Search

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-06T16:45:43Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-01-01 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Fundação Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico In this study, the performance of two native bivalves in responding to sediment resuspension was investigated during dredging operations of a semi-arid bay (Mucuripe, NE Brazil). The clam Anomalocardia flexuosa and the oyster Crassostrea rhizophorae were selected and caged in two sites influenced by the dredging plume. We assessed the bioaccumulation of metals and hydrocarbons in both species as biomarkers of exposure and then, biomarkers’ responses were assessed in gills and digestive glands over a 28 days period, at 7 days intervals: the activities of phase I and II, and antioxidant enzymes, levels of lipid peroxidation and DNA strand breaks. Both transplanted bivalves accumulated Cu, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and linear alkylbenzenes (LABs) in their whole-body tissues, whereas Ni, Pb and Zn accumulation was species-dependent. The exposure time set at day 28 was considered appropriate. Biomarkers exhibited time-related responses in both species, but gills exhibited a more sensitive response, indicating a function of barrier against the uptake of chemicals and also a relevant tissue to be targeted. In clams, Phase I and II enzymes (ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase and glutathione S-transferase) were induced during the period of intense dredging, while in oysters they were activated at the end of operations. Induction of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase) and elevated levels DNA damage were observed in both exposure surveys. Clams and oysters were sensitive and responded to the exposure of resuspended sediments and the biomarkers of effects were associated with bioaccumulation of contaminants in the integrated analysis. These results indicate that The clam A. flexuosa and the oyster C. rhizophorae are suitable models to be used in monitoring programs or field exposure experiments in tropical regions. Instituto de Ciências do Mar Universidade Federal do Ceará Núcleo de Estudos em Poluição e Ecotoxicologia Aquática UNESP - São Vicente Instituto Oceanográfico Universidade de São Paulo - São Paulo Núcleo de Estudos em Poluição e Ecotoxicologia Aquática UNESP - São Vicente CNPq: 142002/2010-0 Fundação Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico: 1571/07 CNPq: 311609/2014-7 CNPq: 552299/2010-3 Fundação Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico: BMD-0008-00058.01.18/09

Ocean acidification is a result of the decrease in the pH of marine water, caused mainly by the increase in CO2 released in the atmosphere and its consequent dissolution in seawater. These changes can be dramatic for marine organisms especially for oysters Crassostrea gasar if other stressors such as xenobiotics are present. The effect of pH changes (6.5, 7.0 and 8.2) was assessed on the transcript levels of biotransformation [cytochromes P450 (CYP2AU1, CYP2-like2) and glutathione S-transferase (GSTΩ-like)] and antioxidant [superoxide dismutase (SOD-like), catalase (CAT-like) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx-like)] genes, as well as enzyme activities [superoxide dismutase, (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-S-transferases transferase (GST) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH)] and lipid peroxidation (MDA) in the gills of Crassostrea gasar exposed to 100 μg·L-1 of phenanthrene (PHE) for 24 and 96 h. Likewise, the PHE burdens was evaluated in whole soft tissues of exposed oysters. The accumulation of PHE in oysters was independent of pH. However, acidification promoted a significant decrease in the transcript levels of some protective genes (24 h exposure: CYP2AU1 and GSTΩ-like; 96 h exposure: CAT-like and GPx-like), which was not observed in the presence of PHE. Activities of GST, CAT and SOD enzymes increased in the oysters exposed to PHE at the control pH (8.2), but at a lower pH values, this activation was suppressed, and no changes were observed in the G6PDH activity and MDA levels. Biotransformation genes showed better responses after 24 h, and antioxidant-coding genes after 96 h, along with the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT), probably because biotransformation of PHE increases the generation of reactive oxygen species. The lack of change in MDA levels suggests that antioxidant modulation efficiently prevented oxidative stress. The effect of pH on the responses to PHE exposure should be taken into account before using these and any other genes as potential molecular biomarkers for PHE exposure. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

International audience; In the French West Indies (Caribbean), the insecticide Chlordecone (CLD) has been extensively used to reducebanana weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus) infestations in banana plantations. Previous studies have shown high CLDconcentrations in freshwater and coastal communities of the region. CLD concentrations, however, have not yetbeen assessed in marine top predators. We investigated CLD concentrations in cetacean blubber tissues fromGuadeloupe, including Physeter macrocephalus, Lagenodelphis hosei, Stenella attenuata and Pseudorca crassidens.Chlordecone was detected in all blubber samples analysed, with the exception of four P. macrocephalus.Concentrations (range: 1 to 329 ng·g−1 of lipid weight) were, however, lower than those found in species fromfresh and brackish water. Ecological factors (open ocean habitat), CLD kinetics, and cetacean metabolism (highor specific enzymatic activity) might explain low concentrations found in cetacean blubber. Future analyses thatinclude internal organ sampling would help to confirm CLD levels observed in this study.

Global warming and local disturbances such as pollution cause several impacts on coral reefs. Among them is the breakdown of the symbiosis between host corals and photosynthetic symbionts, which is often a consequence of oxidative stress. Therefore, we investigated if the combined effects of thermal stress and copper (Cu) exposure change the trophic behavior and oxidative status of the reef-building coral Mussismilia harttii. Coral fragments were exposed in a mesocosm system to three temperatures (25.0, 26.6 and 27.3 °C) and three Cu concentrations (2.9, 5.4 and 8.6 μg L−1). Samples were collected after 4 and 12 days of exposure. We then (i) performed fatty acid analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to quantify changes in stearidonic acid and docosapentaenoic acid (autotrophy markers) and cis-gondoic acid (heterotrophy marker), and (ii) assessed the oxidative status of both host and symbiont through analyses of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Our findings show that trophic behavior was predominantly autotrophic and remained unchanged under individual and combined stressors for both 4- and 12-day experiments; for the latter, however, there was an increase in the heterotrophy marker. Results also show that 4 days was not enough to trigger changes in LPO or TAC for both coral and symbiont. However, the 12-day experiment showed a reduction in symbiont LPO associated with thermal stress alone, and the combination of stressors increased their TAC. For the coral, the isolated effects of increase in Cu and temperature led to an increase in LPO. The effects of combined stressors on trophic behavior and oxidative status were not much different than those from the isolated effects of each stressor. These findings highlight that host and symbionts respond differently to stress and are relevant as they show the physiological response of individual holobiont compartments to both global and local stressors.

Urban sewage is a concerning issue worldwide, threatening both wildlife and human health. The present study investigated protein oxidation in mangrove oysters (Crassostrea brasiliana) exposed to seawater from Balneario Camboriu, an important tourist destination in Brazil that is affected by urban sewage. Oysters were exposed for 24 h to seawater collected close to the Camboriu River (CAM1) or 1 km away (CAM2). Seawater from an aquaculture laboratory was used as a reference. Local sewage input was marked by higher levels of coliforms, nitrogen, and phosphorus in seawater, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), linear alkylbenzenes (LABs), and fecal steroid in sediments at CAM1. Exposure of oysters to CAM1 caused marked bioaccumulation of LABs and decreased PAH and PCB concentrations after exposure to both CAM1 and CAM2. Protein thiol oxidation in gills, digestive gland, and hemolymph was evaluated. Lower levels of reduced protein thiols were detected in hemolymph from CAM1, and actin, segon, and dominin were identified as targets of protein thiol oxidation. Dominin susceptibility to oxidation was confirmed in vitro by exposure to peroxides and hypochlorous acid, and 2 cysteine residues were identified as potential sites of oxidation. Overall, these data indicate that urban sewage contamination in local waters has a toxic potential and that protein thiol oxidation in hemolymph could be a useful biomarker of oxidative stress in bivalves exposed to contaminants. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1833-1845. © 2016 SETAC.

