Seasonal variation of nutrients and hydrological conditions in the State Marine Park of Laje de Santos (SMPLS) and adjacent continental shelf areas (South Atlantic Ocean - Brazil)

Parques marinhos constituem áreas importantes para a conservação da vida marinha e do patrimônio genético em todo o mundo. A criação de tais parques deve ser acompanhada de medidas cuidadosas para garantir a coexistência de biota natural e de atividades humanas nestes sistemas. O Parque Estadual Marinho da Laje de Santos (PEMLS) situa-se próximo de um pólo industrial e uma área urbana, e sua criação e manutenção é um exemplo para a humanidade. No entanto, nenhum programa ainda não foi instalado para o acompanhamento dos parâmetros bióticos e abióticos da água. Assim, este estudo tem como objetivo fornecer parâmetros hidrológicos e hidroquímicos, com ênfase em nutrientes dissolvidos, para estabelecer um ponto de partida para o monitoramento dessas águas. A presença da Água Central do Antlântico Sul (ACAS) no parque marinho durante os períodos de amostragem de primavera e verão foi evidenciada pela observação de baixas temperaturas (; 7,00 µmol L-1), enquanto as concentrações de N-amoniacal (; 7.00 µmol L-1), while the concentration of N-ammonium (maximum 9.86 µmol L-1) demonstrated a rapid regeneration of the organic matter, mainly in the euphotic zone. Analysis of the data from summer periods revealed an annual difference, showing January 2014 to be drier than January 2015, which influenced the availability of some nutrients and the standard distribution of hydrochemical parameters in this region. The results of the distribution of hydrochemical parameters in the marine park confirms the preserved conditions of the seawater around the Laje de Santos, demonstrated by the excellent water quality, concluding the need to implant monitoring actions based on these reference data to preserve this important reserve of marine life

Dissolved organic matter (C, N, P) on the Pernambuco coast and Fernando de Noronha archipelago (Tropical Zone of Western South Atlantic, Brazil) - A contribution to the evaluation of environmental impact

