, Chile: potential risk for humans

The concentrations of cadmium, lead, manganese and zinc were determined in the fish species Micropogonias manni captured in Budi Lake, Araucanía Region (Chile). The measurements were made by atomic absorption spectroscopy, and the analysis considered the sex, weight and size of the species; the representative samples were taken from the liver and muscle tissue. The method was validated using certified reference material (DOLT-1). The ranges of concentrations found in the muscle tissue were: Cd, not determinate (n.d.)-0.26; Pb, n.d.-1.88; Mn, 0.02-12.17 and Zn, 0.48-39.04 mg kg-1 (dry weight). The concentrations in muscle tissue were generally lower than those found in the liver. With respect to the average concentrations recorded for each metal in the edible part of the fish (muscle tissue), it was found that the levels of Cd, Pb, Mn and Zn are within the ranges published by other authors in similar works and below the maximum concentration limits permitted by current legislation (FAO/WHO 2004; EU 2001) and do not constitute a health hazard for consumers of this species. The results were subjected to statistical analysis to evaluate the correlations between the content of the various metals and the sex, weight and size of each sample. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V

Comparación florística y estado trófico basado en plantas indicadoras de lagunas costeras de la región de La Araucanía, Chile

This study describes and analyses plant species diversity and identifies indicator species for nitrogen eutrophization in four coastal lagoons in the Araucanian Region, Chile. A total of 82 vascular macrophyte species were identified. Tromen lagoon has the highest species richness (45 taxa), followed by Patagila and Peule with 42 species each, while only 36 were found in Puyehue. Patagüa and Peule have the most similar flora, while Puyehue is the most dissimilar. Aloctonous species predominate in all four lakes (more than 47% being introduced species), and the most common life form are the hemicryptophytes with 40 species, indicating a strong human impact on their lakeshores. Patagüa lagoon has the greatest number of eutrophication indicators (8 species), showing a high trophic level. Puyehue, on the other hand, has only three, coinciding with the lowest species richness, so its trophic level should be lower

Dinámica del paisaje para el período 1980-2004 en la cuenca costera del Lago Budi, Chile : Consideraciones para la conservación de sus humedales

The landscape corresponds to a complex, open, space-time system, intermediate between nature and society. Its conditions and dynamics are determined by natural processes and human presence in which local and regional alterations modify ecological processes and patterns of biodiversity. Conspicuous in the Budi lake/river basin landscape are continental wetlands and marshy bodies of water and forests. Conflicts have arisen due to substitution and land-use change. Using the framework and scale of analysis of landscape ecology, the landscape dynamics of the Budi lake/river basin has been analyzed as an input for ecological planning of this area and conservation of its wetlands. Studies of variation of areas destined for different uses and land cover, as well as rate of change starting from category maps drawn up on the basis of photo-interpretation of aerial photographs of the area under study taken in 1980, 1994 and 2004, were done. Eight landscape types were identified, starting from previously drawn up classifications of ground cover and land-use. We also evaluated the variation in landscape patterns through the application of 21 measuring processes related to typology and surface, perimeters, shapes, diversity, aggregation and adjacency as indicators of landscape dynamics and evolution, which were applied in three levels: patches, classes and total landscape area. Among others, results showed a significant increase of the area of riverside wetlands (3,039.7 hectares in 1980 compared to 4,384.8 hectares in 2004), and a decrease in clear- water surface area. Furthermore, in the last 30 years there were increases in forestry plantations, of 17.6% between 1980 and 1994, and of 27.2% between 1994 and 2004; meanwhile, farming and cattle-raising have steadily decreased. Also, an increase in the number of patches and a decrease in their average size (except for wetlands), an increase in the total perimeters, and a decrease of distances between neighbours were assessed; all of which points to a landscape which is undergoing a process of fragmentation, with patches interspersed within the dominant pattern. The analysis carried out defines a system of wetlands having high connectivity with the contributing watersheds, spatial heterogeneity and intermixing of classes, in which current watershed uses are affecting the evolution of riverside areas. These indicates the extent of alteration of the system as well as the importance of the anthropogenic variable in its evolution; factors to be taken into account during the decision-making process of future proposals for land-use regulations involving control of sedimentation, protection of vegetation and maintaining connectivity

Determinación del nivel de antropización de humedales como criterio para la planificación ecológica de la cuenca del lago Budi, IX Región de La Araucanía, Chile

The level of human impact on the wetlands of the Lago Budi Basin was established, as a function of the degree of alteration to the basin and the degree of alteration to the wetlands. The former was evaluated on the basis of a spatial analysis of the fragility and stability of the hydrographical basin. The latter through a modified impact model, with a panel of experts who evaluated the fulfilment of the wetlands' function and their state. Four principal types of wetlands were recognized: estuarine, meadow, waterside and marshy. It was found that 98% of the total surface presents a high degree of alteration, as determined by its instability and fragility. Farm use was weighted as the principal agent of alteration of the wetlands' functions, with 61% of this showing alteration in the maximum degree. This evaluation makes it possible to differentiate areas and generate base criteria for the conservation of wetlands in the basin.Se determinó el nivel de antropización de los humedales de la cuenca del Budi, en función del grado de alteración de cuencas y el grado de alteración de humedales. El primero, evaluado a partir del análisis espacial de la fragilidad y estabilidad de la hoya hidrográfica. El segundo, a través de un modelo de impacto modificado, con panel de expertos que valoró el cumplimiento de funciones de humedales y su estado. Se reconocieron principalmente 4 tipos de humedales: estuarino, palustre, ribereño y de marisma. Por otro lado, el 98% de la superficie total presenta altos grados de alteración, determinados por su inestabilidad y fragilidad. El uso agrícola fue ponderado como el principal agente de alteración de las funciones de los humedales, presentándose un 61% de estos en categoría de máxima alteración. La evaluación realizada permite discriminar áreas y generar criterios de base para la conservación de humedales en la cuenca

A Normativa do Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre para o Armazenamento e Utilização de Materiais Biológicos Humanos e Informações Associadas em Pesquisa: Uma Proposta Interdisciplinar

Este artigo apresenta a justificativa e o processo de elaboração do marco normativo do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA) para o armazenamento e utilização de materiais biológicos humanos e suas informações associadas em atividades de pesquisa. Um grupo de trabalho multiprofissional se reuniu e discutiu todos os aspectos referentes a esta questão que envolve as atividades de biobanco e de biorrepositórios. Como produto deste trabalho é apresentada a Normativa Institucional