In the Northern coast of Rio de Janeiro State is located the major urban centers of the oil and gas industry of Brazil. The intense urbanization in recent decades caused an increase in human use of the coastal areas, which is constantly impacted by agricultural, industrial and wastewater discharges. Franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei) is a small cetacean that inhabits coastal regions down to a 30 m depth. This species is considered the most threatened cetacean in the Western South Atlantic Ocean. This study investigated the levels of 52 PCB congeners and 9 PBDE congeners in liver of nine individuals found stranded or accidentally caught between 2011 and 2012 in the Northern coast of Rio de Janeiro. PCB mean levels ranged from 208 to 5543 ng g(-1) lw and PBDEs mean concentrations varied between 13.84 and 36.94 ng g(-1) lw. Contamination patterns suggest the previous use of Aroclor 1254, 1260 and penta-BDE mixtures in Brazil. While still few studies have assessed the organic contamination in cetaceans from the Southern Hemisphere, including Brazil, the levels found in this study could represent a health risk to these endangered species.

Located in Northeastern Brazil, the Capibaribe Estuarine System is an important ecosystem that supplies food and protection for nursery of several species with ecological and economic importance. It is located inside an urbanized area, receives untreated domestic and industrial effluents, and houses some marinas and the Harbor of Recife, which are very important to national and international communities. The distribution and sources of PAHs were investigated in sediments from CES and adjacent shelf. Total PAH concentrations ranged from non-detectable to 497.6 μg g(-1). Pyrolytic sources predominated in most of sites, but petrogenic PAHs were also recorded. The concentration decrease of PAHs toward adjacent shelf suggests that the main source of these compounds is in the upper portion of estuary, where there is an intense discharge of sewage, but atmospheric input also seems to be relevant to the area. The results reinforce the important role of an estuary in contaminant retention.

Amazonian aquatic systems are usually associated with pristine waters, however, irregular urban occupation of the hydrographic basins and sewerage deficiencies may lead to point and diffuse contamination. Sewage contamination in intertidal surface sediments from the Guajará Estuary, Brazilian Amazon coast, was evaluated using a set of steroids as biomarkers. Sediments collected along the urbanized margin were also analyzed for chlorophyll a, total organic carbon and grain sizes. Coprostanol, the main fecal sterol, was found at concentrations varying from 0.06 to 7.93 µg g-1 dry sediment, following the sequence Tucunduba > Ver-o-Peso > Porto da Palha > Tamandaré > Icoaraci > Miramar. Mixed sources of organic matter and coastal process probably concurred to produce weak correlations among the parameters. Plant derived sterols, including n-C30 alcohol and β-amyrinyl alkanoates, were clearly abundant, but they did not preclude the use of other steroid signals to the assessment of sewage contamination. High values of the steroid indexes involving 5α and 5β stanols and stanones highlighted sewage contamination at the sites with the lowest absolute coprostanol concentrations. The predominance of 5β stanols indicated a chronically sewage contamination of the area. Resumo Os sistemas aquáticos amazônicos são geralmente associados a águas intactas, no entanto, a ocupação urbana de forma irregular das bacias hidrográficas e a deficiência no saneamento básico podem levar a contaminação pontual e difusa. A contaminação por esgoto em sedimentos superficiais de entremarés do Estuário Guajará, costa amazônica brasileira, foi investigada usando um conjunto de esteróides como biomarcadores. Os sedimentos coletados ao longo da margem urbanizada também foram submetidos a análises de clorofila-a, carbono orgânico total e granulometria. Coprostanol, o principal esterol de origem fecal, foi encontrado em concentrações entre 0,06 a 7,93 µg g-1 de sedimento seco, na sequência Tucunduba > Ver-o-Peso > Porto da Palha > Tamandaré > Icoaraci > Miramar. As baixas correlações entre os parâmetros investigados provavelmente foram resultantes de fontes mistas de matéria orgânica e processos costeiros. Os esteróis derivados de plantas, incluindo álcoois n-C30 e β-amirinil alcanoatos, mostraram-se abundantes nas amostras, porém não impediram o uso dos outros esteróides na avaliação da contaminação por esgoto. Índices específicos envolvendo estanóis e estanonas 5α and 5β evidenciaram a contaminação por esgoto nas amostras com as menores concentrações absolutas de coprostanol. A predominância de estanóis 5β indicou contaminação crônica por esgoto na área.

Pyrene (PYR) and fluorene (FLU) are among the sixteen priority Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and are both frequently detected in contaminated sites. Due to the importance of bivalve mollusks in biomonitoring programs and the scarce information on the biotransformation system in these organisms, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PYR and FLU at the transcriptional level and the enzymatic activities of some biotransformation systems in the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas, and to evaluate the histological effects in their soft tissues. Oysters C. gigas were exposed for 24 h and 96 h to PYR (0.25 and 0.5 μM) and FLU (0.6 and 1.2 μM). After exposure, transcript levels of cytochrome P450 coding genes (CYP1-like, CYP2-like, CYP2AU2, CYP356A1, CYP17α-like), glutathione S tranferase genes (omega GSTO-like and microsomal, MGST-like) and sulfotransferase gene (SULT-like), and the activity of ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD), Glutathione S-transferase (GST) and microssomal GST (MGST) were evaluated in gills. Histologic changes were also evaluated after the exposure period. PYR and FLU bioconcentrated in oyster soft tissues. The half-life time of PYR in water was lower than fluorene, which is in accordance to the higher lipophilicity and bioconcentration of the former. EROD activity was below the limit of detection in all oysters exposed for 96 h to PYR and FLU. The reproductive stage of the oysters exposed to PYR was post-spawn. Exposure to PYR caused tubular atrophy in digestive diverticula, but had no effect on transcript levels of biotransformation genes. However, the organisms exposed for 96 h to PYR 0.5 μM showed higher MGST activity, suggesting a protective role against oxidative stress in gills of oysters under higher levels of PYR in the tissues. Increased number of mucous cells in mantle were observed in oysters exposed to the higher FLU concentration, suggesting a defense mechanisms. Oysters exposed for 24 h to FLU 1.2 μM were in the ripe stage of gonadal development and showed higher transcript levels of CYP2AU2, GSTO-like and SULT-like genes, suggesting a role in the FLU biotransformation. In addition, after 96 h of exposure to FLU there was a significant increase of mucous cells in the mantle of oysters but no effect was observed on the EROD, total GST and MGST activities. These results suggest that PAH have different effects on transcript levels of biotransformation genes and enzyme activities, however these differences could also be related to the reproductive stage.

Bioavailability of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on Sao Paulo state coast (southeastern Brazil) was evaluated through the analysis of biliary metabolites in Spheniscus magellanicus (n = 79). The animals analyzed in present study were either found dead during beach monitoring procedures or died at rehabilitation centers. Analyses of naphthalene (NAP), phenanthrene (PHE) and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) metabolites were performed using a high-performance liquid chromatograph equipped with fluorescence detectors. Total metabolite (TM) concentrations ranged from below the method quantification limit to 270 μg g−1 of bile. TM concentrations were mainly composed of NAP metabolites, followed by PHE metabolites. BaP metabolites were detected in only two samples. This is the first study using PAHs metabolites in S. magellanicus to assess the bioavailability of these compounds in coastal regions.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) levels were assessed in the liver and muscle of two data-deficient threatened dolphin species, the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus, n = 4) and the Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis, n = 6), sampled off the Southeastern Brazilian coast. PCB concentrations were greater in liver compared to muscle, with males presenting higher concentrations than females. The three main detected PCB congeners were PCBs 138, 153 and 180. A predominance of hexachlorinated congeners was observed, followed by hepta- and penta-PCBs. For both species, Cl 3 and Cl 4 levels were higher in muscle compared to liver, while Cl 5 to Cl 8 and ∑PCBs were higher in liver. PBDE concentrations were significantly higher in Atlantic spotted dolphin muscle and liver compared to bottlenose dolphins. Similarly to PCBs, the highest PBDE concentrations were observed in males. The presence of PBDE congeners BDE-47, -100 and -99 in the muscle and liver of both species suggests the existence of a pollution source in Brazil by a penta-BDE mixture, as PBDEs have never been produced in Brazil. Interspecific PCB and PBDE profiles were very similar, which may be related to the similar characteristics of the analyzed species, mainly geographic distribution and life and feeding habits. This study furthers knowledge on environmental PCB and PBDE contamination, assisting in the establishment of dolphin population conservation strategies. In addition, this study calls into question the current threshold values established for PCBs and PBDEs, and demonstrates the lack of information and knowledge in this regard for cetaceans.