Os compostos orgânicos dissolvidos encontrados na água do mar oferecem uma indicação de processos biogeoquímicos e influência antropogênica à luz de suas concentrações e comportamentos associados a diferentes áreas oceânicas. Os aportes de rios contribuem com cargas orgânicas para a água do mar de acordo com o nível de influência natural e urbana. Uma diluição deste material é esperada no oceano. Em torno das ilhas oceânicas, a quantidade de matéria orgânica é influenciada pelo ciclo de vida dos organismos marinhos e pela ocupação humana. As proporções de carbono orgânico dissolvido (DOC), nitrogênio orgânico dissolvido (DON), fósforo orgânico dissolvido (DOP) e sua associação com oxigênio dissolvido podem ser utilizadas para avaliar as condições ambientais em termos de impactos naturais e antropogênicos. A informação disponível sobre os compostos orgânicos dissolvidos essenciais (C, N e P) na água do mar é rara. Este estudo busca incentivar o uso de compostos orgânicos dissolvidos na avaliação de impacto ambiental nas áreas costeiras do Brasil. A distribuição espacial de DOC, DON, DOP e ureia foi analisada em quatro regiões: Itamaracá (ITA), Plataforma Interna de Recife (RIS), Ilha Fernando de Noronha (FN) e Porto de Recife (RH), todos em Pernambuco - Brasil. No caso do DOC, os valores obtidos variaram de 51,60 µmol L-1 (0,62 mg L-1) a 358,47 µmol L-1 (4,30 mg L-1), os valores de DOP variaram de 0,01 a 2,16 µm L-1, ambos Apresentando seus valores mais altos em RH, a área mais intensamente urbanizada. Em relação ao DON, um valor extremamente alto de 92,89 µmol L-1, com ureia atingindo 12 µmol L-1, ambos em RH, refletem a descarga orgânica e de esgoto. Às vezes, a concentração de ureia esteve associada ao tratamento precário de esgoto combinado com a atividade turística, como no caso de FN. Nenhuma variação espacial significativa foi observada para DOP tendo em conta todas as estações e regiões, e os valores apresentaram maior variação de FN. Os índices DOC:DON foram superiores a 7 (2-4 vezes a relação Redfield) e revelaram a qualidade da matéria orgânica e a importância do processo local de remineralização, confirmando que a N-limitação aumentou o uso de formas orgânicas, principalmente em FN. As condições oligotróficas preservadas em RIS, Itamaracá e FN foram observadas em relação aos compostos orgânicos dissolvidos (C, N, P), mas no que diz respeito ao FN, são recomendáveis ações de monitoramento efetivas, pois é uma área remota preservada.The dissolved organic compounds found in seawater offer an indication of biogeochemical processes and anthropogenic influence in the light of their concentrations and behavior associated with different oceanic areas. River inputs contribute with organic loads to seawater according to the level of natural and urban influence. A dilution of this material is expected toward ocean. Around oceanic islands, the quantity of organic matter results from the life cycle of marine organisms and from human occupation. The ratios of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) and the association with dissolved oxygen can be used to evaluate the environmental conditions in terms of natural and anthropogenic impacts. Available information about the essential dissolved organic compounds (C, N and P) in seawater is rare. This study seeks to encourage the use of dissolved organic compounds in environmental impact assessment in coastal areas of Brazil. The spatial distribution of DOC, DON, DOP and urea was analyzed in four regions: Itamaracá (ITA), Recife Inner Shelf (RIS), Fernando de Noronha Island (FN) and Recife Harbor (RH), all in Pernambuco State - Brazil. In the case of DOC, the values obtained varied from 51.60 µmol L-1 (0.62 mg L-1) to 358.47 µmol L-1 (4.30 mg L-1), DOP values varied from 0.01 to 2.16 µmol L-1, both presenting their highest values in RH, the most intensely urbanized area. In relation to DON, an extremely high value 92.89 µmol L-1, with urea reaching 12 µmol L-1, both in RH, reflects organic and sanitary discharge. Sometimes the urea concentration was associated with precarious sewage treatment combined with tourist activity, as in the case of FN. No significant spatial variation was observed for DOP taking into account all the stations and regions, and the values presented a greater range of variation in FN. The DOC:DON ratios were higher than 7 (2-4 times the Redfield ratio) and revealed the quality of the organic matter and the importance of the local process of remineralization, confirming that the N-limitation enhanced the use of organic forms, mainly on FN. The preserved oligotrophic conditions of the RIS, Itamaracá and FN were observed in relation to dissolved organic compounds (C, N, P), but, as regards FN, effective monitoring actions are advisable as it is a pristine area

Oligotrophic water conditions associated with organic matter regeneration support life and indicate pollution on the western side of Fernando de Noronha Island - NE, Brazil (3°S)

