Search

Knowledge on the concentration of metallic elements is important to certify the quality of ecosystems. Such behaviors in estuarine environments are dependent of factors such as rainfall and temperature of the water, interfering directly on the metal concentrations in biotic and abiotic components. This study observed the role that seasonality (dry and rainy) had on the bioavailability of metals (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Ni, and Al) in surface water and sediment, and bioconcentration in oysters ( Cassostrea rhizophorae ) in the mangrove area of the São Paulo river estuary, Todos os Santos Bay. The metals concentration in three matrices analyzed varied between the periods studied. The values of physicochemical parameters also had significant variations. High levels of Zn and Cu were found in mollusks. The highest concentrations of metals analyzed were Al in waters, Fe in sediments and Zn in mollusks. These results showed that seasonality interferes directly in the physicochemical parameters analyzed (pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, salinity and Eh), as well as on the bioavailability of metals in both water and sediment, influencing directly on the concentrations found in mollusks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On November 5th, 2015, the Fundão mine tailings dam in Minas Gerais State, Brazil, failed, releasing more than 50 million m3 of mud, rich in toxic metals. After that, a massive environmental disaster began with the mud wave flowing more than 600 km, until the mouth of Doce River, in Espírito Santo State, and finally reaching the Atlantic Ocean. A vast area was contaminated, affecting the ecosystem and several communities. Despite the tremendous environmental disaster, little is known concerning the population's exposure to toxic elements yet. Thus, a cross-sectional study was for the first time conducted in three communities directly affected by the disaster (Regência, Povoação, and Campo Grande) in Espírito Santo State, to evaluate the levels of 11 chemical elements (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn) in blood. Sample analysis (n = 300) was performed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Our data show high levels of exposure to Al, As, Hg, and Ni. Mean values in blood were 60 μg/L (ranging from 9 to 434 μg/L), 10.9 μg/L (ranging from 5.81 to 269 μg/L), 6.4 μg/L (ranging from 0.05 to 103 μg/L) and 2.7 μg/L (ranging from 0.08 to 21 μg/L) for Al, As, Hg and Ni, respectively. Moreover, after applying a multiple regression model, we found community, drinking water, fish, seafood consumption, and smoking habits associated with metal/metalloid levels in their body. Well and tap water intake were identified as important sources of exposure to aluminum and nickel. Our findings represent health risks to the groups living in the areas affected by the tailings dam failure, calling for further studies to evaluate the potential health effects of high exposure to metals and remediation actions from public health Brazilian authorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]