Despite typically not being taken into account (usually in favour of the ‘global distillation’ process), the input of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) through biological activities can be indeed relevant at the local scale in terrestrial polar environments when seabird colonies are considered. Seabirds can bioaccumulate and biomagnify POPs, gather in large numbers and excrete on land during their reproductive season, thus making them locally as relevant secondary sources of POPs. The first part of this study indicated that these colonies act as so for several essential and non-essential trace elements, and this second part tests the same hypothesis concerning POPs using the very same samples. Lichens (n = 55), mosses (n = 58) and soil (n = 37) were collected from 13 locations in the South Shetlands Archipelago during the austral summers of 2013–14 and 2014–15. They were divided in colony (within the colony itself for soil and within and surrounding the colony for vegetation) and control (at least 150 m away from any colony interference) and analysed for POPs such as organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers and stable isotopes (C and N). Results showed that colonies act clearly as a secondary source for PCBs and likely for hexachlorobenzene. As in the first part, probable local sources other than the colonies themselves are hypothesised because of high concentrations found in control sites. Again, soil seemed the most adequate matrix for the intended purposes especially because of some particularities in the absorption of animal-derived organic matter by vegetation, pointed out by stable isotope analyses.

The depositional history of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) was studied from surficial sediments and three sediment cores sampled in the Santos Estuary, an important industrial and urban centre in South America. The maximum concentration (190.7 ng g−1 dry weight) and inventory (295.50 ng cm−2) were detected in sediments related to the 1980s, representing a ten-year delay of the emission peak in Brazil. PCB consumption, the congener patterns, and multivariate statistical analyses indicated that the levels started to increase with the intensification of regional urban and industrial development that continued to interfere in the magnitude of input during the past 50 years. In addition, the risk assessment indicates that levels observed in most of the samples are in a range capable of producing ecological risks to the marine biota. This study provides the first estimates of historic sediments PCB inventories in the Southwestern Atlantic, contributing data for regional and global management and highlighting the role of sediment as a compartment for permanently storing POPs and the risks involved in their resuspension, especially in regions that are constantly dredged such as the Santos Estuary.

Biochemical and molecular responses were evaluated in oysters Crassostrea brasiliana collected from three oyster farms, at Guaratuba Bay, southern Brazil, forming a pollutant gradient: Farm 1 (reference site - farther from the urban area), Farm 2 (intermediate site) and Farm 3 (nearest to the urban area). Oxidative stress markers, DNA damage and transcript levels of CYP2AU1, CYP2-like1, CYP2-like2, SULT-like, GPx-like, SOD-like, CAT-like, GSTmicrosomal-like, GSTomega-like, FABP-like and ALAd-like genes were analyzed in the gills. The levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, linear alkylbenzenes and polychlorinated biphenyls were also evaluated in the soft tissues of the oysters and in the sediment of the Farms. Higher GSTomega-like, CYP2AU1 and FABP-like transcript levels, GR and G6PDH activities and lipid peroxidation levels were observed in oysters from Farms 2 and 3, suggesting pollutant effects on oysters. Alterations in oxidative stress markers also suggest a response against a prooxidant condition in C. brasiliana due to pollutant effects.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are man-made organic chemicals that have adverse effects on aquatic organisms, sometimes altering ecosystem functioning with potential consequences for the coastal carbon cycle. This study assessed PCBs and OCPs in surface sediments of two estuaries with distinct historical land use on the coast of Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil. OCPs such as HCB, aldrin, dieldrin, isodrin, mirex, methoxychlor, endosulfans (α- and β-isomers), HCHs (α-, β-, γ- and δ-isomers) and chlordane-related compounds were below their respective limits of detection in all samples. Mean levels of PCBs in Pina Sound and Suape Estuary were 4.37 and 0.94 ng g-1 dry weight (dw), respectively. Average concentrations of DDTs in those same estuaries were 5.24 and 0.42 ng g-1 dw, respectively. No significant correlations were found between mud and contaminants (either PCBs or DDTs) at Pina Sound. In contrast, PCBs were significantly associated with mud at Suape Estuary. The greater contamination found at Pina Sound is consistent with land use of the urban, densely populated city of Recife. Residues of DDTs found in sediments of both estuaries reflect past local usage. Occasional adverse biological effects may be expected due to the levels of DDTs at several sites in Pina Sound. Lower levels of chemicals such as PCBs in the newly industrialized Suape Estuary suggest that a similarly low impact of legacy pollutants may be expected for future industrial enterprises around the world. Resumo Bifenilas policloradas (PCBs) e pesticidas organoclorados (OCPs) são compostos orgânicos sintéticos que causam efeitos negativos em organismos aquáticos, eventualmente alterando o funcionamento de ecossistemas com consequências locais para o ciclo do carbono. O presente estudo investigou PCBs e OCPs em sedimentos superficiais de dois estuários com distintos históricos de ocupação na costa de Pernambuco. Os pesticidas HCB, aldrin, dieldrin, isodrin, mirex, metoxicloro, endosulfans, HCHs e clordanos não foram encontrados acima de seus limites de detecção nas amostras. As concentrações médias de PCBs na Bacia do Pina e no Estuário de Suape foram 4,37 e 0,94 ng g-1 peso seco (ps), respectivamente. Para DDTs, as concentrações médias nesses estuários foram 5,24 e 0,42 ng g-1 ps, respectivamente. Não foram encontradas correlações significativas entre a fração lamosa do sedimento e os contaminantes (PCBs e DDTs) na Bacia do Pina. Em contrapartida, os PCBs foram encontrados associados à lama no Estuário de Suape. A maior contaminação na Bacia do Pina é condizente com a área historicamente urbanizada e densamente povoada da cidade do Recife. A composição de DDTs no sedimento de ambos os estuários indica uso antigo desse pesticida. Os níveis de DDTs em diversos pontos da Bacia do Pina podem ocasionalmente desencadear efeitos negativos na biota local. Por outro lado, os baixos níveis de PCBs encontrados no Estuário de Suape - uma área que passa por recente processo de industrialização - sugerem que novos complexos industriais tendem a causar baixo impacto em termos de poluentes orgânicos persistentes herdados de práticas antigas.

The Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) is an endemic species of the tropical-temperate Atlantic Ocean with widespread distribution. Although this species has been the subject of a large number of studies throughout its range, it remains in the “data deficient” category of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Chemical pollution by persistent organic pollutants (POPs) has been listed as one of the major threats to this species, however, there is no information on a wide scale. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the contamination status of spotted dolphins on the metapopulation level as well as determine spatial and temporal variations in POP concentrations and bio-accumulation. A total of 115 blubber samples collected from a large part of the Atlantic basin were analysed for PCBs, DDTs, PBDEs, chlordanes, HCB and mirex. Although PCBs and DDTs were the predominant compounds in all areas, inter-location differences in POP concentrations were observed. Dolphins found at Sao Paulo, southeastern coast of Brazil, had the highest PCB concentrations (median: 10.5 μg/g lw) and Canary Islands dolphins had the highest DDT concentrations (median: 5.13 μg/g lw). Differences in PCB patterns among locations were also observed. Dolphins from the Azores and Sao Paulo demonstrated a similar pattern, with relatively highly contributions of tetra- (6.8 and 5.2%, respectively) and penta-CBs (25.6 and 23.8%, respectively) and lower contributions of hepta-CBs (20.8 and 23.5%, respectively) in comparison to other areas. Moreover, the sex of the animals and the year in which sampling or capture occurred exerted an important influence on the majority of the POPs analysed. Comparisons with toxicity thresholds available in the literature reveal that the Sao Paulo and Canary Island dolphins are the most vulnerable populations and should be considered in future conservation and management programs for the Atlantic spotted dolphin.

