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Urban tropical lagoons are often impacted by eutrophication, metal, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination, but the toxicity of their bottom sediments is still poorly investigated in South America. Aiming to contribute to filling this gap, a sediment quality assessment was conducted in the Tijuca Lagoon (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) using different lines of evidence (LOEs) including sediment characterization, determination of metals and PAHs, and acute toxicity testing with burrowing amphipods (Tiburonella viscana). Mud and organic matter contents played a crucial role in contaminant distribution along the lagoon. The concentrations of PAH were generally low (mean ΣPAH = 795.42 ± 1146.2 ng/g; n = 23), but a contamination hotspot of light PAH compounds was identified. Such PAHs were mainly pyrolytic, probably related to the deposition of atmospheric pollution, although petrogenic compounds also occur in the lagoon. The data indicated the occurrence of geochemical anomalies of Zn, Cu, Pb, and Hg (mean values = 176.9 ± 91.6, 45.1 ± 21.3, 35.2 ± 15.0, 0.1442 ± 0.0893 mg/kg, respectively; n = 23), probably associated with industrial wastes, garbage deposition, urban runoff, and domestic sewage contributions. The mortality of T. viscana was significant for more than 85% of the samples (mean mortality = 70.3 ± 26.0%; n = 23), but it was not significantly correlated with PAH and metal concentrations. On the other side, domestic sewage contributions and eutrophication seem to play a relevant role in sediment toxicity. Actually, the toxicity observed in the tests seems to be due to the simultaneous influence of multiple toxicants and their combined effects on the organisms. Such stressors may include not only metals, PAH, and eutrophication but also chemicals not evaluated in this study, such as hormones, pharmaceuticals and personal care compounds, perfluorocompounds, detergents, and others.

Biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are considered a promising alternative to their synthetic versions. However, the environmental impact of such nanomaterials is still scarcely understood. Thus, the present study aims at assessing the antimicrobial action and ecotoxicity of AgNPs biosynthesized by the fungus Aspergillus niger IBCLP20 towards three freshwater organisms: Chlorella vulgaris, Daphnia similis, and Danio rerio (zebrafish). AgNPs IBCLP20 showed antibacterial action against Klebsiella pneumoniae between 5 and 100 μg mL

Accidents involving fuels and oil spills are among the main sources of hydrocarbons to the marine ecosystems and often damage the biota. Diesel and bunker oil are two examples of fuels with broad application that release hydrocarbons to the aquatic environment and little is known about their toxicity on tropical organisms. This study aimed to assess the toxicity of the water-soluble fraction (WSF) of diesel and bunker oils to neotropical marine invertebrates. Commercial fuels were purchased for WSF extraction, analyzed for total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and acute and chronic toxicity determined. The WSF analyzed contained varied levels of TPH and PAHs mixtures, especially low molecular weight PAHs; bunker WSF presented higher amounts of TPH and PAHs. Both WSFs tested produced significant mortality of the brine shrimp Artemia salina, affected the reproduction rate of the copepod Nitokra sp, and impaired the embryo-larval development of the mussel Perna perna and of the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus. In general WSF from diesel was more toxic to the organisms tested, but bunker WSF was more toxic to embryos of L. variegatus. Toxicity started from concentrations of 3% WSF, which can be environmentally relevant after an oil spill, indicating that marine biota may be adversely affected in short term.

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-06T16:34:12Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-09-01 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) The Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon (RFL - Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil) is a highly polluted and eutrophic lacustrine system, which has been often used for the practice of aquatic sports, including during the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. This study proposes the evaluation of metal concentrations in surface sediments from the RFL before and after urban interventions performed for the 2016 Olympics, as well as their toxicity to the benthic amphipod Tiburonella viscana and embryos of the sea-urchin Echinometra lucunter. Metal concentrations determined in 2017 were significantly higher than those obtained in 2015 (especially Cu, Cd and Ni), suggesting that the interventions performed to fulfill the requirements of the Olympics increased metal contents in sediments. The sediments from the northern sector of the RFL were muddier, more organically enriched, exhibited higher metal concentrations and were more toxic to T. viscana when compared to the sediments collected in the southern sector. This fact is particularly important since the practice of sports, including during the 2016 Olympics, has been preferably performed in the northern sector. Metal distribution was strongly correlated with organic matter and mud contents. The toxicity to E. lucunter embryos was high for both northern and southern sediments; most of the samples led to 100% lack or abnormal embryonic development. The integration of physical, chemical and ecotoxicological data indicates that the mortality to T. viscana was correlated with metal contents, whereas the toxicity to E. lucunter was apparently related to the release of ammonia from the sediment to water column. Finally, high metal concentrations and the toxicity to aquatic organisms evidence the ecological risks to the biota from RFL. High metal concentrations and the toxicity to aquatic organisms evidence the ecological risks to the biota from Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon (Rio de Janeiro – Brazil). Federal University of Rio de Janeiro UFRJ. CCMN–Geosciences Institute. Departament of Geology. Rio de Janeiro RJ Brazil, Av. Athos da Silveira Ramos, 274 – Cidade Universitária Federal University of Rio de Janeiro UFRJ. CCMN–Geosciences Institute. Department of Geography, Rio de Janeiro São Paulo State University (UNESP) Campus Litoral Paulista, São Vicente, São Paulo Centre for Mineral Technology CETEM/MCTI, Av. Pedro Calmon, 900. Cidade Universitária Federal University of Rio de Janeiro UFRJ. Institute of Biology. Department of Marine Biology São Paulo State University (UNESP) Campus Litoral Paulista, São Vicente, São Paulo CNPq: PQ 311609/2014-7