Oligotrophy has its basis in low inorganic nutrient availability and it is generally known that in equatorial waters inorganic nutrient availability is insufficient to sustain the richness of life observed in some special places at this latitude. Thus, the understanding of the organic dissolved component role in N and P biogeochemical cycles could explain the support of the food chain in oligotrophic equatorial waters. This study was undertaken for the purpose of contributing to the knowledge of nutrient availability and the participation of dissolved organic components in the trophic conditions of an oceanic equatorial island in the South Atlantic. Water and phytoplankton were sampled on the western fringe of the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago in March 2015. Tropical oceanic conditions prevailed in this oceanic domain with high salinity (>;36.19) and temperatures (>;28.30°C). The oceanic conditions assured a high pH and dissolved oxygen levels (>;5.00 mL L-1). Alkalinity showed slight variations, its lowest values being associated with biological interaction. Suspended particulate matter was relatively low and its organic fraction was associated with the productive process and/or pollution contribution, which is confirmed mainly by high DON concentrations (~4.00 µmol L-1) with an association with high total chlorophyll in the primary production process and with urea in the pollution situation. The urea content attained 2.77 µmol L-1 at a waste disposal outlet when a contamination event was observed in the region. The available inorganic nutrients showed low concentrations with an N-ammonium average of 1.99±0.64 µmol L-1, nitrate with an average of 0.13±0.04 µmol L-1, and nitrite with an average of 0.19±0.13 µmol L-1. The DIN varied from 0.74 to 4.32 µmol L-1, principally represented by N-ammonium. DOC showed values of from 53 to 109 µmol L-1 and the DOC:DON ratio confirmed the organic source as being an inorganic N pool of oxidized organic matter and indicated that nitrogen-rich compounds are recycled faster than carbon-rich compounds. Total chlorophyll concentrations reached 0.81 mg m-3 and the noteworthy presence of filamentous cyanobacteria despite low inorganic nitrogen availability lead to a trophic chain initially supported with the contribution of a fixation process.A oligotrofia tem base na baixa disponibilidade de nutrientes inorgânicos, sendo que, normalmente, em águas equatoriais, o teor de nutrientes inorgânicos não é suficiente para sustentar a riqueza de vida observada em alguns lugares especiais nesta latitude. Assim, a compreensão do papel dos componentes orgânicos dissolvidos nos ciclos biogeoquímicos do N e do P poderia esclarecer o suporte da cadeia alimentar em águas equatoriais oligotróficas. Este estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de contribuir ao conhecimento da disponibilidade de nutrientes e participação de componentes orgânicos na condição trófica das águas do entorno de uma ilha equatorial oceânica no Atlântico Sul. A água e o fitoplâncton foram amostrados na franja ocidental do arquipélago Fernando de Noronha, em março de 2015. As condições tropicais oceânicas prevaleceram neste domínio oceânico com altas salinidade (>;36,19) e temperatura (>;28,30°C). As condições oceânicas garantiram os altos valores de pH (>;8,0) e oxigênio dissolvido (>;5,00 mL L-1). A alcalinidade mostrou ligeiras variações com menores valores associados à interação biológica. A matéria particulada em suspensão esteve relativamente baixa e a fração orgânica foi associada ao processo produtivo e/ou contribuição da poluição, o que é confirmado principalmente por altas concentrações de DON (~4,00 µmol L-1) associada aos maiores valores de clorofila total na situação de produção primária e, com a ureia em situação de poluição. O conteúdo de ureia atingiu 2,77 µmol L-1 em um ponto de disposição de efluentes quando um evento de contaminação foi observado na região. Os nutrientes inorgânicos disponíveis apresentaram baixas concentrações, com uma média de N-amoniacal de 1,99±0,64 µmol L-1, nitrato com média de 0,13±0,04 µmol L-1, nitrito com média de 0,19±0,13 µmol L-1. O DIN variou de 0,74 a 4,32 µmol L-1, principalmente representado por N-amoniacal. O DOC apresentou valores de 53 a 109 µmol L-1 e, a relação DOC:DON confirmou uma fonte orgânica para o reservatório de N inorgânico a partir da oxidação da matéria orgânica e indicou que os compostos ricos em nitrogênio são reciclados mais rapidamente do que os compostos ricos em carbono. As concentrações totais de clorofila atingiram 0,81 mg m-3 e a notável presença de cianobactérias filamentosas frente à baixa disponibilidade de nitrogênio inorgânico, conduzindo a uma cadeia trófica inicialmente suportada com contribuição do processo de fixação

Dissolved organic nutrients (C, N, P) in seawater on the continental shelf in the Southwestern South Atlantic with emphasis State Marine Park of Laje de Santos (SMPLS) - São Paulo - Brazil