The sources and depositional history of OCPs (organochlorine pesticides), PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) over the last 100years were determined in two sediment cores collected in the Amazon region. It was possible to distinguish two depositional periods along the cores. The first period occurred before extensive anthropogenic effects were registered in the sediments. During this time interval, the concentrations of all OCPs and PCBs were below the detection limits (DL), and the PAH concentrations were low and essentially constant (58.19-124.28ngg-1). The second period starts in the mid-1960s and reflects the increased human influence in the area. The concentrations of OCPs, PCBs, and PAHs increased towards the top of the cores, varying between

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) accumulate in the fat tissue of living organisms and are found in relatively high concentrations in animals at the top of the food chain, such as dolphins. The ability of these compounds to interact with the endocrine system of marine mammals constitutes a risk for the reproduction and conservation of species. The La Plata dolphin, Pontoporia blainvillei, is exclusive to the southwestern Atlantic Ocean and is classified on the IUCN red list as a vulnerable species. Blubber, liver, kidney and muscle samples from four P. blainvillei mother-fetus pairs were analyzed to evaluate the transfer of POPs to fetal tissues through the placenta. The presence of POPs in fetal tissues indicates the maternal transfer of compounds. In the pregnant females, blubber was the tissue with POP highest concentration, followed by the liver, kidneys and muscles. In the fetuses, POP accumulation mainly occurred in the blubber followed by the muscles, liver and kidneys. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDTs) were found in all tissues analyzed and had the highest concentrations among all compounds. The main PCB congeners in the fetal samples had five to seven chlorine atoms. The only polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) in the fetal samples was 47 and was found only in blubber. The main DDT metabolite in the fetuses was p,p'-DDE. POP transfer via the placenta occurs in the first months of gestation and increases with fetal development, according to fetus/mother (F/M) ratio: HCB>DDT>PCB>PBDE>Mirex, which may follow the order of the octanol/water partition coefficient (Kow) values.

A fire at the Brazilian Antarctic Station on February 25th, 2012 led to the burning of material that produced organic pollutants. To evaluate the impact in the surrounding area, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were analyzed in moss samples collected in the vicinities of the station before and after the incident and compared to findings from previous studies in the same region. PCBs were on the same magnitude as that reported in previous studies, which could be associated to the global dispersion of these compounds and may not be related to the local fire. In contrast, concentrations of HCB and PAHs were higher than those reported in previous studies. No PBDEs were found above the method detection limit. Organic contaminant concentrations in mosses decreased a few months after the fire, which is an important characteristic when considering the use of mosses for monitoring recent exposure.

Marine benthos is widely used in environmental impact studies, especially in coastal areas. In the summer of 2010, three areas of Martel Inlet and one in Mackellar Inlet were sampled in order to verify the marine environmental status near the Brazilian Station "Comandante Ferraz" (CF). In the shallow sublittoral zone (20 m depth), sediment samples were collected to analyze their physical characteristics, quality and indicators of anthropic activities (grain size, organic matter, phytopigments, linear alkylbenzenes, faecal sterols, microbiological indicators, hydrocarbons, persistent organic pollutants and metals) and to evaluate the meio- and macrofauna communities structure. Meiofauna densities were in the range of those found in previous studies in the bay and did not differ significantly among sampling sites. Nematodes were the dominant group. On the other hand, macrofauna densities were significantly higher in Mackellar Inlet, when comparing with some sites of Martel Inlet. Polychaetes, oligochaetes and bivalves were the dominant macrofauna taxa. Correlation analysis showed that different sediment characteristics could explain the abundance of the meiofauna or the macrofauna groups in a different way. Change in the meio- and macrobenthic community structure was detected at the site under the CF sewage outfall influence (lower density of meiofauna, different taxa composition of macro- and meiofauna), where relatively higher concentrations of linear alkylbenzenes and coprostanol, and densities of Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens were found. These results suggest some local impact of human activities on the benthic system in front of the Brazilian Research Station and contribute to the monitoring program under the scope of the INCT-APA (National Institute of Science and Technology - Antarctic Environmental Research).

Organochlorine contaminants (OCs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were investigated in the eggs of five bird species from the South Shetland Islands. Additionally, OCs and PBDEs were also analysed in embryos of two species. The concentration ranges in eggs were (ng g-1wet weight) 2.11 to 541 for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), p,p’-DDE and 1.50 to 603 for mirex. The PCBs were predominant in the eggs ofMacronectes giganteus,Catharacta antarcticaandLarus dominicanus, whereas hexachlorobenzene (HCB) was the major compound found in the eggs ofPygoscelis antarcticusandSterna vittata. The PBDE congeners were detected only in the eggs ofC. antarctica(PBDE 47 and 153) andS. vittata(PBDE 47). There were differences in OC concentrations of up to two orders of magnitude betweenM. giganteusembryos which were related to the development stage and OC concentrations in the respective eggs. Trophic ecology and post-breeding dispersal exerted an influence on contaminant patterns. Comparisons with data from the literature indicate an increase in the concentrations of some OCs over recent years.

The presence of legacy contaminants in sediments from three Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) of the coast of São Paulo State was evaluated. Four sampling surveys were conducted between 2013 and 2015 in 10 sites, distributed along the Laje de Santos Marine and Xixova-Japui State Parks (PEMLS and XJSP, respectively) and Central Coast Marine Protection Area (APAMLC). Samples were analyzed for sediment texture, total organic carbon, CaCO3, metals (Al, Fe, Hg, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn), aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (AH and PAH). Sediments were generally sandy (excepting muddy samples from APAMLC), with variable amounts of TOC, OM and CaCO3. Most of the sediments exhibited low to moderate concentrations of metals, except APAMLC. Low contamination of sediments by hydrocarbons was found but samples from XLSP and APAMLC exhibited the highest concentrations of biogenic AH and PAH from pyrogenic sources. In APAMLC and PEMLS, the levels of metals can be considered as background levels according to geochemical indices (Igeo and EF). In XJSP and especially in APAMLC data indicated poor sediment quality, probably due to the effect of anthropic activities. Resumo A contaminação dos sedimentos superficiais foi avaliada neste estudo em amostras de áreas marinhas protegidas (AMP) da costa central de São Paulo. Quatro campanhas de amostragem foram feitas entre 2013 e 2015 em 10 sítios localizados nos Parques Estaduais Marinho da Laje de Santos e Xixová-Japuí (PEMLS e PEXJ, respectivamente), e Área de Proteção Ambiental Litoral Centro (APAMLC). As amostras foram analisadas quanto granulometria, carbono orgânico total, CaCO3, metais (Al, Fe, Hg, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb e Zn) e hidrocarbonetos alifáticos(AHs) e policíclicos aromáticos (PAHs). Em geral os sedimentos foram arenosos (exceto aqueles de APAMLC, que foram lamosos) e com quantidades variáveis de COT, MO e CaCO3. A maioria das amostras apresentaram baixas concentrações de metais de acordo com índices geoquímicos (Igeo e fatores de enriquecimento - FE). Baixa contaminação por hidrocarbonetos foi encontrada e em APAMLC os sedimentos apresentaram as maiores concentrações de AHs de origem biogênica e PAHs de pirogênicos. Nos sedimentos de APAMLC e PEMLS, os níveis de metais podem ser considerados como valores de referência. Já em PEXJ, os dados indicaram baixa qualidade de sedimentos, possivelmente devido às fontes antrópicas.

