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Anthropic activities are responsible for the increase in environmental contamination, especially in aquatic systems, demanding studies to assess and monitor contamination levels in different water bodies. We have done a chemical characterization of eleven sediments in order to evaluate the level of contamination by domestic sewage from the Capibaribe River, between the cities of Santa Cruz do Capibaribe and Toritama in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. The classical analyses were performed, as well as the determination of sterol biomarkers using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Sterol ratios corroborated the presence of fecal-derived organic matter, mainly in the sediments collected in regions of higher population occupation. The multivariate statistical analysis clearly showed the regions from the most contaminated to the least contaminated, indicating the severe contamination by domestic sewage in the region. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to assess anthropic contamination of the Capibaribe River by using sterol biomarkers and classical analyses in an integrative data interpretation. This can be helpful when making decisions about preventive and corrective actions for human health concerns.

Surface sediment samples obtained from 46 sites of the Unete River in Casanare (Colombia) were analyzed to evaluate the concentrations of the heavy metals As, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn as well as to determine their geographic spatial distribution and potential ecological risk. The measured concentrations were compared with the background values (BV), threshold effect concentration (TEC) and probable effect concentration (PEC) from consensus-based Sediment quality criteria guidelines (SQGs) for heavy metals in freshwater ecosystems in order to determine the level of concern of the contaminant concentrations. Based on these results and on the indices of determined potential ecological risk, As and Pb were shown to be the heavy metal contaminants of most concern in surface sediments. The possible sources causing the concerning concentrations were then discussed.

This paper aims to provide information about the behavior and diet composition of fiddler crabs. The large percentage of sediments present in the stomach of fiddler crabs proves that fiddler crabs play an important role in aerating the soil, which would help in the growth of mangrove and wetland plants. Observations were done in sandy, muddy, and coralline substrates for four months. Thirty fiddler crabs were collected for laboratory test of their diet composition. Sediments had the highest percentage in the stomach content of the fiddler crabs (60%), followed by chum (25%), and leaf particles (15%). The analysis of the fullness of their stomach showed that it was highly significant (df = 2, MS = 2.09, F = 34.34, p = 0.001). While the fiddler crabs ate all three colors of mangrove leaves, it preferred to forage on yellow leaves (n = 104) followed by the brown leaves (n = 78) and the green leaves (n = 77), proving that nutrient recycling occurs in the mangrove area. The existence of the fiddler crabs contributes to a more stable mangrove ecosystem. In addition, this study is the first assessment of fiddler crabs documented in Mindanao, Philippines. Results of the study can be used as a baseline for the protection of mangrove ecosystem species.

Sediments containing high concentrations of heavy metals in reservoirs, lakes and rivers, can resuspend into aquatic environments and negatively impact water quality. The concentrations of 10 elements were studied in surface sediments and water from the Aguada Blanca Reservoir, Peru, an important water source to 1,080,000 people in the arid province of Arequipa. Sediment and water samples were collected from nine points in 2019. The enrichment, accumulation, ecological risk and distribution of metals in sediment were determined, and the information on heavy metals in water was used to assess the quality of the aquatic system. Spatially, heavy metals showed variations throughout the study area, with an increase for most elements near the deepest part of the reservoir. The average concentration of Cd in sediment was 4 times higher than the natural background. In water, As was the only element that exceeded Peruvian regulations (As > 10 μg L-1). The Enrichment Factor (EF) and Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo) of metals in sediment presented the following order: Cd> As> Pb> Zn> Cu> Ni> Cr, with Ni and Cr being the only elements that did not present enrichment. The most considerable Igeo was Cd (1.21 ± 1.45), presenting a classification of moderately to heavily contaminated. The integrated potential ecological risk (RI) of Cd presented high values in 5 points of the reservoir. The information developed will assist in establishing effective control strategies for the quality of the aquatic system.

The purpose of this study was the estimation of current and potential water erosion rates in Castellon Province (Spain) using RUSLE3D (Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation-3D) model with Geographical Information System (GIS) support. RUSLE3D uses a new methodology for topographic factor estimation (LS factor) based on the impact of flow convergence allowing better assessment of sediment distribution detached by water erosion. In RUSLE3D equation, the effect that vegetation cover has on soil erosion rate is reflected by the C factor. Potential erosion indicates soil erosion rate without considering C factor in RUSLE3D equation. The results showed that 57% of estimated current erosion does not exceed 10 t/ha.year (low erosion). In the case of potential erosion rates, 5% of the area of Castellon Province does not exceed 10 t/ha.year but 55% exceed 200 t/ha.year. Based on these results, the current vegetation cover of Castellon Province is adequate but needs to be conserved to avoid an increase in the current soil erosion rates as shown by potential erosion rates.

Microplastics (MPs) defined as ‘small’ pieces of plastic < 5 mm have been found in almost every marine habitat around the world, and studies have shown that we can find them in the ocean surface, the water column, the seafloor, the shoreline, in biota and in the atmosphere-ocean interface. This study aimed to assess both marine and freshwater environments of Cocos Island, Costa Rica, in the Pacific Ocean, by sampling sediments and biota to determine the presence and abundance of this pollutant. Sediment samples were superficial and weighed one kilogram each. For the sampling of freshwater fish and shrimps, nonselective capture with small nets was made in rivers with access by land, while fishing rods were used for the marine fish sampling, and cage and scuba diving for lobsters. Plastics were found in all types of samples: 93% of marine sediments, 32% of freshwater sediments, 20% of freshwater fish, 15% of freshwater shrimps, 27% of marine fish, and 51% of marine lobsters. Like many reports around the world, it was expected to find MPs at marine samples, and it was concluded that ocean currents, tourism activities, and discarded fishing gear from illegal fishing activities could be the sources of marine pollutants. In contrast, the amount of MPs found in freshwater environments was not expected. Their possible sources are unclear at this moment.

The differentiated effects of the provision of environmental services in a watershed are due to the capacity of regularization of outflows in its mouth. In impacted areas, this environmental function is affected, and in some situations, it ceases to exist completely. This study characterized the soil and the production of sediments in anthropic watersheds, with the purpose of describing and evaluating the environmental services offered by a watershed undergoing anthropic transformation. The analyses show that the water flow in the remaining watersheds was preferably horizontal in the transmission zone, and these areas represent almost all areas. The values of hydraulic conductivity suggest that the infiltration decreases with soil depth; this fact is corroborated by the values of bulk density. The natural regions of water accumulation, the floodplains or outcrops zones, are small and do not have direct contact with the main floodplain present in the Guandu River Basin, making it impossible to recharge through other areas. Even so, water balance shows that the set of measures implemented ensured that the deficit water demand was supplied during the years of operation, even in times of water deficit. Likewise, the retention of solids in the settling tanks and in the drainage system prevented some 29,000 t of sediment from being carried between the years of 2012 and 2015.