O principal objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar distribuição sazonal e espacial do carbono orgânico dissolvido (COD), nitrogênio orgânico (NOD), fósforo orgânico dissolvido (POD) e ureia em 10 estações do Parque Estadual Marinho da Laje de Santos (PEMLS). As estações 1 a 4 (mais próximas do continente) e as estações de 5 a 10 (mais próximas do parque marinho), todas na plataforma continental. Os resultados mostram que não foram observadas variações sazonais estatisticamente significativas para o COD e POD, todavia, o COD e o NOD, no período de verão apresentaram um pequeno aumento mostrando o aumento da atividade biológica e a influencia continental. Por outro lado, o NOD apresentou valores elevados em junho (2014 - inverno) e janeiro de 2015, variando de 12.51 a 32.76 µmol L-1, segundo o método de análise ANOVA (p< 0,01). Foram observados baixos valores de NOD em janeiro de 2014 (0,32-8,98 µmol L-1), em um verão anormalmente seco, enquanto que os valores mais elevados foram observados em julho de 2014 (27.50 µmol L-1). Ureia apresentou valores baixos na região do PEMLS e zonas costeiras atingindo 4,00 µmol L-1. Muitas vezes, a concentração de ureia pode estar associada com atividade de mergulho no parque. COD, NOD e ureia apresentaram valores ou diferenças entre as estações no PEMLS (5-10) e aquelas mais costeiras (1-4). O COD nas estações costeiras atingiu 267 µmol L-1, enquanto que no PEMLS, o valor máximo foi de 100 µmol L-1. Nenhuma variação significativa foi observada quanto à distribuição espacial entre as estações costeiras e as do parque para o POD (ANOVA pThe main objective of this work is evaluate seasonal and spatial distribution of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) and urea in 10 stations of the State Marine Park of Laje de Santos (SMPLS). Stations 1 to 4 (nearest the continent) and the stations 5 to 10 (nearest the marine park) all of them were on the continental shelf. The results show that no statistic significant seasonal variations were found for the DOC and DOP nevertheless DOC and DON in summer period were lightly above the winter period showing the increase in biological activities and continental influence. On the other hand, DON showed high values in June (2014 - winter) to January 2015, ranging from 12.51 to 32.76 µmol L-1 according to the ANOVA method (

Study of the abundance, provenance and patterns of elemental distribution in surface sediments and sedimentary profiles in the Estuarine-Lagunar Complex of Cananéia-Iguape, São Paulo - Brasil, with emphasis on rare earth elements and their environmental significance