This study assessed the concentration and composition of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in plastic pellets, collected from sandy beaches and considered different resin and colour tones. Results showed that polyethylene pellets, while displaying a greater range of total PAH concentrations did not differ significantly from polypropylene pellets. More importantly, both resin types demonstrated predictable increases in total PAH across a spectrum of darkening colour tones. Multivariate comparisons of 36 PAH groups, further showed considerable variability across resin type and colour, with lighter coloured pellets comprising lower molecular weight, while darker pellets contained higher weight PAHs. Overall, we show predictable variation in PAH concentrations and compositions of plastic pellets of different ages and resin types that will directly influence the potential for toxicological effects. Our findings suggest that monitoring programs should take these attributes into account when assessing the environmental risks of microplastic contamination of marine and coastal habitats.

Babitonga Bay is a large estuary, which has been under pressure from anthropogenic activities coexisting with a natural area of Atlantic rainforest and mangrove systems. The concentration of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) was determined to evaluate the contamination status and the determine possible pollution sources in the estuary. The ∑DDT (sum of DDT, DDE and DDD concentrations) was the predominant OCP group, with concentrations ranging fromDL (below detection limit) to 122ng g

We report the distribution of selected lipid biomarkers specifically sterols and aliphatic hydrocarbons in sediment cores from Cabo Frio, SW Atlantic continental shelf, Brazil, corresponding approximately to the last 700 years. In the Cabo Frio region, a costal upwelling occurs as a quasi-seasonal phenomenon characterized by nutrient-rich bottom waters that intrude on the continental shelf and promote relatively high biological productivity compared to other Brazilian continental shelf areas. The results for sterols indicate the predominance of organic matter (OM) inputs related to marine organisms, mainly plankton, in all of the cores along the time scale studied. Principal component analyses show three different groups of variables, which may be associated with (i) the more effective intrusion of the nutrient-rich South Atlantic Central Water, resulting in the increase of marine lipid biomarkers such as sterols and short-chain n-alkanes; (ii) the influence of the Coastal Water with higher surface water temperature and subsequently lower primary productivity; and (iii) OM characterized by high total organic carbon and long-chain n-alkanes related to an allochthonous source. Relatively high concentrations of sterols and n-alkanes between 1450 and 1700 AD, chronologically associated with the Little Ice Age, suggest a period associated with changes in the local input of specific sources of these compounds. The concentrations of lipid biomarkers vary over core depth, but this does not suggest a notably high or low intensity of upwelling processes. It is possible that the climatic and sea surface temperature changes reported in previous studies did not affect the input of the sedimentary lipid biomarkers analyzed here.

In this study, the quality of sediments from three Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) located on the coast of São Paulo (Laje de Santos Marine State Park - PEMLS; Xixova-Japui State Park - XJSP; and Central Coast Marine Protection Area - APAMLC) was assessed. Four sampling surveys were conducted (September/October 2013; January 2014; July 2014; January 2015). Sediment samples were collected at10 sites, distributed along the 3 MPAs. Samples were analyzed for sediment texture, total organic carbon, CaCO3, metals, aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and for whole-sediment and sediment-water interface toxicities. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to integrate data. Most of the sediments exhibited low concentrations of chemicals, with the exception of those from P2 (APAMLC) where moderate levels of contaminants were detected. Sediments from P7 and P9 (PEMLS) occasionally showed signs of petroleum hydrocarbons. The other sediments showed no relevant contamination but presented variable toxicity, especially those of bioclastic composition. The PCA indicated a contribution of the sediment properties to the toxicities, especially the CaCO3. In bioclastic sediments, toxicity might be due to physical causes by or any indirect factor such as the presence of ammonia. It was concluded that both natural and anthropic factors are causing toxicity in sediments from the MPAs studied. Resumo Este estudo analisou a qualidade dos sedimentos de três Áreas Marinhas Protegidas (AMP) situadas na porção central do litoral paulista (Parque Estadual Marinho da Laje de Santos - PEMLS; Parque Estadual Xixová-Japuí- PEXJ; Área de Proteção Ambiental Marinha do Litoral Centro - APAMLC). Quatro campanhas de coleta foram organizadas (Setembro/Outobro-2013; Janeiro-2014; Julho-2014; Janeiro-2015). Amostras de sedimento foram coletadas em 10 pontos ao longo das 3 AMP. As amostras foram analisadas para granulometria, carbono orgânico total, CaCO3, metais, hidrocarbonetos alifáticos e policíclico aromáticos, e toxicidade de sedimento integral e interface sedimento-água. Análise de Componentes Principais foi utilizada na integração dos dados. A maioria das amostras exibiu baixa contaminação, exceto a amostra de P2 (APAMLC) onde níveis moderados de contaminantes foram detectados. Sedimentos de P7 e P9 (PEMLS) eventualmente apresentaram sinais de hidrocarbonetos de petróleo. As demais amostras não apresentaram contaminação relevante, mas tiveram toxicidades variáveis, especialmente os sedimentos predominantemente bioclásticos. A PCA indicou forte contribuição das propriedades do sedimento, principalmente CaCO3 e amônia, na geração da toxicidade, indicando que fatores naturais e/ou antrópicos podem estar induzindo a toxicidade nas AMP estudadas.

Despite its isolation and scarce occupation, Antarctica is not exempt from the input of contaminants related to present and past human activities. Several deleterious compounds, such as the persistent organic pollutants (POPs) may reach Antarctic ecosystems, mostly via atmospheric long-range transport and further deposition. In this context, snow and its seasonal melting water represent a sink to these pollutants and also the last compartment before they reach marine primary producers. In order to assess the concentration of a selection of organic contaminants, a PDMS headspace extraction method was chosen due to its improvement in fieldwork sampling. Samples were collected in King George Island, during the austral summers from 2007 to 2010. PBDEs and PAHs remained under the method detection limits in all of the cases, restricting data interpretation to organochlorine compounds: average Σ HCHs ranged from 1.46 to 4.17, HCBs from 1.36 to 3.77, Σ Drins from

Human activities in the Antarctica including tourism and scientific research have been raised substantially in the last century with the concomitant impact on the Antarctic ecosystems through the release of wastewater mainly from different scientific stations activities. The aim of this study was to assess the wastewater contamination of surface waters and sediments of three melt-water streams (11 sites) by leaking septic tanks located in the vicinity of the Uruguayan Scientific Station in the Fildes Peninsula, King George Island, Antarctica, during summer 2015. For this purpose, we combined the analysis of fecal steroids in sediments by using gas chromatography and six enteric viruses in surface waters by quantitative and qualitative PCR. Coprostanol concentrations (from 0.03 to 3.31μgg-1) and fecal steroids diagnostic ratios indicated that stations C7 and C8 located in the kitchen stream presented sewage contamination. Rotavirus was the only enteric virus detected in five sites with concentration ranging from 1.2×105gcL-1 to 5.1×105gcL-1 being three of them located downstream from the leaking AINA and Kitchen septic tanks. This study shows for the first time the presence of both virological and molecular biomarkers of wastewater pollution in surface waters and sediments of three melt-water streams in the vicinity of a scientific station in the Antarctica. These results highlight the importance of the complementation of these biomarkers in two different matrices (surface waters and sediments) to assess wastewater pollution in an Antarctic environment related to anthropogenic activities in the area.