Chemical pollution is considered a factor that may threaten marine protected areas (MPAs), and recent studies have found contamination and associated biological effects in some MPAs. However, organized data on this topic are lacking. This study reviewed the literature on pollution in MPAs in order to compile data, determine whether MPAs are influenced by pollution and, whenever possible, describe how they are being affected by contaminants. The results show that the pollution status is unknown in most MPAs worldwide. When any information is available, it is often insufficient to diagnose the threats to biodiversity or to support further actions. More robust and extensive information is available on a small number of MPAs, and much less information is available regarding the negative effects of pollution. More than 80% of the areas studied exhibited evidence of contamination at potentially toxic concentrations or were found to have a status that produced toxic effects on the biota. The scientific community is encouraged to study pollution in MPAs worldwide.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T08:35:01Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 Accidents involving fuels and oil spills are among the main sources of hydrocarbons to the marine ecosystems and often damage the biota. Diesel and bunker oil are two examples of fuels with broad application that release hydrocarbons to the aquatic environment and little is known about their toxicity on tropical organisms. This study aimed to assess the toxicity of the water-soluble fraction (WSF) of diesel and bunker oils to neotropical marine invertebrates. Commercial fuels were purchased for WSF extraction, analyzed for total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and acute and chronic toxicity determined. The WSF analyzed contained varied levels of TPH and PAHs mixtures, especially low molecular weight PAHs; bunker WSF presented higher amounts of TPH and PAHs. Both WSFs tested produced significant mortality of the brine shrimp Artemia salina, affected the reproduction rate of the copepod Nitokra sp, and impaired the embryo-larval development of the mussel Perna perna and of the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus. In general WSF from diesel was more toxic to the organisms tested, but bunker WSF was more toxic to embryos of L. variegatus. Toxicity started from concentrations of 3% WSF, which can be environmentally relevant after an oil spill, indicating that marine biota may be adversely affected in short term. Núcleo de Estudos em Poluição e Ecotoxicologia Aquática (NEPEA) Câmpus do Litoral Paulista da Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Instituto Oceanográfico Universidade de São Paulo (IO-USP) Instituto do Mar Universidade Federal de São Paulo (IMar/UNIFESP) Núcleo de Estudos em Poluição e Ecotoxicologia Aquática (NEPEA) Câmpus do Litoral Paulista da Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T11:15:18Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 This review presents a comprehensive compilation of toxicological and environmental data, further used to assess the ecological risk (ERA) of the 11 EU approved antifouling biocides (PT21). Diuron, chlorothalonil, DCOIT, and pyrithiones are amongst the most toxic biocides toward producer species, while, CuSCN, medetomidine, and zineb showed higher toxicity toward consumers. In addition, medetomidine, CuSNC, zineb, Cu2O, and chlorothalonil are up to 400-fold more toxic to non-target organisms than target organisms highlighting their potential threat for marine ecosystems. Biocides hazard, which was assessed based on the marine PNECprobabilistic for biocides having enough and reliable ecotoxicological data, can be summarized in the following order: ZnPT (more hazardous) > CuPT > DCOIT > diuron > chlorothalonil > dichlofluanid > tolylfluanid. For the remaining biocides, the marine hazard was calculated based on the PNECdeterministic as follows: CuSCN (more hazardous) > Cu2O > medetomidine > zineb. The risk assessment indicates that the following biocides poses risk (quotient >1) for the coastal ecosystems: DCOIT, diuron, dichlofluanid, chlorothalonil, CuSCN, Cu2O, medetomidine and zineb. In order to protect the services and functions of coastal environments, a systematic and continuous monitoring of these biocides in coastal areas are highly recommended. Current regulatory framework and the replacement of state-of-the-art biocides by safer alternative is also critically discussed. São Paulo State University (UNESP) Department of Biology University of Aveiro CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies and Department of Biology University of Aveiro São Paulo State University (UNESP)