Introduction−La Floresta brook is located between the mu-nicipalities of Pailitas and Tamalameque, has an extension of 13,500 hectares, where granulometric studies, humidity and sediment volume estimation contributed by the basin through the model EROSUP-U.Objective−In order to quantify the sedimentological contri-bution and classify the soil type based on AASTHO and USC.Methodology−84 samples were collected, each 10mts and 15mts, following the methodology proposed by the Federal Electricity Commission of Mexico.Results−The volumetric estimation, applying the universal equation of soil loss (EUPS), establishes that the sedimento-logical contribution of the brook is of 4,944,679,344.77 m3 / year; the soil was classified into four (4) groups (A-1-a, A-1-b, A-2-4, A-2-6), the most representative is A-1-a with 84.52% of the samples analyzed.Conclusions−La Floresta brook has a wide granulometric variability of sediments, with a greater proportion of gravel, coarse sand and fine sand, with or without well-graduated fine material, with a predominance of gravels and a sedimentologi-cal contribution of 4,944,679,344.77 m3/year.

Landfills have been the most used alternative for final municipal solid wastes disposal, however, this system is the responsible of contamination problems associated with the generation of leachates, sediments and toxic gasses emissions. The sediments occur by the organic and inorganic matter precipitation from leachates dumped in retention lagoons, which can present toxic characteristics than affect the environment. The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential toxicity of leachates from a municipal landfill, using the TCLP procedure and acute toxicity assays with Daphnia pulex and Poecilia reticulata as biological indicators. The results showed that the sediment evaluated, did not exceed the stablished levels suggested by the EPA for the TCLP test, nor were they toxic to the organisms used. This results, suggests a potential agricultural use of this material in acid soils, since the nature of leachate sediments are pH alkaline and rich in nutrients and organic matter.

The construction of Casa de Piedra (Stone House) dam, in the final stretch of Colorado river high valley, radically modified down waters the hydrologic river course, especially regarding sediment transport, the majority of which settles in the lake. Consequently, waters the dam distributes, contain a remarkable erosive capacity, and accelerate down waters hydrographic processes, increasing river “meandering” and bringing about what is known as the “clear waters phenomenon” causing adverse effects on watering zones. With the purpose of checking the fact in a quantitative way, cartographies from a certain stretch were taken, being this stretch considered a witness one in periods around 25 years, assessing meanders appearance and disappearance, and comparing these quantities with the variation -in the same sense-, that took place since Casa de Piedra dam start up. The quantities were significant considering the relatively short time gone by. The fact was checked in a new aero - photographic flight, according to which, in a shorter lapse, meanders number increased again in the witness stretch.

La playa La Puntilla se encuentra ubicada en la costa noroccidental de La Habana, en el consejo popular Santa Fe, municipio Playa. Este sector costero ha constituido históricamente un importante sitio de recreación para una parte de la población capitalina, el cual ha estado sometido a un intenso grado de utilización. El objetivo del presente trabajo es conocer el comportamiento actual de la playa y comparar los resultados con los obtenidos a finales del 2011. Para lograrlo se realizó un monitoreo trimestral durante el año 2014. En cada ocasión se midieron tres perfiles topográficos y la línea de costa. Se colectó una muestra de sedimento en la anteplaya de cada perfil. Los resultados obtenidos permiten comprobar que, durante el ciclo anual, ocurren variaciones morfológicas poco significativas. El balance sedimentario se comporta como una sucesión natural, de ganancia y pérdida de sedimento en los diferentes sectores, de un trimestre a otro. Durante el período muestreado no se produjo retroceso de la línea de costa, solo fluctuaciones, demostrándose la poca dinámica de la misma. En la playa predomina la arena gruesa de origen biogénico, la cual presenta una alta madurez sedimentaria. Al comparar los resultados del presente monitoreo con el realizado a finales del 2011, se pudo constatar que no existen diferencias significativas. Los resultados obtenidos permiten comprobar que la playa, no solo se mantuvo estable durante el año 2014 dada las pequeñas variaciones registradas por los indicadores evaluados, sino también durante el período 2011-2014. Abstract La Puntilla Beach is located on the northwest coast of Havana, in Santa Fe People’s Council, Playa municipality. This coastal sector has historically been an important recreational site for some of the capital’s population, and thus subject to an intense use level. The purpose of this study was to determine the current behavior of the beach, and compare results with those obtained by the end of 2011. To achieve this goal, a quarterly monitoring was performed during 2014. On each occasion, three topographic profiles and the coastline were measured. A sediment sample was collected on the foreshore of each profile. The results obtained proved that insignificant morphological changes occur during the annual cycle. Sediment balance behaved as a natural succession of sediment input and loss in different sectors, from one quarter to another. During the monitoring period there was no coastline retreat, only fluctuations, demonstrating its low dynamics. Biogenic coarse sand predominates on the beach, presenting a high sediment maturity. No significant differences were found when comparing the results of this monitoring with those from 2011. The results obtained proved that the beach remained stable not only during 2014, given the small variations registered by the evaluated indicators, but also during the period 2011-2014.

Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) of prokaryote cell membranes have been scarcely studied in free-living bacterial communities from aquatic ecosystem sediments. There is even less information on the microaerobic bacterial communities from suboxic areas of sediments or stratified water bodies. This paper reports the phenotypical and molecular diversity of FAME of 15 benthic microaerobic bacterial strains isolated from three Mexican aquatic ecosystems. A FAME profile analysis, amplification of segment 16S rDNA and physiological assays at different pO2 were performed. Two of the strains exhibited strict microaerobic metabolism and the other 13 had facultative microaerobic metabolism. The species identified were Caulobacter sp., Ochrobactrum anthropi, Sphingobium sp., Bacillus firmus, Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas stutzeri and Sphingomonas sp. Four fatty acids were characteristic of lagoon sediment strains (C20:4n6, C22:6n3 and C23:0) while three were of marine origin (C22:0, C22:1n9 and C24:0). Some are characteristic of one genus or species: C22:6n3 for Ochrobactrum anthropic; C6:0 for Caulobacter sp.; and C22:0 for Sphingobium sp. and Sphingobium amiense.

Mercury distribution and fractionation were determined in sediments from the Paraíba do Sul River – RJ, Brazil. Total mercury concentration ranged from 1 to 158 ng g-1. Hg associated with the weakly bound fraction was dominant in the estuarine areas (main - 60% and secondary - 55%); followed by fluvial end member (48%) and mangrove (18%). These results reinforce the mercury availability to fluvial and estuarine areas and emphasize the key role played by mangroves as an efficient biogeochemical barrier. In conclusion, the continuous reduction of the mangrove ecosystem around the world can exacerbate the damage resulting from the mercury accumulation.

Phytoplankton is important bioindicator of chemical and biological modifications of natural ecosystems. The objective of this study was to determine the total chemical composition of the phytoplankton of the Pará and Mocajuba estuaries on the eastern coast of the Amazon region in the Brazilian state of Pará. The chemical composition of the surface water, bottom sediments (total sample and bioavailable fraction), and the phytoplankton were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Phytoplankton contained high concentrations of Ca, P, Mn, Fe, Zn, Al, Ba, and Pb. The phytoplankton of the Mocajuba estuary is rich in Fe (2,967-84,750 µg g-1), while those from the Pará is rich in Al (1,216-15,389 µgg-1), probably reflecting divergent anthropogenic inputs. Both samples indicated a high bioconcentration factor derived from both the water and the bioavailable fraction, reflecting the efficiency of these organisms in the concentration of metals.