This work aimed to evaluate the use of Mugil curema as a biomonitor for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) bioavailability. Fish biliary metabolites from low-contaminated (Cananeia) and contaminated (Santos) Brazilian estuaries were analysed using a high-performance liquid chromatography apparatus coupled to fluorescence detectors connected in a series. In the Cananeia and Santos estuaries, total metabolite levels ranged from 0.85 to 34.4 μg g− 1 of bile and from 4.06 to 528 μg g− 1 of bile, respectively. Metabolite levels were not influenced by feeding status or sexual hormones (p

Coastal marine sediments are a complex mixture originated from both terrestrial and marine sources characterized by terrestrial runoff, high primary production, and atmospheric deposition. Organic material and the trace elements from these sources are delivered to the ocean and a significant portion of them sink through the water column and ultimately get stored in sediments. In order to evaluate the source and distribution of the sedimentary material and variations of the marine productivity of the Southeastern Brazilian continental margin between 23° S and 28° S, contents for n-alkanes, alkenones, chlorins, fatty acids, trace elements were analyzed. Alkenone-based sea surface temperatures lower than 24.2 °C were found only southwest to Sao Sebastiao Island while in the northeast the temperatures were higher than 24.2 °C. The distribution of organic material in sediments showed a predominance of terrigenous material and was ruled by the grain size. A correlation analysis indicates significant, positive values between the terrigenous and marine organic compounds, indicating the promotion of marine productivity by the input of terrigenous material (nutrient). Barium content was influenced by water depth as a result of an abiotic process in the formation of marine barite. Calcium and strontium were not correlated to the primary production proxies exhibited by the organic compounds.

Plastic pellets may serve as a carrier of toxic contaminants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Considering that beach morphodynamics and pellet distribution varied along the shore, and that contaminant sources may vary on different scales, it is expected that this variability is reflected in the concentration and composition of contaminants. This hypothesis was tested through a sampling of plastic pellets at 30 sites along the shore in Santos Bay (Brazil). The total PAH concentrations and the priority PAHs showed high variability, with no clear pattern. Their composition differed among the sampling sites; some of the compounds represent a potential risk to organisms. The sources of contamination, as indicated by the isomer ratios, were also variable among sites. The high small-scale spatial variability found here has implications for estimating the plastic pellet contamination on beaches, since a sample from a single site is unlikely to be representative of an entire beach.

Remote islands, such as the Sao Pedro and Sao Paulo Archipelago (SPSPA), Brazil, are pristine areas. However, these locations are not exempt from the arrival of anthropogenic agents, such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The present study aimed to determine the occurrence and distribution of POPs in the marine biota of the SPSPA. Sample extractions were performed using a microwave-assisted method. The predominant compounds were PCBs and DDTs, which respectively had mean wet weight concentrations of 62.23 and 9.23 ng g−1 in the tropical two-wing flying fish (Exocoetus volitans), 78.66 and 6.81 ng g−1 in the brown booby (Sula leucogaster) and 43.40 and 3.03 ng g−1 in the red rock crab (Grapsus grapsus). Low levels of contaminants suggest a relative degree of isolation. Occurrence and distribution profiles of PCBs support long-range atmospheric transport as the main source of contamination and demonstrate the ubiquity of these pollutants in the marine environment.

In the present study, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were determined in 25 livers from Magellanic penguins, Spheniscus magellanicus, found on the state of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). The following concentrations of POPs (wet weight) were found: ∑ PCBs: 18.9–775.8 ng g−1; ∑ DDTs: 2.3–275 ng g−1; and ∑ HCHs: 1.0–11.8 ng g−1. Among the PCBs, there was a predominance of hexachlorobiphenyls (138 and 153) and heptachlorobiphenyls (180 and 187). Among the organochlorines, DDT predominated. Through histopathologic exams a positive correlation was found between HCB and cardiovascular failure (p = 0.012), as HCB values (wet weight) were 6.33–96.49 ng g−1 for positive animals and 2.45–19.63 ng g−1 for negative animals. Studies on POPs in Magellan penguins contribute to a better understanding of the distribution and trends of these pollutants in the western South Atlantic Ocean.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T16:44:02Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2017-01-01 Fundação Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico Tropical marine environments are rich in biodiversity and the presence of harbor activities in these areas can harm the coastal ecosystems. In this study, we assessed sediment quality of two harbors from a tropical region in Brazil by applying multiple lines-of-evidence approach. This approach included the integration of results on: (1) grain size, organic matter, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, trace metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, linear alkylbenzenes, and tributyltin; (2) acute toxicity of whole sediments and chronic toxicity of liquid phases; and (3) benthic community descriptors. Our results revealed that the main contaminants detected in sediments from Mucuripe and Pecém Harbors were chromium, copper, nitrogen, zinc, and tributyltin. These toxicants arise from typical harbor activities. However, the changes in benthic composition and structure appear to depend on a combination of physical impacts, such as the deposition of fine sediments and the toxic potential of contaminants, especially in Mucuripe. Thus, apart from toxicants physical processes are important in describing risks. This information may assist in management and conservation of marine coastal areas. Instituto de Ciências do Mar Universidade Federal do Ceará Núcleo de Estudos em Poluição e Ecotoxicologia Aquática UNESP Instituto do Mar Universidade Federal de São Paulo Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares Universidade de São Paulo Instituto Oceanográfico Universidade de São Paulo - São Paulo Instituto de Oceanografia Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG) Núcleo de Estudos em Poluição e Ecotoxicologia Aquática UNESP Fundação Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico: 1571/07 Fundação Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico: BMD-0008-00058.01.18/09

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T16:41:51Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2016-04-01 Sediment samples collected in two harbors of a tropical region of Brazil were investigated for the distribution of linear alkylbenzenes (LABs), aliphatic (AHs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The levels of hydrocarbons in sediments from Mucuripe and Pecém harbors were lower than those reported in industrialized sites and threshold levels of sediment quality guidelines. Analysis of AHs revealed an input of biogenic compounds and, according to diagnostic ratios, PAHs in both harbors originated from pyrogenic sources, which can be related to harbor activities. The contribution of local and diffuse sources seemed to be less important, but not negligible. Deposition zones in both harbors are associated to sedimentation of particles, biogenic materials and hydrocarbons. The results of this study can assist in characterization and management of dredged material by providing information on the distribution and sources of hydrocarbons along the tropical zones, which is important for the identification of ecological risks associated with these compounds. Núcleo de Estudos em Poluição e Ecotoxicologia Aquática (NEPEA) Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Pça. Infante D. Henrique s/nº Universidade de São Paulo, Pça. do Oceanográfico, 191 Universidade Federal do Ceará, Av. da Abolição, 3207, Meireles Núcleo de Estudos em Poluição e Ecotoxicologia Aquática (NEPEA) Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Pça. Infante D. Henrique s/nº

Urban sewage is a concerning issue worldwide, threatening both wildlife and human health. The present study investigated protein oxidation in mangrove oysters (Crassostrea brasiliana) exposed to seawater from Balneário Camboriú, an important tourist destination in Brazil that is affected by urban sewage. Oysters were exposed for 24 h to seawater collected close to the Camboriú River (CAM1) or 1 km away (CAM2). Seawater from an aquaculture laboratory was used as a reference. Local sewage input was marked by higher levels of coliforms, nitrogen, and phosphorus in seawater, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), linear alkylbenzenes (LABs), and fecal steroid in sediments at CAM1. Exposure of oysters to CAM1 caused marked bioaccumulation of LABs and decreased PAH and PCB concentrations after exposure to both CAM1 and CAM2. Protein thiol oxidation in gills, digestive gland, and hemolymph was evaluated. Lower levels of reduced protein thiols were detected in hemolymph from CAM1, and actin, segon, and dominin were identified as targets of protein thiol oxidation. Dominin susceptibility to oxidation was confirmed in vitro by exposure to peroxides and hypochlorous acid, and 2 cysteine residues were identified as potential sites of oxidation. Overall, these data indicate that urban sewage contamination in local waters has a toxic potential and that protein thiol oxidation in hemolymph could be a useful biomarker of oxidative stress in bivalves exposed to contaminants. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1833-1845. © 2016 SETAC.