Sediments constitute a key compartment of coastal and marine ecosystems. They also constitute the ultimate sink for most of the chemical substances and a source of contamination to the benthic fauna. In this study, we aimed to develop a protocol for acute toxicity tests using the polychaete Armandia agilis as a model species. To achieve that, we evaluated the species tolerance to the salinity of overlying water (in the presence and absence of sediment), the tolerance to sediments with different particle sizes, the sensitivity to reference substances (potassium dichromate – K2Cr2O7, zinc sulfate – ZnSO4; and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate - SDS), and the responses to clean and contaminated sediments. The species survives in several latitudes on the American coast (North Carolina, Gulf of Mexico, and South-Southeast of Brazil) in different haline conditions (above 20) in typically sandy textures. In Ilhabela (SE Brazil), the species was available throughout the year. The LC50-48h values calculated to the K2Cr2O7, ZnSO4, and SDS, were 20.94 (33.38-14.04); 4.25 (7.66-2.98); 4.90 (6.59-3.84) mg L-1 respectively; thus A. agilis can be considered as sensitive as other benthic organisms. The responses of A. agilis to environmental sediments were similar to those exhibited by the amphipod Tiburonella viscana, showing that this polychaete is responsive to contaminated sediments. Armandia agilis can be considered a promising organism to be used in sediment toxicity tests.

The Santos-Sao Vicente Estuarine System has a long history of environmental impacts, and several studies have been performed in this region. However, the quality of its tributaries was not previously studied. This study aimed to investigate the quality of sediments from five rivers (Santana, Mariana, Piacabucu, Quilombo, and Diana Rivers) and three sampling sites at Piacaguera Canal (riverbed, right and left banks), by using an integrated approach involving chemical analyses and whole sediment toxicity tests. Chronic and acute toxicity tests were performed using, respectively, copepods Nitocra sp. and amphipods Tiburonella viscana. The studied sediments presented moderate to high levels of PAHs, PCBs, metals (Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Zn), and As. The majority of sediments produced chronic toxic effects, and samples from Piacaguera Canal were consistently toxic in all acute and chronic tests. The integration of data through multivariate analyses indicated that the toxicity was closely related to the sediments contamination. Chemical data were compared with sediment quality guidelines, which evidenced that the site-specific values are adequate to predict impacts. The levels of organic chemicals and metals suggest constant inputs from diffuse and point sources, demanding actions to ensure effective control and management of the contamination sources to the estuary.

The encapsulation of the biocide DCOIT in mesoporous silica nanocapsules (SiNC) has been applied to reduce the leaching rate and the associated environmental impacts of coatings containing this biocide. This research aimed to evaluate the effects of DCOIT in both free and nanostructured forms (DCOIT vs. SiNC-DCOIT, respectively) and the unloaded SiNC on different life stages of the bivalve Perna perna: (a) gametes (fertilization success), (b) embryos (larval development), and (c) juveniles mussels (byssus threads production and air survival after 72 h of aqueous exposure). The effects on fertilization success showed high toxicity of DCOIT (40 min-EC50 = 0.063 &mu, g L&minus, 1), followed by SiNC-DCOIT (8.6 &mu, 1) and SiNC (161 &mu, 1). The estimated 48 h-EC50 of SiNC, DCOIT and SiNC-DCOIT on larval development were 39.8, 12.4 and 6.8 &mu, 1, respectively. The estimated 72 h-EC50 for byssus thread production were 96.1 and 305.5 &micro, 1, for free DCOIT and SiNC-DCOIT, respectively. Air survival was significantly reduced only for mussels exposed to free DCOIT. Compared to its free form, SiNC-DCOIT presented a balanced alternative between efficacy and toxicity, inhibiting efficiently the development of the target stage (larvae that is prone to settle) and satisfactorily preventing the juvenile attachment.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T07:26:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2015-06-08 After the Tributyltin world ban, Irgarol 1051 and Diuron have been the most commonly used biocides in antifouling paints. When adsorbed to suspended particulate matter or introduced as paint particles, these compounds accumulate in marine sediments and potentially cause ecological damage to benthic organisms. Therefore, a microcosm experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of Irgarol 1051 and Diuron, individually, on a meiofaunal community with emphasis on the dominant nematode assemblages. The experiment tested two factors: Treatment (two types of controls and three environmentally relevant concentrations of each contaminant) and Exposure time (5, 15 and 30 days). Significant declines in meiofauna density, nematode species richness and diversity, and changes in multivariate community structure were observed for both biocides at all exposure levels when compared to controls. Decreases occurred early on, within five days of exposure, which suggests that mortality, and not sub-lethal effects, has befallen upon the organisms. Sediment chlorophyll a and pheopigment concentrations, and redox potential were monitored to verify any indirect effects to the fauna through changes in the environment and results gave no indications of such mediated effects pointing to a direct toxic effect of both Irgarol and Diuron on the meiofauna. Although contaminated treatments showed a significant decline in the relative abundances of a particular functional group represented by the larger, longer-lived species, we did not observe the typical expected switch to smaller, more opportunistic taxa. Indeed, differences between controls and contaminated treatments were mainly due to an overall reduction in densities of the most abundant species in contaminated treatments. The high mortality (ca. 50% decline in total abundances), changes in community structure and species loss observed at biocide levels frequently encountered in the field suggest Irgarol and Diuron as a threat to benthic communities. Such severe effects contrast to other studies that have detected lower impacts, suggesting the free-living nematodes as potential indicators of marine pollution and the microcosm approach using natural communities as an impending tool for ecotoxicological studies. Instituto Do Mar da Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Av. Alm. Saldanha da Gama, 89 Centro de Biologia Marinha da Universidade de São Paulo, Rodovia Manoel Hypólito Do Rego, km 131.5 Instituto Oceanografico da Universidade de Sao Paulo, Praca Do Oceanografico, 191, Cidade Universitária Universidade Estadual de São Paulo, Campus Experimental Do Litoral Paulista, Praça Infante Dom Henrique, s/n Centro de Estudos Do Mar da Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Av. Beira-mar, s/n Universidade Estadual de São Paulo, Campus Experimental Do Litoral Paulista, Praça Infante Dom Henrique, s/n