O complexo estuarino-lagunar de Cananéia-Iguape, localizado na porção sul do litoral do Estado de São Paulo, integra uma importante reserva ambiental e um ecossistema costeiro extremamente produtivo. A região abriga o canal do Valo Grande, construído há mais de 160 anos, o qual favorece a introdução água doce do rio Ribeira de Iguape diretamente no sistema estuarino contribuindo à importantes alterações biogeoquímicas como o aporte de nutrientes, metais e outros elementos pouco solúveis, que acabam tendo como destino os sedimentos. No presente trabalho foi realizada a coleta de amostras da coluna de água e de sedimentos de superfície ao longo do complexo estuarino-lagunar de Cananéia-Iguape e ambientes contíguos. Também houve a realização de perfis de sedimento na região sul do estuário, considerada mais preservada. O objetivo principal foi avaliar os processos que regem a distribuição dos Elementos Terras Raras (ETR) nos sedimentos do sistema, conhecendo as propriedades hidroquímicas do sistema, associando e comparando os ETR a outros elementos presentes em baixas concentrações, de modo natural ou resultantes de alterações de origem antrópica, utilizando padrões de fracionamento, anomalias e assinatura geoquímica de minerais que atuam na distribuição dos ETR verificando seu potencial para evidenciar a origem e interpretar níveis naturais e efeitos antrópicos aos quais o Complexo está submetido. Os resultados mostraram que as características hidroquímicas na região norte do Complexo encontram-se fortemente influenciadas pelo aporte de águas fluviais via Valo Grande e pelos processos biogeoquímicos associados a ele, enquanto a região sul apresentou-se mais conservada, mostrando equilíbrio biogeoquímico natural de sistemas estuarinos, oferecendo maior suporte à produção primária. Nos sedimentos de superfície, as concentrações elementares de Al, As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Fe, Hg, Hf, P, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sc, Th, U, Zn, Zr e ETR* apresentaram distribuição bastante relacionada às características deposicionais/texturais, de forma que a maioria destes elementos tiveram maiores concentrações em regiões de baixa energia hidrodinâmica, no interior do rio Ribeira de Iguape e no mar Pequeno. Considerando como referência os valores guias de qualidade dos sedimentos canadenses (TEL e PEL), os elementos As, Cd, Pb, Cr, Hg e Zn apresentaram concentração abaixo dos valores que indicam frequente ocorrência de efeitos adversos nos organismos aquáticos (PEL), mas foi observado que em alguns locais, As, Cr, Pb e Zn superaram os valores de concentração que indicam uma baixa probabilidade de ocorrência de efeitos adversos à biota (TEL). Fatores de enriquecimento calculados com relação à crosta continental superior (FEUCC) e ao background geoquímico regional (FEBG) apontaram regiões onde ocorrem concentrações de Pb, P e Sb acima dos níveis considerados naturais, entretanto evidenciaram que os altos valores de As e Cr estariam relacionados a um enriquecimento natural dos sedimentos na região. No caso dos ETR, o FEUCC e FEBG indicaram enriquecimento na região do mar adjacente ao estuário e em estações no rio Ribeira e no Valo Grande. A aplicação de modelagem através da regressão múltipla linear mostrou que os valores, que seriam normalmente considerados anômalos, são naturais e refletem a presença de minerais pesados nestes locais. Outros elementos que parecem naturalmente enriquecidos onde há ocorrência minerais pesados são: As, Ca, Cr, Th, U, além dos elementos ditos sinalizadores, como Hf e Zr. Anomalias de Ce mostraram a possível relação com processos de oxidação de Ce+3 a Ce+4 mediada biológicamente nas zonas mais produtivas do estuário. Dos quatro perfis de sedimento obtidos na região sul do estuário, três mostraram seções com valores de FEUCC e FEBG para Pb que sugerem contribuição antrópica. Tais padrões decrescem em direção ao sul do sistema, porém praticamente não mostram variação temporal. Nenhuma concentração de Pb superou o valor de TEL nos testemunhos estudados. Zn e Hg mostraram enriquecimentos pontuais em diferentes seções do testemunho T3. Com relação aos ETR, houve novamente a observação de enriquecimento causado por minerais pesados, e os teores modelados parecem refletir níveis naturais para estes elementos nos quatro testemunhos. Tais informações podem ser utilizadas na ampliação do uso de ferramentas biogeoquímicas de avaliação e prevenção de riscos aos quais o sistema estudado está sujeito, e na tomada de decisão pelo poder público no sentido da conservação ambiental da região.The estuary-lagoon complex of Cananéia-Iguape, in the southern portion of the coast of São Paulo state, is part of an important environmental reserve and an extremely productive coastal ecosystem. The region encloses the Valo Grande channel, built more than 160 years ago, which favors the introduction of fresh water from Ribeira de Iguape river directly into the estuarine system contributing to important biogeochemical changes in the region. Through this channel, many nutrients arrive at the estuary, as well as, metals and other slightly soluble elements, that end up as sediments. In this research, samples of the water column and surface sediments were collected in the estuary-lagoon complex of Cananéia-Iguape and contiguous environments, as well as, sediment profiles in the south of the estuary, considered to be the most conserved region. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the processes that govern the distribution of rare earth elements (REE) in the sediments of the system, associating and comparing them to other elements, both essential and toxic, using fractionation patterns, anomalies and the geochemical signature of minerals that act in the distribution of REE to evaluate the origin and interpret natural levels and the amplitude of possible anthropic effects to which the Complex is submitted. The results show that the hydrochemical characteristics in the northern region of the complex are strongly influenced by the provision of fresh water through Valo Grande channel and its resulting biogeochemical processes, while the southern region is more conserved, showing the natural biogeochemical balance of estuarine systems, offering greater support to primary production. The elemental concentrations of Al, As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Fe, Hg, Hf, P, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sc, Th, U, Zn, Zr and REE* in the surface sediments, show distribution related to depositional/textural characteristics, in such a way most of these elements presented their highest concentrations in regions of recognized low hydrodynamic energy, in the Ribeira de Iguape river and Mar Pequeno region. A comparison of the values obtained for As, Cd, Pb, Cr, Hg and Zn with the Canadian sediment quality guidelines (TEL and PEL) shows that none of the evaluated elements reached concentrations indicating a frequent occurrence of negative effects on aquatic organisms (PEL), however, As, Cr, Pb and Zn have sometimes exceeded concentration values indicating a low probability of occurrence of adverse effects on biota (TEL). Enrichment factors calculated in relation to the upper continental crust (FEUCC) and the regional geochemical background (FEBG) pointed out regions where Pb, P and Sb accumulated above the levels considered natural, however have shown that the high values of As and Cr are related to a natural enrichment of the sediments in the region. For the REE, FEUCC and FEBG indicated enrichment in the sea region adjacent to the estuary and at stations in Ribeira de Iguape river and Valo Grande. Data modeling through linear multiple regression showed that the values, which would normally be considered anomalous, are natural and reflect the presence of heavy minerals at these sites. Other elements that appear to be naturally enriched where there is the indication of occurrence of such minerals are As, Ca, Cr, Th, U, in addition to the signaling elements Hf and Zr. Ce anomalies showed a possible relationship with biologically mediated Ce+3 to Ce+4 oxidation processes in the most productive areas of the estuary. Out of the four sediment profiles obtained in the southern region of the estuary, three showed sections with FEUCC and FEBG values for Pb suggesting anthropogenic contribution. Such values decrease towards the south of the system, however showed a small time variation. None of the obtained Pb values overcame the values of TEL for such sediment profiles. Zn and Hg showed one-off enrichments in different sections of T3 sediment core. Regarding REE, there was again the observation of enrichment caused by heavy minerals in one of the sediment cores, and the modeled contents seem to reflect natural levels for these elements in the four cores. Such information can be used in the expansion of the biogeochemical tools for assessment and prevention of the risks to which the studied system is subject and in the decision making by the public sector towards the environmental preservation of the region