Organochlorines (OCs), such as pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), are persistent, toxic and widely distributed through atmospheric transport and ocean currents. Few studies have been conducted on OCs in sea turtles, especially on the coast of Brazil. Chelonia mydas is the largest hard-shell sea turtle and is found tropical and subtropical regions in all oceans. The aim of the present study was to determine the occurrence of OCs in the green sea turtle (C. mydas). Fat, liver, kidney and muscle samples were collected from 27 juveniles found on the beach of the city of Ubatuba on the northern coast of the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. OCs were extracted with organic solvents and the extract was purified with concentrated acid. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and electron capture detection were used for the identification and quantification of PCBs and pesticides, respectively. No organochlorine pesticides were detected in any of the samples. Concentrations of total PCBs in wet weight were

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T16:41:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2016-01-01 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) High spatial variability in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides, such as DDTs, and polybrominated diphenylethers was observed in plastic pellets collected randomly from 41 beaches (15 cities) in 2010 from the coast of state of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil. The highest concentrations ranged, in ng g-1, from 192 to 13,708, 3.41 to 7554 and

Seabirds play an important role as top consumers in the food web and can be used as biomonitors of exposure to pollutants. Contamination studies involving non-destructive sampling methods are of considerable importance, allowing better evaluation of the levels of pollutants and their toxic effects. In the present study, organohalogen contaminants were analyzed in 113 blood samples from Southern Giant Petrel (Macronectes giganteus) adults and chicks collected in the austral summer of 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 from colonies on Elephant and Livingston Islands, South Shetland, Antarctica. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), pentachlorobenzene (PeCB), mirex, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroetane and derivatives (DDTs) and chlordanes were detected in all birds, whereas polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were not detected in any blood samples. No significant differences were found in organochlorine levels between sampling events. Adults exhibited significantly higher levels than chicks, except for PeCB. PCBs, HCB, mirex and DDTs were statistically similar in males and females from Elephant Island. Females on Livingston Island exhibited higher HCB values than males, but no sex differences were found regarding other organochlorines. The similarity in organochlorine levels between sexes in birds with very marked sexual segregation in feeding habits during the breeding season may indicate that significant amounts of contaminants are acquired during migration to lower latitudes, when the diets of males and females are similar. Birds sampled on Livingston Island exhibited significantly lower levels of PCBs, HCB, DDTs, mirex and chlordanes in comparison to those on Elephant Island, which could be the result of distinct foraging patterns between the two colonies. Organochlorine levels were similar between years in birds captured in two consecutive breeding seasons. Blood samples from Southern Giant Petrels adults and chicks proved to be useful for the comparison of intraspecific contamination levels and appear to be adequate for the long-term assessment of organohalogen contaminants in antarctic top predators. Organochlorine contaminants in blood samples of Southern Giant Petrels reflected intra-specific differences and suggested distinct foraging patterns between colonies.

Remote biopsy sampling is the most common technique for acquiring samples from free-ranging marine mammals. However, such techniques may result in variable sampling being sometimes superficial skin and blubber biopsies. For decades, blubber has been used to monitor the exposure of marine mammals to persistent organic pollutants (POPs), but little is known regarding the variability of POPs as a function of blubber depth in small cetaceans and the available literature offers variable results. Thus, the aim of the present study was to validate biopsy sampling for monitoring contaminant concentrations in small, free-ranging cetaceans. Samples from the dorsal blubber of 10 incidentally captured Atlantic spotted dolphins ( Stenella frontalis ) were separated into two different layers (outer and inner) to investigate the influence of sampling depth on POP concentrations. POP concentrations were compared to those of the full blubber layer. The results revealed no significant differences in lipid content between males and females or among the inner, outer and full blubber layers (p > 0.05). Moreover, the wet and lipid weight concentrations of all POP classes analysed [i.e. polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), chlordanes (CHLs) and mirex] did not differ significantly with blubber depth (p > 0.05). POP classes followed the same decreasing order of wet weight concentrations in blubber layers and full blubber: PCBs > DDTs > PBDEs > mirex > HCB > HCHs > CHLs. Moreover, there was a low degree of differentiation in the accumulation of POP congeners. The present findings indicated that the distribution of contaminants was homogenous with blubber depth, which validates the use of biopsy sampling for the assessment of contaminants in small cetaceans.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-11-26T16:56:23Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2016-08-01 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Understanding the mechanism of phenanthrene (PHE) biotransformation and related cellular responses in bivalves can be an important tool to elucidate the risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to aquatic organisms. In the present study it was analyzed the transcriptional levels of 13 biotransformation genes related to cytochrome P450 (CYP), glutathione S-transferase (GST), sulfotransferase (SULT), flavin-containing monooxygenase and fatty acid-binding proteins by qPCR in gill of scallops Nodipecten nodosus exposed for 24 or 96 h to 50 or 200 mu g L-1 PHE (equivalent to 0.28 and 1.12 mu M, respectively), followed by depuration in clean water for 96 h (DEP). Likewise, it was quantified the activity of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), GST and levels of lipid peroxidation. Increased transcriptional levels of CYP2U1-like, CYP2D20-like, CYP3A11-like, GSTomega-like, SULTIBI-like genes were detected in organisms exposed to PHE for 24 or 96 h. In parallel, GR and GPX activities increased after 96 h exposure to 200 mu g L-1 PHE and G6PDH activity increased after 24 h exposure to 50 mu g L-1 PHE. This enhancement of antioxidant and phase I and II biotransformation systems may be related to the 2.7 and 12.5 fold increases in PHE bioaccumulation after 96 h exposure to 50 and 200 mu g L-1 PHE, respectively. Interestingly, DEP caused reestablishment of GPX and GR activity, as well as to the transcript levels of all upregulated biotransformation genes (except for SULTIBI-like). Bioaccumulated PHE levels decreased 2.5-2.9 fold after depuration, although some biochemical and molecular modifications were still present. Lipid peroxidation levels remained lower in animals exposed to 200 mu g L-1 PHE for 24 h and DEP. These data indicate that N. nodosus is able to induce an antioxidant and biotransformation-related response to PHE exposure, counteracting its toxicity, and DEP can be an effective protocol for bivalve depuration after PHE exposure. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Univ Fed Santa Catarina, Dept Biochem, Lab Biomarkers Aquat Contaminat & Immunochem, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil Univ Fed Santa Catarina, Aquaculture Pathol Res Ctr NEPAQ, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil Univ Sao Paulo, Oceanog Inst, Lab Marine Organ Chem, Sao Paulo, Brazil Univ Fed Santa Catarina, Ctr Agr Sci, Dept Aquaculture, LMM, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil UNESP, IBILCE, Dept Chem & Environm Sci, Sao Jose Do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil UNESP, IBILCE, Dept Chem & Environm Sci, Sao Jose Do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil

The occurrence of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) in crabs Hepatus pudibundus and Callinectesdanae was assessed from two different places inside of the Santos Bay and Moela Island near one of the most economically important metropolitan areas in Southern Brazil. Among POPs analyzed, ∑PCBs (222-923 ng g(-1)lipid weight) and ∑DDTs (154-410 ng g(-1)lw) exhibited the highest concentrations in the crabs. ∑HCHs ranged from 10.3 to 30.9 ng g(-1)lw and were found in all individuals. Other OCPs found in lower concentration was Mirex (7.6-41.6 ng g(-1)lw) and HCB (5.83-16.9 ng g(-1)lw). ∑PBDEs (24.1 ng g(-1)lw) were only found in one male individual from the species C. danae collected near to the submarine sewage of Santos. Male crabs showed higher POP concentrations than female crabs for those two species.