This study investigated the levels, index of accumulation and recovery capacity of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cu, Ni, Zn, Fe, Mn) in sand mine ponds of the Otamiri River in Owerri, Nigeria during the wet season of 2012. Water (WC) and sediment samples (SD) were collected from six sampling points, with WC 1-WC 3 and SD 1-SD 3 located within a derelict mine pond and WC 4-WC 6 and SD 4-SD 6 located within an actively mined pond. The pH was determined in situ and levels of heavy metals measured with the atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The student’s t-test, index of geoaccumulation (Igeo), accumulation factor (AF) and pond recovery capacity (PRC) were computed for the ponds. There was significant spatial heterogeneity in mean levels of the heavy metals in sediments (sig. t=0.029) at P Zn (4.932)> Cu (4.743) > Mn (4.326) > Pb (3.214) > Ni (2.483) > Cd (1.649), AF was Zn (1.513) > Cd (1.179) > Fe (1.082) > Ni (1.048) > Mn (1.042) > Cu (1.032) > Pb (0.987) and PRC was Zn (33.891) > Cd (15.165) > Fe (7.604) > Ni (4.608) > Mn (4.047) > Cu (3.052) > Pb (-1.373). Active mining led to extreme contamination of the ponds with Fe, strong to extreme contaminations with Cu, Zn and Mn, strong contamination with Pb, moderate to strong contamination with Ni and moderate contamination with Cd. However, Pb showed deficit recovery capacity and this could portend unfavourable ecological consequences on resident biota and raises public health concerns among resource dependants of the river. Strict enforcement of regulations on in-stream sand mining should be applied.

Concentration and distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in surface sediments at 34 stations of the eastern sector of the Gulf of Cariaco, Venezuela, in order to establish baseline in the ecosystem. The spatial distribution for total PAHs shows its highest concentrations to the west (between La Calentura and Marigüitar) and the gulf sack, presenting an average of 511.33 ng/g dry mass across the study area. 30% of the stations exceeded the effect threshold values suggesting a significant contribution of these compounds in the sediment.

Aliphatic hydrocarbon content, distribution and origin in superficial and deep sediments of three interconnected urban lagoons located in Concepción-Chile were studied. In all lagoons, the analysis showed that aliphatic hydrocarbons present were of biogenic and anthropogenic origin, and n-alkanes were predominantly from odd carbon, confirmed by a relatively high Pristane/Phytane ratio. The most abundant Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) were two high-molecular weight species (Fluoranthene and Pyrene) whose presence may be related with the regular activities of the area as well as with combustion processes.

Previous studies have verified that free radicals such as quinone moieties in organic matter participate in the redox reactions in natural systems. These functional groups were positively correlated with the increase in aromaticity and hydrophobicity of the humic substances. As an alternative to relatively complex and expensive spectroscopic methods, the redox properties of the humic substances, determined by potentiometric titrations, have been used to evaluate organic carbon stability in soil and sediments. The present study aimed to perform organic matter fractionation and isolation of humic substances from deep oceans in different isobaths (750; 1,050; 1,350; 1,650; 1,950 m) to determine their redox properties by iodimetric titrations under an inert atmosphere and specified conditions of pH and ionic strength. Sediment samples were collected to the North and South of platforms of petroleum exploration located in the North of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Fractions of organic carbon and redox properties of humic substances varied with origin and depth of the samples and with position North and South of the petroleum exploration area.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications used in marine habitats are powerful tools for management and monitoring of marine reserves and resources. Here, we present a series of maps of the soft and hard substrates in the shallow waters (>80 m depth) of Parque Nacional Isla del Coco (PNIC= Isla del Coco National Park). We use bathymetry data and field data as input for a GIS, GAM, and kriging methods to generate a series of maps that describe the bottom characteristics. Eight types of bottom were found in the PNIC by composition and grain size. The shore of the island and islets consisted of rocky formations (mainly basalts), with coral reefs in the subtidal of some areas. Rhodolith beds had a dispersing distribution. The bottom on the southern and southwestern region is hard substrate, while sediments cover the northern and northeastern zones. Slightly gravelly sand dominated the bays, while gravelly sand (with more coarse grains) was frequent offshore. The inner areas of Chatham and Wafer bays have mud and organic matter. The sediments in the area are mostly carbonates, except in Bahía Yglesias where clastic sediments (from the erosion of basalts) are presented. The information generated in this study could be a valuable input for future monitoring in the PNIC.La aplicación de Sistemas de Información Geográfica (SIG), en los hábitats marinos es muy importante para la gestión y control de las reservas y recursos marinos. Aquí se presentan una serie de mapas de los sustratos sedimentarios y duros en las aguas poco profundas (> 80 m de profundidad) del Parque Nacional Isla del Coco (PNIC). Utilizamos datos de batimetría y datos de campo como entrada para un SIG, GAM, y los métodos de “kriging” para generar una serie de mapas que describen las características del fondo. ocho tipos de fondo marino se encuentran en el PNIC. La orilla de la isla y los islotes consistía de formaciones rocosas (principalmente basaltos), con arrecifes de coral en el submareal de algunas áreas. Las camas de rodolitos tienen una distribución dispersa. El fondo al sur y suroeste es dominado por sustratos duros, mientras que en el norte y noreste, principalmente por los sustratos sedimentarios. La arena algo gravosa dominó en las bahías, mientras que la arena gravosa lo fue fuera de la costa. Sólo en dos puntos, las zonas interiores de las bahías de Chatham y Wafer, se tiene la presencia de barro y mayor materia orgánica. Los sedimentos fueron altos en contenido de carbonatos, principalmente de color claro, pero en Bahía Yglesias el sedimento era oscuro, por ser arena volcánica producto de la erosión de los basaltos. Los mapas elaborados a partir del presente estudio pueden ser utilizados para el seguimiento futuro de los recursos marinos en PNIC.

The Iguape Bay (12º00’ – 13º00’S and 38º30’ – 39º30’) is an estuary located at the mouth of the Paraguaçu River, inside Todos os Santos Bay (BTS), in Bahia, Brazil. It is 30km downstream from the Pedra do Cavalo Dam, which is the second largest dam in Brazil. The water in Iguape Bay is influenced by ocean tides originating from the BTS and the discharge of the Paraguaçu River. The effects of the currents as well as the variation in the outflow from the Pedra do Cavalo Dam have intensified the natural stress of this paralic environment. The main goal of this study was to investigate the distribution of Thecamoeba species present in the bottom sediments of Iguape Bay, in order to produce data that can be used to interpret the processes operating in this ecologically complex environment. The density of the living and dead species of Thecamoeba was determined by the volume of sediment collected, and the diversity index, constancy, evenness and richness of Thecamoeba were calculated. Sedimentological analyses were also performed in order to classify sediment types in the selected profiles.