Seasonal variation of nutrients and hydrological conditions in the State Marine Park of Laje de Santos (SMPLS) and adjacent continental shelf areas (South Atlantic Ocean - Brazil)

Abstract Marine parks constitute important areas for the conservation of marine life and the genetic heritage around the world. The creation of such marine parks must be accompanied by careful measures to guarantee the coexistence of natural biota and human activities in these systems. The State Marine Park of Laje de Santos (SMPLS) is so close to an industrial pole and urban area that its creation and maintenance is an example for humanity. However, no program has yet been installed for the monitoring of its biotic and abiotic water parameters. Thus, the objective of this study is to provide hydrological and hydrochemical parameters with emphasis on dissolved nutrients to establish a starting point for the monitoring of these waters. The presence of the South Atlantic Central Water (SACW) in the marine park during the spring and summer sampling periods was evidenced by the observation of low temperatures ( 7.00 µmol L-1), while the concentration of N-ammonium (maximum 9.86 µmol L-1) demonstrated a rapid regeneration of the organic matter, mainly in the euphotic zone. Analysis of the data from summer periods revealed an annual difference, showing January 2014 to be drier than January 2015, which influenced the availability of some nutrients and the standard distribution of hydrochemical parameters in this region. The results of the distribution of hydrochemical parameters in the marine park confirms the preserved conditions of the seawater around the Laje de Santos, demonstrated by the excellent water quality, concluding the need to implant monitoring actions based on these reference data to preserve this important reserve of marine life

Dissolved organic matter (C, N, P) on the Pernambuco coast and Fernando de Noronha archipelago (Tropical Zone of Western South Atlantic, Brazil) - A contribution to the evaluation of environmental impact