The release of untreated sanitary sewage, combined with unplanned urban growth, are major factors contributing to degradation of coastal ecosystems in developing countries, including Brazil. Sanitary sewage is a complex mixture of chemicals that can negatively affect aquatic organisms. The use of molecular biomarkers can help to understand and to monitor the biological effects elicited by contaminants. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in transcript levels of genes related to xenobiotic biotransformation in the gills of oysters Crassostrea brasiliana transplanted and kept for 24h at three areas potentially contaminated by sanitary sewage (Bucheller river, BUC; Biguacu river, BIG; and Ratones island, RAT), one farming area (Sambaqui beach, SAM) and at one reference site (Forte beach, FOR) in the North Bay of Santa Catarina Island (Florianopolis, Brazil). Transcript levels of four cytochrome P450 isoforms (CYP2AU1, CYP3A-like, CYP356A1-like and CYP20A1-like), three glutathione S-transferase (GST alpha-like, GST pi-like and GST microsomal 3-like) and one sulfotransferase gene (SULT-like) were evaluated by means of quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Chemical analysis of the sediment from each site were performed and revealed the presence of aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, linear alkylbenzenes and fecal sterols in the contaminated areas (BUC and BIG). Water quality analysis showed that these sites had the highest levels of fecal coliforms and other parameters evidencing the presence of urban sewage discharges. Among the results for gene transcription, CYP2AU1 and SULT-like levels were upregulated by 20 and 50-fold, respectively, in the oysters kept for 24h at the most contaminated site (BUC), suggesting a role of these genes in the detoxification of organic pollutants. These data reinforce that gills possibly have an important role in xenobiotic metabolism and highlight the use of C. brasiliana as a sentinel for monitoring environmental contamination in coastal regions.

This study aimed to provide the first biomonitoring integrating biomarkers and bioaccumulation data in Sao Paulo coast, Brazil and, for this purpose, a battery of biomarkers of defense mechanisms was analyzed and linked to contaminants' body burden in a weigh-of-evidence approach. The brown mussel Perna perna was selected to be transplanted from a farming area (Caraguatatuba) to four possibly polluted sites: Engenho D'Agua, DTCS (Dutos e Terminais do Centro-Oeste de Sao Paulo) oil terminal (Sao Sebastiao zone), Palmas Island, and Itaipu (It; Santos Bay zone). After 3 months of exposure in each season, mussels were recollected and the cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A)- and CYP3A-like activities, glutathione-S-transferase and antioxidants enzymes (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase) were analyzed in gills. The concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, linear alkylbenzenes, and nonessential metals (Cr, Cd, Pb, and Hg) in whole tissue were also analyzed and data were linked to biomarkers' responses by multivariate analysis (principal component analysis—factor analysis). A representation of estimated factor scores was performed to confirm the factor descriptions and to characterize the studied stations. Biomarkers exhibited most significant alterations all year long in mussels transplanted to It, located at Santos Bay zone, where bioaccumulation of organic and inorganic compounds was detected. This integrated approach using transplanted mussels showed satisfactory results, pointing out differences between sites, seasons, and critical areas, which could be related to land-based contaminants' sources. The influence of natural factors and other contaminants (e.g., pharmaceuticals) on biomarkers' responses are also discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2012.

This paper describes the first results of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and spheroidal carbonaceous particles (SCPs) in sediment cores of Admiralty Bay, Antarctica. These markers were used to assess the local input of anthropogenic materials (particulate and organic compounds) as a result of the influence of human occupation in a sub-Antarctic region and a possible long-range atmospheric transport of combustion products from sources in South America. The highest SCPs and PAHs concentrations were observed during the last 30 years, when three research stations were built in the area and industrial activities in South America increased. The concentrations of SCPs and PAHs were much lower than those of other regions in the northern hemisphere and other reported data for the southern hemisphere. The PAH isomer ratios showed that the major sources of PAHs are fossil fuels/petroleum, biomass combustion and sewage contribution generally close to the Brazilian scientific station.

Admiralty Bay on the King George Island hosts the Brazilian, Polish and Peruvian research stations as well as the American and Ecuadorian field stations. Human activities in this region require the use of fossil fuels as an energy source, thereby placing the region at risk of hydrocarbon contamination. Hydrocarbon monitoring was conducted on water and sediment samples from the bay over 15 years. Fluorescence spectroscopy was used for the analysis of total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in seawater samples and gas chromatography with flame ionization and/or mass spectrometric detection was used to analyse individual n-alkanes and PAHs in sediment samples. The results revealed that most sites contaminated by these compounds are around the Brazilian and Polish research stations due to the intense human activities, mainly during the summer. Moreover, the sediments revealed the presence of hydrocarbons from different sources, suggesting a mixture of the direct input of oil or derivatives and derived from hydrocarbon combustion. A decrease in PAH concentrations occurred following improvement of the sewage treatment facilities at the Brazilian research station, indicating that the contribution from human waste may be significant.

O ambiente marinho é o destino final de muitos contaminantes, como os PAHs, PCBs, DDTs e HCHs, que têm sido detectados em vários compartimentos do ambiente marinho, podendo trazer efeitos deletérios para o ecossistema. O objetivo deste trabalho foi a avaliação da contaminação por hidrocarbonetos alifáticos, PAHs, PCBs, DDTs e HCHs através da análise de 15 amostras de sedimento, 6 de mexilhão e 11 de fígado de peixe. Para isso, foi otimizada uma mesma metodologia para todas as matrizes bióticas. A amostragem foi feita ao longo da costa do estado do Rio de Janeiro, no período de 1996 a 1998, durante o Programa de Monitoramento do Ambiente do Meio Ambiente Marinho, promovido pela Marinha do Brasil. Os controles de qualidade analítica e confiabilidade dos dados gerados seguiram os padrões internacionais. A metodologia utilizada foi considerada satisfatória para análise dos organismos e sedimentos, de acordo com a avaliação feita através da análise de materiais de referência certificados. Os PCBs e DDTs apresentaram o fenômeno da magnificação com concentrações crescentes: sedimentos < mexilhões < peixes. Os HCHs apresentaram as maiores concentrações nos mexilhões. Os hidrocarbonetos alifáticos apresentaram concentrações similares nas três matrizes amostradas, o mesmo ocorrendo com os PAHs. As concentrações de hidrocarbonetos do petróleo indicam que as maiores introduções são próximas às áreas urbanas. Os PCBs e pesticidas também foram detectados em grande parte das amostras, mas em baixas concentrações. A fonte desses OCs para o ambiente marinho pode ser oriunda de outras regiões devido ao transporte e à deposição atmosférica. A comparação entre as matrizes mostrou a importância da análise simultânea de sedimentos e organismos em função da concentração de cada grupo de compostos e sua diferente acumulação. The marine environment is the final recipient of many organic compounds that are widely found in seawater, sediments and organisms. The purpose of this study was the assessment of the contamination of aliphatic hydrocarbons, PAHs, PCBs, DDTs and HCHs through the analyses of 15 sediments, 6 mussels and 11 fish livers. The same methodology was optimized for biotic matrices. The sampling was performed from 1996 to 1998 along the Coast of the State of Rio de Janeiro, during the Brazilian Navy Environmental Monitoring Program. Quality assurance and quality control followed the international procedures. The methodology give satisfactory results in accord with the analyses of certified standard reference materials. Data of PCBs and DDTs from different matrices revealed increasing concentrations: sediment < mussel < fish. HCHs prevailed in mussels. Data of aliphatic hydrocarbons and PAHs were similar between sediments and organisms. Levels of petroleum hydrocarbons showed major inputs near the urban areas. PCBs and chlorinated pesticides were detected in the majority of samples but in low levels. These inputs can be attributed to long-range atmospheric transport. Comparison among the sampled matrices showed the importance of simultaneous analyses of sediments and organisms based in the concentration of each group of compounds and their different accumulations.