We investigated the concentration levels of heavy metals (Cu, Ni, Pb, Cr and Zn) in soils adjacent to the Argimiro Gabaldón, Avenue, Barcelona (Anzoátegui).Ni and Cr showed lower values than that permitted by the Venezuelan legislation while the Zn, Pb and Cu exceeded the permissible limits. Application of Principal Component Analysis–PCA synthesized that the first two principal components reach the 88.92% of the total variability of the data, obtaining high correlation coefficient and showing a direct proportional contribution for all variables and also there are two groups significantly different Pb-Zn y Ni-Cr-Cu. The nonparametric Friedman’s test showed significant differences between metals, highlighting comparisons with Lead.

Se evaluó el contenido de metales pesados (Cu, Ni, Zn, Cd, Pb) en la biota y el sedimento de una playa artificial (Paraíso) y una playa natural (El Lenguado), ubicadas en la bahía San Jorge, norte de Chile. Los resultados fueron utilizados para comparar ambos sistemas, el grado de cumplimiento de la normativa ambiental nacional e internacional, y el efecto de la construcción de la playa artificial sobre el nivel de contaminación por metales existentes históricamente en esa zona. En cada playa se ubicaron estaciones equidistantes que abarcaron desde el intermareal hasta el submareal de las cuales fueron extraídos los organismos. Se tomaron muestras de sedimento en cada playa y se determinaron las pendientes con el método de Emery. El análisis granulométrico evidenció el predominio de arena media en playa El Lenguado, y arena media y fina en playa Paraíso. El contenido de materia orgánica fue mayor en El Lenguado. En playa Paraíso se determinaron cinco phylum/superclase agrupados en 19 taxa, mientras que en El Lenguado se encontraron cuatro phylum/superclase agrupados en cc taxa. El contenido de metales en sedimentos y en la mayoría de organismos presentó valores mayores en playa Paraíso. Estos resultados, junto a las normas de calidad chilenas y norteamericanas, sugieren un evidente deterioro en la calidad ambiental de playa Paraíso lo que se demostró por un incremento en las concentraciones de estos metales desde su construcción, los que sobrepasan los límites establecidos por ambas normas.It was evaluated the heavy metal content (Cu, Ni, Zn, Cd, Pb) in biota and sediment of an artificial beach (Paraíso) and a natural beach (El Lenguado), both located in San Jorge bay, northern Chile. The results were used to compare both systems, the degree of fulfillment of national and international environmental regulations, and the effect of the construction of the artificial beach on the level of metal contamination historically existing in that area. Equidistant stations were located at each beach in which the organisms were extracted, that ranged from the intertidal to the subtidal. Sediment samples were taken at each beach and slopes were determined with the Emery method. The granulometric analysis evidenced the predominance of medium sand in El Lenguado beach, and medium and fine sand in Paraíso beach. The organic matter content was greater in El Lenguado. In Paraíso beach were determined 5 phylum/superclass, grouped in 19 taxa, while in El Lenguado were found 4 phylum/superclass grouped in cc taxa. The metal content in sediments and in the majority of organisms shows higher values in Paraíso beach. This results along with the Chilean and American quality norms suggest an evident deterioration of the environmental quality of Paraíso beach, which is demonstrated by an increase in the concentrations of these metals from its construction, which exceed the established limits by both norms.

The concentrations of heavy metals Co, Cr, Pb and Zn in the bioavailable fraction in surface sediments of marine-coastal region of the city of Cumana, Venezuela, were studied during periods of drought and rain, in 17 sampling stations located along the shoreline. Significant differences between the two periods of sampling were detected for chromium and lead concentrations, reaching the highest values during the rainy season. For the rest of the metals studied a similar behavior was found for both periods. Likewise, significant differences were observed for chromium and lead, showing a greater enrichment of the latter in the area of high river influence.

The purpose of the present study was to validate a method for organic Hg determination in sediment. The procedure for organic Hg was adapted from literature, where the organomercurial compounds were extracted with dichloromethane in acid medium and subsequent destruction of organic compounds by bromine chloride. Total Hg was performed according to 3051A USEPA methodology. Mercury quantification for both methodologies was then performed by CVAAS. Methodology validation was verified by analyzing certified reference materials for total Hg and methylmercury. The uncertainties for both methodologies were calculated. The quantification limit of 3.3 µg kg-1 was found for organic Hg by CVAAS.

The present study analyzed the levels of heavy metals in surface water and sediment of Monte Alegre stream and its tributaries, a watercourse located in an area under strong anthropogenic impacts. Results were compared with data from a study published in 2004. To evaluate the levels of Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn, 18 samples of surface water and 9 of sediment were collected. Metal levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The average concentrations of Zn and Pb in surface water samples exceeded the maximum limits for rivers of class 1, but not for rivers of class 3 according to Resolution 357/2005 of the National Environmental Council (CONAMA). Mn average concentrations did not present values higher than the maximum limits for rivers of class 1 and 3, but in some points it exceeded the maximum limits for rivers of class 1. The average concentration of Mn, Cd and Pb were higher in published study in 2004 while Zn was higher in 2007. In sediment samples, Cu and Zn showed average concentrations higher than the limits set by the Netherlands and by Resolution 344/2004 of the National Environmental Council.

El Limón Lagoon belongs to the Reforma county, in the State of Chiapas, Mexico. Massive fish killings have occurred in the lagoon, demanding a deeper study to determine the pollution state of the lagoon, as well as the possible cause of the deaths. Results show that the average concentrations of Zn, Ni, Cr, Cd and Cu in the lagoon are beyond the recommended limits in Canada and USA to avoid deleterious biological effects in aquatic species. Special mention has to be done for the case of Zn, with a maximum concentration of 1360 mg/kg, presumably associated with the use of this metal as a catalyst in a natural gas plant close to the lagoon. Although the industrial discharges comply with the Mexican Standards for metals in wastewaters, this has not been enough to avoid the accumulation of metals in sediments, which is a demonstration of failure of the Mexican Wastewater Standards that should be more restrictive especially in the case of lagoons with a low water recharge, taking into account the type of water body where the wastewater is loading. In the case of the application of this water for agriculture, the metals can accumulate in soils, with unwanted effects on crops.