Abstract The dissolved organic compounds found in seawater offer an indication of biogeochemical processes and anthropogenic influence in the light of their concentrations and behavior associated with different oceanic areas. River inputs contribute with organic loads to seawater according to the level of natural and urban influence. A dilution of this material is expected toward ocean. Around oceanic islands, the quantity of organic matter results from the life cycle of marine organisms and from human occupation. The ratios of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) and the association with dissolved oxygen can be used to evaluate the environmental conditions in terms of natural and anthropogenic impacts. Available information about the essential dissolved organic compounds (C, N and P) in seawater is rare. This study seeks to encourage the use of dissolved organic compounds in environmental impact assessment in coastal areas of Brazil. The spatial distribution of DOC, DON, DOP and urea was analyzed in four regions: Itamaracá (ITA), Recife Inner Shelf (RIS), Fernando de Noronha Island (FN) and Recife Harbor (RH), all in Pernambuco State - Brazil. In the case of DOC, the values obtained varied from 51.60 µmol L-1 (0.62 mg L-1) to 358.47 µmol L-1 (4.30 mg L-1), DOP values varied from 0.01 to 2.16 µmol L-1, both presenting their highest values in RH, the most intensely urbanized area. In relation to DON, an extremely high value 92.89 µmol L-1, with urea reaching 12 µmol L-1, both in RH, reflects organic and sanitary discharge. Sometimes the urea concentration was associated with precarious sewage treatment combined with tourist activity, as in the case of FN. No significant spatial variation was observed for DOP taking into account all the stations and regions, and the values presented a greater range of variation in FN. The DOC:DON ratios were higher than 7 (2-4 times the Redfield ratio) and revealed the quality of the organic matter and the importance of the local process of remineralization, confirming that the N-limitation enhanced the use of organic forms, mainly on FN. The preserved oligotrophic conditions of the RIS, Itamaracá and FN were observed in relation to dissolved organic compounds (C, N, P), but, as regards FN, effective monitoring actions are advisable as it is a pristine area

Oligotrophic water conditions associated with organic matter regeneration support life and indicate pollution on the western side of Fernando de Noronha Island - NE, Brazil (3°S)

Abstract Oligotrophy has its basis in low inorganic nutrient availability and it is generally known that in equatorial waters inorganic nutrient availability is insufficient to sustain the richness of life observed in some special places at this latitude. Thus, the understanding of the organic dissolved component role in N and P biogeochemical cycles could explain the support of the food chain in oligotrophic equatorial waters. This study was undertaken for the purpose of contributing to the knowledge of nutrient availability and the participation of dissolved organic components in the trophic conditions of an oceanic equatorial island in the South Atlantic. Water and phytoplankton were sampled on the western fringe of the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago in March 2015. Tropical oceanic conditions prevailed in this oceanic domain with high salinity (>36.19) and temperatures (>28.30°C). The oceanic conditions assured a high pH and dissolved oxygen levels (>5.00 mL L-1). Alkalinity showed slight variations, its lowest values being associated with biological interaction. Suspended particulate matter was relatively low and its organic fraction was associated with the productive process and/or pollution contribution, which is confirmed mainly by high DON concentrations (~4.00 µmol L-1) with an association with high total chlorophyll in the primary production process and with urea in the pollution situation. The urea content attained 2.77 µmol L-1 at a waste disposal outlet when a contamination event was observed in the region. The available inorganic nutrients showed low concentrations with an N-ammonium average of 1.99±0.64 µmol L-1, nitrate with an average of 0.13±0.04 µmol L-1, and nitrite with an average of 0.19±0.13 µmol L-1. The DIN varied from 0.74 to 4.32 µmol L-1, principally represented by N-ammonium. DOC showed values of from 53 to 109 µmol L-1 and the DOC:DON ratio confirmed the organic source as being an inorganic N pool of oxidized organic matter and indicated that nitrogen-rich compounds are recycled faster than carbon-rich compounds. Total chlorophyll concentrations reached 0.81 mg m-3 and the noteworthy presence of filamentous cyanobacteria despite low inorganic nitrogen availability lead to a trophic chain initially supported with the contribution of a fixation process

Dissolved organic matter (C, N, P) on the Pernambuco coast and Fernando de Noronha archipelago (Tropical Zone of Western South Atlantic, Brazil) - A contribution to the evaluation of environmental impact