Con el fin de evaluar la potencial germinación de los estados de resistencia de las diatomeas y dinofiagelados preservados en sedimentos superficiales, se cultivaron bajo condiciones de laboratorio sedimentos de las bahías de Mejillones (23° S) y Concepción (36° S), Chile: Ciclo L:0 12:12 h, intensidad de luz 140 umol m²s_1, temperatura ambiente y 35,4 unidades de salinidad. Las principales especies de diatomeas presentes en los sedimentos fueron Skeletonema japonicum y esporas de Chaetoceros. Los quistes de dinofiagelados estuvieron representados por Diplopsalis, Scrippsiella, Woloszynskia y las especies Protoperidinium avellanum y P. leonis. Después de 20 días de cultivo, se registró germinación y crecimiento de S. japonicum y de varias especies de Chaetoceros, sin embargo su abundancia fue baja. Las diatomeas con crecimiento abundante fueron Stauroneis legleri, Pseudostaurosira trainorii, Pseudostaurosira sp.l, Pseudostaurosira sp. 2 y Navícula pseudoreinhardtii. El dinoflagelado Woloszynskia sp. también germinó y creció abundantemente. Este trabajo incluye una breve descripción de las especies cultivadas y algunos aspectos de su ecología. Se discuten las posibles causas de la pobre germinación de las diatomeas planctónicas, siendo la baja concentración de oxígeno disuelto en las aguas de fondo uno de los principales factores que presumiblemente afectaron la sobrevivencia de las esporas de resistencia.With the aim to assess germination of diatom and dinofiagellates resting spores we cultured under laboratory conditions surface sediments collected in the Mejillones Bay (23° S) and off Concepción (36° S), Chile. These sediments were cultured in the laboratory with a 12:12 h L/D cycle, light intensity of 140 umol m² s"¹, at room temperature, and with a salinity of 35.4 units. The main diatom species in the sediments were Skeletonema japonicum and Chaetoceros spores. Dinofiagellate cysts were represented by the genera Diplopsalis, Scrippsiella, and Woloszynskia and the species Protoperidinium avellanum and P. leonis. After 20 days of culturing, germination and growth was recorded for S. japonicum and several of the Chaetoceros species, although their abundance was low. The diatoms with abundant growth were Stauroneis legleri, Pseudostaurosira trainorii, Pseudostaurosira sp.l, Pseudostaurosira sp. 2, and Navícula pseudoreinhardtii. The dinofiagellate Woloszynskia sp. also germinated and grew abundantly in the culture. This study includes a brief description of the cultured species and some aspects of their ecology. In addition, we discuss the possible causes for low levels of germination in planktonic diatoms, finding low dissolved oxygen concentrations in the bottom waters to be one of the main factors that presumably affected the survival of resting spores in the sediment.

The AVS is defined operationally as acid volatile sulfide, which is a controlling phase on the partition of some metallic species in sediments. A Factorial design was evaluated by means of 16 experiments and using four variables: temperature, extraction time, N2 flow, and volume of the S2- collection solution. The factors that contributed to the efficiency of the process were the extraction time and the N2 flow. Trapping of S2- was efficient in AAB. The S2- was quantified using a potentiometric procedure. Recovery tests for S2- concentrations varying from 1×10-5 to 1×10-4 mol L-1 were in the range from 93 to 116%.

This study evaluated the environmental impact resulting from surface water and sediment contamination by metals in a watershed affected by a tailing basin that controls effluents coming from a zinc-ore beneficiation plant. The studies combined assessments of sediment chemistry (exceedances of sediment quality guidelines), benthic assemblage structure and acute and chronic ecotoxicity. The results showed that the levels of metal contamination in sediments are not yet enough to cause deleterious effects to the biota. However, the ecotoxicity tests indicated the occurrence of chronic effects, demonstrating that other factors, as the use of fertilizers, could also be a source of contamination.

Trace metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) enrichment, availability and contamination in superficial sediments of three interconnected urban lagoons localized in Concepción-Chile, were evaluated. According to the results of geochemical fracctionation analysis, Cu and Pb are rather associated with oxi-hydroxides, Cd is associated with exchangeable and carbonates fraction, while Zn is mainly associated with organic, oxi-hydroxides and residual fraction. The estimation of the availability percentages indicate that Cu is the most mobile metal and the less mobile is the Cd. An evaluation of the geo-accumulation index and urban industrial pollution allowed to classify the studied zone as moderately to highly contaminated.

Jundiaí river is the main stream in the Jundiaí Hydrographic Basin and its water is not considered safe for public supply. The water problem is getting worse with the development of the region. The Pirai stream, have been one of the last potable water resource. With the purpose of investigating the sediment quality, due to its influence on the water quality, bioavailable and total Cd and Pb were determined using TS-FF-AAS. Total Cd and Pb up to 2.47 and 24.7 µg g-1 were measured, respectively. The wastewater sludge showed concentrations of 4.01 and 171 µg g-1, for the same metals.

The proposal of this study was to obtain the profile of these metals distribution Al, Co, Cu, Pb, Cr, Ni, Co and Zn in sediments from lakes in the city of Londrina-PR and evaluate the environmental risk resulting from such distribution. The parameters of comparison were the values of geological occurrence of these metals in soil from this region, the concentrations of metals in soil samples in the surroundings of the sediments collection points, the guiding values from CETESB and resulting rate risk from RAC criterion application. The result shows that the numerical scale RAC alone is incomplete to this evaluation.

The inputs of organic matter derived from natural and anthropogenic sources to Sepetiba Bay were investigated by using aliphatic hydrocarbons and sterols in superficial sediments. Concentrations ranged from 0.26 to 2.65 μg g-1,

Aún cuando la sedimentación en arrecifes es importante pues sus efectos alteran procesos como la simbiosis, reproducción, reclutamiento y crecimiento, se carece de estudios en el Pacífico mexicano. Debido a lo anterior, se evaluó la tasa de sedimentación y su variación espacio-temporal en seis comunidades coralinas de Oaxaca. Durante febrero 2006- enero 2007 (exceptuando abril, julio y agosto), instalamos al azar dos estructuras con cuatro recolectores de sedimento cada una. Los recolectores fueron reemplazados aproximadamente cada 38 días y los sedimentos fueron enjuagados, filtrados, secados y pesados. La tasa de sedimentación fue heterogénea entre localidades 7.06, P < 0.01); fue alta en Isla Montosa (653.31 (F5,36 = kg m-2 año-1) e Isla Cacaluta (450.09 kg m-2 año-1), inter-media en San Agustín, Jicaral-Chachacual y Dos Hermanas (155.18-92.53 kg m-2 año-1) y baja en La Entrega (14.33 kg m-2 año-1). La tasa de sedimentación no varió a lo largo del año (F7,34 = 0.85, P > 0.5); no obstante, durante la temporada de secas (noviembre-marzo) la tasa de sedimentación en la zona osciló entre 6.8-73.5 mg cm-2 día-1, mientras que durante lluvias (mayo-octubre) osciló entre 74.5-147.6 mg cm-2 día-1, es decir, durante la temporada de lluvias la tasa de sedimentación fue 141-1088 % mayor que durante secas (Mann-Whitney U = 137, n = 42, P = 0.03). La relación entre la cantidad de sedimento y la precipitación pluvial fue significativa (Spearman R = 0.83, n = 8, P = 0.009), sugiriendo que el aporte de sedimento está relacionado con la escorrentía regional. La tasa de sedimentación registrada en Isla Montosa (366.64 mg cm-2 día-1) e Isla Cacaluta (366.03 mg cm-2 día-1) durante la temporada de lluvias, puede ser considerada como letal-subletal en función de la tolerancia y de la capacidad de rechazo de sedimento por parte de los corales; no obstante, la ausencia de mortalidad coralina, en respuesta a los niveles de sedimentación registrados durante la época de lluvias, y el desarrollo coralino observado en la región pudiera estar relacionado al efecto combinado de: a) la eficiencia de la remoción activa de sedimento, b) el posible incremento en la tolerancia fisiológica al sedimento por parte de los corales pétreos de Bahías de Huatulco, y c) la remoción pasiva de sedimentos vía la turbulencia de la zona. No obstante, el efecto combinado de la sedimentación natural aunado a la sedimentación resultado de actividades antropogénicas en la región, podría promover un cambio en la estructura arrecifal provocando la eventual pérdida de las comunidades coralinas en Bahías de Huatulco.Sedimentation on reef communities at Bahías de Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico. Although coral reef sedimentation is important because it modifies processes like symbioses, reproduction, recruitment and coral growth, Mexican Pacific studies are lacking. On this regard, spatio-temporal variations in sedimentation rate were investigated in six coral reef communities from Oaxaca. During February 2006-January 2007 (excluding April, July and August) two sediment structures, with four sediment traps each, were randomly installed. Sediment traps were replaced with a mean periodicity of 38 days, and the sediments were washed, filtered, dried and weighted in order to calculate sedimentation rate. Sedimentation rate was heterogeneous among localities 7.06, P < 0.01). It was high at Isla Montosa (653.31 kg m-2 year-1) and Isla Cacaluta (450.09 kg m-2 (F5,36 = year-1), intermediate at San Agustín, Jicaral-Chachacual and Dos Hermanas (155.18-92.53 kg m-2 year-1) and low at La Entrega (14.33 kg m-2 year-1). Sedimentation rate was homogeneous through time (F7,34 = 0.85, P > 0.5); nonetheless, during the dry season (November-March) sedimentation rate in the area oscillated between 6.8-73.5 mg cm-2 day-1, whereas during the rainy season (May-October) the values were 141-1088 % higher (74.5-147.6 mg cm-2 day-1, Mann-Whitney U = 137, n = 42, P = 0.03). There was a significant relationship between sedimentation rate and pluvial precipitation (Spearman R = 0.83, n = 8, P = 0.009), suggesting that the amount of sediment reaching coral communities is closely tied to regional precipitation. Sedimentation rates recorded at Isla Montosa (366.64 mg cm-2 day-1) and Isla Cacaluta (366.03 mg cm-2 day-1) during the rainy season can be considered lethal-sublethal considering sediment tolerance and rejection efficiency of stony corals. The absence of coral mortality during the rainy season may result from: a) high efficiency of active sediment removal, b) increased physiological tolerance to sediments, and c) a high degree of passive sediment removal via turbulence. Nonetheless, the combined effect of natural and anthropogenic induced sedimentation may cause a shift in coral community structure and eventually a loss of the reef areas in Bahías de Huatulco. Rev. Biol. Trop. 56 (3): 11791187. Epub 2008 September 30.

Butyltin compounds were investigated in surface sediments from 17 stations in Todos os Santos Bay. Analytical conditions for organotin determination in marine sediments were optimized for GC with pulsed flame photometric detection. Detection limits were: 5.4 µg kg-1 for TBT; 0.2 µg kg-1 for DBT; and 2.1 µg kg-1 for MBT, using a 610-nm filter. In general, TBT concentrations were low and in the range of

Sediment samples from the Barigui River in Curitiba, south of Brazil, were evaluated following granulometric composition, organic carbon content, nitrogen, phosphorus and metals such as zinc, lead, chrome, nickel and cadmium. The sediments shown high percentage of phosphorus and nitrogen. Also the elemental organic C:N:P exceed the Redfield ratios possible because the large amount of sewage input into river. The presence of metals is also high, however the metal cadmium has not been found. But the other metals are in greater concentrations and possibly the presence of these metals is given by industrial and domestic sewage.

Three approaches were applied to evaluate metal contamination in 41 sediment samples from the Santos - São Vicente Estuarine System: normalization to Al, statistical analysis and sediment quality guidelines (SQGs). The results showed increases in the concentrations of Zn, Ni, Pb, Cd, Cr and Hg, which seemed to be associated with human activities. The levels of Al, Fe and Co probably were associated with crustal material or natural weathering processes. About 45% of the samples presented concentrations exceeding TEL-ERL, levels occasionally associated with adverse biological effects. Four of these samples presented concentrations above PEL-ERM, levels frequently associated with adverse biological effects.

Organic markers, such as sterols and ketones, were used to assess sewage contamination in sediments from the Santos Bay, SP, and its continental shelf. These compounds were analyzed by GC/FID after soxhlet extraction, clean up and derivatization. The concentration of coprostanol and ratios between selected sterols were used to evaluate fecal contamination. The stations located in the mid-western part of the Santos Bay presented organic matter from sewage due to the input of fecal material from the city of Santos by submarine sewage outfall. Stations located at the continental shelf did not present fecal contamination. Coprostanol levels in sewage outfall stations were higher in comparison to other Brazilian coastal areas, except Guanabara Bay/RJ, and could be related to the fraction of the population without sewage treatment.

Phosphorus geochemistry as a proxy of environmental estuarine processes at the Jaguaribe River, Northeastern Brazil. Sedimentation of different phosphorus geochemical fractions can characterize the natural or anthropogenic processes dominant in the watershed. Selective chemical extraction of different phosphorus geochemical forms in estuarine sediments showed the predominance of inorganic over organic forms suggesting an increase in inorganic phosphorus input from anthropogenic sources. Local hydrochemistry favors the dominance of inorganic ferric and carbonatic phosphorus. Ongoing changes in the estuarine throphy, from mesothrophic to euthrophic, may decrease the immobilization of these forms, increasing dissolved phosphorus and favoring euthrophy. Detritic phosphorus suggests a fluvial origin of this fraction and acts as a tracer of river influence upon the estuary.

The gold and iron mining activities in the Velhas River yield considerable amounts of suspended solids as well as metals to the hydrological system of the region. The risks were assessed by sequential extraction procedures. They were carried out in sediment samples, aiming to evaluate the presence of Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn and As. Although being at high levels in some parts of the river (e.g. As 527 mg g-1 and Cr 475 mg g-1) they are associated with the residual fraction. Mobility factors were also calculated and show that these species are enriched along the river, e.g. for As 0.02 at the spring and 0.33 at the high course of the river.

The concentration and thermodesorption speciation of mercury in sediments from four different Iron Quadrangle sites impacted by gold mining activity were determined. The mercury content of some samples was considerably high (ranging from 0.04 to 1.1 µg g-1). Only Hg2+ was found and it was preferably distributed in the silt/clay fraction in all samples. Cluster analysis showed that mercury and manganese can be associated. The occurrence of cinnabar in this region as another mercury source was also discussed, corroborating earlier works showing the importance of natural mercury in the geochemical cycle of the metal in this region.