<div><p>Abstract The dissolved organic compounds found in seawater offer an indication of biogeochemical processes and anthropogenic influence in the light of their concentrations and behavior associated with different oceanic areas. River inputs contribute with organic loads to seawater according to the level of natural and urban influence. A dilution of this material is expected toward ocean. Around oceanic islands, the quantity of organic matter results from the life cycle of marine organisms and from human occupation. The ratios of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) and the association with dissolved oxygen can be used to evaluate the environmental conditions in terms of natural and anthropogenic impacts. Available information about the essential dissolved organic compounds (C, N and P) in seawater is rare. This study seeks to encourage the use of dissolved organic compounds in environmental impact assessment in coastal areas of Brazil. The spatial distribution of DOC, DON, DOP and urea was analyzed in four regions: Itamaracá (ITA), Recife Inner Shelf (RIS), Fernando de Noronha Island (FN) and Recife Harbor (RH), all in Pernambuco State - Brazil. In the case of DOC, the values obtained varied from 51.60 µmol L-1 (0.62 mg L-1) to 358.47 µmol L-1 (4.30 mg L-1), DOP values varied from 0.01 to 2.16 µmol L-1, both presenting their highest values in RH, the most intensely urbanized area. In relation to DON, an extremely high value 92.89 µmol L-1, with urea reaching 12 µmol L-1, both in RH, reflects organic and sanitary discharge. Sometimes the urea concentration was associated with precarious sewage treatment combined with tourist activity, as in the case of FN. No significant spatial variation was observed for DOP taking into account all the stations and regions, and the values presented a greater range of variation in FN. The DOC:DON ratios were higher than 7 (2-4 times the Redfield ratio) and revealed the quality of the organic matter and the importance of the local process of remineralization, confirming that the N-limitation enhanced the use of organic forms, mainly on FN. The preserved oligotrophic conditions of the RIS, Itamaracá and FN were observed in relation to dissolved organic compounds (C, N, P), but, as regards FN, effective monitoring actions are advisable as it is a pristine area.</p></div

Oligotrophic water conditions associated with organic matter regeneration support life and indicate pollution on the western side of Fernando de Noronha Island - NE, Brazil (3°S)

<div><p>Abstract Oligotrophy has its basis in low inorganic nutrient availability and it is generally known that in equatorial waters inorganic nutrient availability is insufficient to sustain the richness of life observed in some special places at this latitude. Thus, the understanding of the organic dissolved component role in N and P biogeochemical cycles could explain the support of the food chain in oligotrophic equatorial waters. This study was undertaken for the purpose of contributing to the knowledge of nutrient availability and the participation of dissolved organic components in the trophic conditions of an oceanic equatorial island in the South Atlantic. Water and phytoplankton were sampled on the western fringe of the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago in March 2015. Tropical oceanic conditions prevailed in this oceanic domain with high salinity (>36.19) and temperatures (>28.30°C). The oceanic conditions assured a high pH and dissolved oxygen levels (>5.00 mL L-1). Alkalinity showed slight variations, its lowest values being associated with biological interaction. Suspended particulate matter was relatively low and its organic fraction was associated with the productive process and/or pollution contribution, which is confirmed mainly by high DON concentrations (~4.00 µmol L-1) with an association with high total chlorophyll in the primary production process and with urea in the pollution situation. The urea content attained 2.77 µmol L-1 at a waste disposal outlet when a contamination event was observed in the region. The available inorganic nutrients showed low concentrations with an N-ammonium average of 1.99±0.64 µmol L-1, nitrate with an average of 0.13±0.04 µmol L-1, and nitrite with an average of 0.19±0.13 µmol L-1. The DIN varied from 0.74 to 4.32 µmol L-1, principally represented by N-ammonium. DOC showed values of from 53 to 109 µmol L-1 and the DOC:DON ratio confirmed the organic source as being an inorganic N pool of oxidized organic matter and indicated that nitrogen-rich compounds are recycled faster than carbon-rich compounds. Total chlorophyll concentrations reached 0.81 mg m-3 and the noteworthy presence of filamentous cyanobacteria despite low inorganic nitrogen availability lead to a trophic chain initially supported with the contribution of a fixation process.</p></div