This study analyzes data and information of the physical and chemical characteristics of water, and type of sediments of the continental shelf of the Gulf of Tehuantepec, Mexico. The changes of salinity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen fluctuate according to the wet and dry seasons (in the last one, prevails the Tehuantepecanos winds). The stations samples of salinity, temperature, pH, and type of sediments were classified by cluster and factor analysis. The results suggest that the Gulf of Tehuantepec has two subsystems. The Oaxaqueño subsystem extends south-southeast from Salina Cruz to the Tonala inlet. This subsystem is characterized by upwelling periods, which leads to low temperatures, low dissolved oxygen and high nutrient concentration, as well as sandy sediments and insignificant river discharges when low temperature, low dissolved oxygen and high nutrient concentration are typical, and by sandy sediments and insignificant river discharges. The second, the Chiapaneco subsystem, is located between the Tonala inlet and the Suchiate River, with strong influence of coastal lagoons and river discharges. The bottom is characterized by sandy and muddy-sand sediments. This subsystem is not affected by either Tehuantepecanos winds or upwelling. Both subsystems and their characteristics probably determine the patterns of distribution of the biotic resources.

The fluctuations of the number, biomass and composition of the heterotrophic community were studied daily for two days, according to depth, pH, Eh, O2 and organic carbon concentration within a zone of the canal between the Coyuca de Benítez lagoon (Guerrero, Mexico) and the coastal waters. At the three moments of the day studied (6 am, 2 pm and 10 pm), the oxygen concentrations in the overlying water and in the superficial sediment layer were near air-saturation in the diurnal samplings (582 µM at 6 am and 665 µM at 2 pm), and sub-satured during the night (158 µM). In the sediments, the models of vertical distribution of Eh and organic carbon distributions were very irregular due to the bio-perturbation of the benthic, meio- and macrofauna, whose activity allows the superficial organic carbon to migrate towards sediment deeper layers. Vertical distribution of the different viable bacteria populations seems to be related to the hydrodynamic patterns of the communicating canal and sediments heterogeneity. In the sediment column, the heterotrophic bacteria total number varied from 6.8 to 20.3 x 108 cells cm-3. The highest heterotrophic bacterial biomass values were encountered during the diurnal samplings (39.2 µgC.l-1 at 6 am and 34.4 µgC.l-1 at 2 pm) and the lowest during the night (9.7 µgC.l-1). The fluctuations of viable heterotrophic bacteria populations with different respiratory metabolisms (aerobic, microaerophilic and anaerobic) can be explained by the existence of suboxic microniches that appear when particles of sediment are resuspended due to the water circulation and the benthic infauna excavating activity, that allows the supernatant water oxygen to penetrate through its galleries towards deeper sediment zones. The statistical analysis (Multiple lineal regression model r²≥ 0.5) showed that the on the whole, the hydrological parameters are not influence over the bacterial number and bacterial biomass distribution (r²≤ 0.5), Nevertheless, the variations of the heterotrophic bacteria community observed in the two days sampling, seem to be governed (with F-values of 0.6 to 0.9) by the irregular flows of bio-available organic material and the sediment porosity. Rev. Biol. Trop. 55 (1): 157-169. Epub 2007 March. 31.Las fluctuaciones en el número, biomasa y composición de la comunidad bacteriana heterotrófica fueron estudiadas con respecto a la profundidad y a los cambios de profundidad, pH, Eh, O2 y concentración de carbono orgánico, durante un período corto de tiempo (diarias durante 2 días), en una zona del canal que comunica la laguna de Coyuca de Benítez (Guerrero, México) con las aguas costeras. Durante los tres momentos del día (6 am, 2 pm y 10 pm) estudiados, las concentraciones de oxígeno en el agua sobrenadante y en la película superficial del sedimento se encontraron próximas a la de saturación del aire durante los muestreos diurnos (582 µM a las 6 am y de 665 µM a las 2 pm) y de subsaturación durante la noche (158 µM). En los sedimentos, los modelos de distribución vertical del Eh y del carbono orgánico fueron muy irregulares debido a la bioperturbación causada por la meio- y macrofauna béntica, ya que su actividad excavadora per-mite que del carbono orgánico superficial pase a las capas más profundas del sedimento. La distribución vertical de la comunidad bacteriana heterotrófica viable parece estar ligada a la hidrodinámica del canal de comunicación y a la heterogeneidad de los sedimentos. En la columna de sedimento, el número total de bacterias heterótrofas variaron entre 6.8 y 20.3 x 10(8) cel cm-3. Los valores más altos de biomasa bacteriana heterótrofa se registraron en los muestreos realizados de día (39.2 µgC.l-1 a las 6 am y 33.4 µgC.l-1 a las 2 pm) y los menores durante la noche (9.7µgC. l-1). Las fluctuaciones del número de bacterias viables con diferentes metabolismos respiratorio (aeróbicos, microaerofílicos y anaeróbicos), se pueden explicar por la existencia de micronichos subóxicos que se forman debido a la resuspensión de partículas sedimentarias por la circulación del agua y por acción de las actividades de excavación de los organismos bentónicos que a través de sus galerías permiten que el oxígeno del agua sobrenadante penetre a las zonas más profundas del sedimento. El análisis estadístico (Modelo de regresión lineal múltiple r²≥ 0.5) señaló que no hubo una relación directa entre los parámetros hidrológicos y la abundancia de las poblaciones bacterianas (r²≤ 0.5). Sin embargo, las variaciones de la comunidad bacteriana heterotrófica observada durante los dos días de muestreo, pareció estar gobernada por los flujos irregulares de materia orgánica biodisponible y por la porosidad del sedimento (F-valores de 0.6 a 0.9)

La producción agropecuaria utiliza el 70% de los recursos hídricos superficiales. Una parte de esa agua es consumida por la ganadería, principalmente en forma de bebida animal. Existe un importante riesgo de contaminación biológica del agua asociada a dicha actividad, debido a que los patógenos eliminados a través de las deyecciones y orinas animales pueden ser transportados a las vías de agua, a través del escurrimiento superficial. El presente trabajo se realizó en la cuenca del arroyo del Tala, ubicada en la Pampa Ondulada y sujeta a intensos procesos de escurrimiento y erosión hídrica. En la cuenca existen explotaciones ganaderas extensivas asociadas a suelos hidro-halomórficos cercanos a las vías de agua y una cantidad creciente de explotaciones intensivas del tipo "engorde a corral". El principal uso agropecuario del agua del arroyo y de sus tributarios es en forma de bebida animal directa. Los objetivos del presente trabajo han sido analizar mediante algunos indicadores biológicos, la posible contaminación de las aguas y sedimentos acumulados en sectores bajos representativos de la actividad pecuaria de dicha cuenca y determinar el origen de su contaminación: humana o animal. Las aguas analizadas presentaron concentraciones de indicadores biológicos del grupo de los estreptococos y enterococos fecales compatibles con procesos de contaminación fecal de origen animal pero no de origen humano. Se observó una estrecha asociación entre la concentración de coliformes totales y la presencia de sólidos sedimentables originada por erosión hídrica, en las aguas de diversos ambientes bajos de la cuenca. De esta manera se puso de manifiesto la potencialidad de los sedimentos para actuar como transportadores de bacterias, algunas de las cuales pueden ser altamente patogénicas como es el caso de Salmonella spp. Los procesos de escurrimiento, erosión hídrica y contaminación biológica han probado estar relacionados entre sí a nivel de la cuenca bajo estudio.Agriculture activities use 70% of the world water resources, partly for animal production and particularly cattle feeding. There is an outstanding risk of biological contamination associated with this kind of production because animal feces and urine containing pathogens can be transported to surface waterways through runoff. The present investigation was carried out in the Tala basin belonging to the Rolling Pampa region in which intense runoff and erosion processes are widespread. In this basin there are extensive cattle feeding farms which are located close to the natural waterways, in bottomlands with hydrohalomorphic soils. There is also an increasing surface devoted to feedlots and intensive swine and poultry productions. The main use of the surface waters from the river and tributaries is direct cattle drinking. The aim of the present work was to analyze through biological indicators, the potential contamination of runoff water and sediments accumulated in lowlands devoted to cattle production and to determinate their human or animal origin. The waters showed concentration of biological indicators belonging to faecal streptococci and enterococci which can be related to animal but no to human contamination processes. A close relationship was observed between total coliforms and erosion borne sediment concentration in the studied area. Thus, the capacity of these sediments for carrying bacteria potentially harmful for animal health like Salmonella spp. was confirmed. The runoff, erosion and biological contamination processes proved to be related in the studied basin.

En los cuerpos acuáticos la disponibilidad de los tóxicos es limitada por las características fisicoquímicas de los sedimentos y agua, así como por las interacciones entre los diversos xenobióticos y entre las especies que los habitan. Por lo anterior, el objetivo del presente trabajo fue relacionar el efecto producido por el zinc (Zn) sembrado en sedimentos del embalse Ignacio Ramírez (PIR), en modelos aislados y en microcosmos, sobre el ATP de tres organismos bentónicos con la biodisponibilidad del metal. Las especies seleccionadas fueron: Hyalella azteca, Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri y Stagnicola attenuata, dado que se encuentran en altas proporciones en el embalse y ocupan espacios diferentes en el bentos. Las muestras de sedimentos y organismos se colectaron en la estación de sequía (febrero de 1999). A los primeros se les determinó el pH, textura, tamaño de partícula, nitrógeno total, materia orgánica y concentración de metales (Zn, Fe, Cu y Ni). Posteriormente se realizó un estudio de toxicidad subletal utilizando dos tipos de sistemas estáticos (organismos aislados y en microcosmos). Ambos modelos contenían sedimentos de la PIR enriquecidos con Zn (concentración nominal de 0.8129 mg/kg) y agua sintética en una proporción de 1:4. Los organismos de prueba fueron adicionados una vez alcanzado el equilibrio (2 hr) considerando la cantidad de biomasa con respecto al volumen (1.0 g de organismo por cada 100 ml de agua:sedimento). Después de 0, 12, 24, 36, 48 y 72 hr de exposición se tomaron muestras del sedimento y de los hidrobiontes, a los cuales se les cuantificó el contenido de Zn por absorción atómica. A los organismos también se les determinó la concentración de ATP. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que el efecto producido por los sedimentos naturales enriquecidos se ve potenciado por la presencia de más de una especie en el sistema (microcosmos). Con respecto a los niveles de Zn, dos de los organismos (L. hoffmeisteri y S. attenuata) tienden a perder este metal tanto en sistemas aislados como en microcosmos, probablemente como estrategia de regulación en la acumulación del mismo, así como debido a la presencia de Fe en los sedimentos del embalse. Sin embargo, H. azteca mantiene sus niveles de Zn constantes durante todo el experimento, ya que es posible que la tasa de captación sea tan baja que no requiera otro tipo de mecanismo de regulación. Por otra parte se observó una disminución de ATP tanto en gusanos como en anfípodos expuestos a ambos sistemas a todos los tiempos de exposición; posiblemente los metales que se encuentran en los sedimentos interfieren con las enzimas encargadas de la producción energética por unión a grupos SH. Esta biomolécula se incrementó en el caracol en microcosmos a todos los tiempos de exposición y en sistemas aislados al final del experimento, probablemente debido a mecanismos compensatorios y al consumo reducido de energía que muestran los moluscos frente al estrés generado por la presencia de metales pesados.Effect of zinc-enriched sediments, in open and isolated systems, on three species of benthonic invertebrates. Availability of toxics in aquatic bodies is limited by the physicochemical characteristics of sediments and water, as well as by the interactions between the different xenobiotics and inhabits species. The aim of this work was to relate the effect produced by zinc (Zn) spiked in sediments of the Ignacio Ramírez dam (PIR), in isolated and microcosms models, on ATP concentration of three benthic organisms with the metal biodisponibility. The selected species were a crustacean, an annelid and a mollusk: Hyalella azteca (Amphipoda: Hyalellidae), Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri (Oligochaeta: Tubificidae) and Stagnicola attenuata (Basommatophora: Lymnaeidae), species that are found at high proportions in the reservoir and use different spaces in the benthos. Samples of sediments and organisms were collected from the PIR during the dry season (February of 1999). Metal concentration (Zn, Fe, Cu and Ni), pH, texture, particle size, total nitrogen and organic matter were determined in sediments. Sublethal studies were carried out using two types of static systems (organisms isolated and in microcosms). Both models contained PIR sediments enriched with Zn (nominal concentration of 0.8129 mg/kg) and synthetic water in a proportion of 1:4. The test organisms were added to the systems once the equilibrium was reached (2 hr) considering the biomass quantity with respect to volume (1.0 g of organism by each 100 ml of water:sediment). After 0, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 hr of exposure, samples of sediment and hydrobionts were taken, and Zn content was quantified by atomic absorption. ATP concentration was also determined in organisms. The effect produced by natural sediments spiked with Zn is increased by the presence of more than one specie in the system (microcosm). With respect to Zn levels, two of the organisms tend to lose this metal in isolated and microcosm models, probably as a regulation strategy in its accumulation, as well as Fe presence in the reservoir sediments. Therefore, H. azteca maintained a constant Zn levels during the whole experiment. It is possible that the caption rate is so low in this organism that it does not need another regulatory mechanism. A decrement in ATP in worms and amphipods was observed in both systems at all exposure times. Possibly Zn and other metals present in the sediments interfere with the energy production enzymes by binding to SH groups. Nevertheless this biomolecule increased in snails in microcosms at all exposure times and in isolated systems at the end of the experiment, probably due to compensatory mechanisms and reduction in energy consumption present in mollusks during heavy metals exposure. Rev. Biol. Trop. 54(2): 451-460. Epub 2006 Jun 01.