The Ribeira de Iguape River (RIR) was historically contaminated by residues from mining activities. These activities ceased in the late 1990’s, but the residues remained deposited along the river banks. This study aimed to evaluate the sediment characteristics of the RIR in different hydro-meteorological conditions and detect eventual changes in the geochemistry. Three sampling surveys were conducted, in which sediments were collected in 6 sites, and then analyzed for sediment textures and metals concentrations. Sediments were predominantly sandy, and samples collected downstream to the mining areas tended to be enriched by metals, especially Pb, Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn. Concentrations of metals in sediments tended to be higher after rainstorm episodes, evidencing the pollution sources are not totally controlled and that the stormwater runoff may carry metals to the RIR.

The Ribeira de Iguape River basin received intense mining activities for lead exploiting and, as a result, the river received thedischarges of estimated amounts of 5.5 tons/month of material rich in As, Ba, Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr and Zn. In this article, the toxicityof waters and sediments collected in Ribeira de Iguape River was assessed aiming to estimate environmental quality. Threesampling campaigns were conducted, from 2009 to 2010. Toxicity tests with the cladoceran Daphnia similis were done for watersamples and for sediments, in this case using sediment-water interface exposure. Results showed in general absence of toxicityfor sediments and waters, and only eventually were acute effects registered (marginal toxicity). Results are consistent with theconditions indicated by the literature, of low concentrations of metals in waters and sediments; however they differ from themonitoring made by the state environmental agency, which registered chronic toxicity. The occurrence of eventual acute toxicityindicates that although Ribeira de Iguape River quality is being restored, conditions still are not totally under control.

O histórico de contaminação por metais no Vale do Rio Ribeira de Iguape é bem conhecido, com evidências de transporte destes contaminantes ao Complexo Estuarino Lagunar de Cananéia-Iguape (CELCI), adsorvidos ao material em suspensão. Assim, os metais podem alcançar o setor sul do CELCI, podendo acumular nos sedimentos e nos organismos filtradores. Neste estudo foi realizada uma avaliação de risco ecológico no CELCI associado à presença de metais oriundos das antigas áreas de mineração do Alto Ribeira, utilizando diferentes linhas de evidência. Os resultados foram avaliados de forma integrada, incluindo análises geoquímicas e biológicas (ensaios de toxicidade aguda, medidas de bioacumulação e biomarcadores bioquímicos em brânquias de bivalves). Os sedimentos apresentaram níveis moderados a altos de metais e toxicidade aguda, a qual foi associada, especialmente, com as concentrações de Cu, Pb e Zn. Da mesma forma estes metais foram encontrados em concentrações altas nos tecidos de bivalves. Os biomarcadores bioquímicos (MT, GSH, GST, GPx, GR, AChE, LPO e danos em DNA) indicaram a ocorrência de efeitos significativos nos bivalves. Portanto, os resultados mostram que os metais estão sendo carreados para a porção sul do estuário, causando bioacumulação e efeitos nos organismos aquáticos e, portanto, gerando riscos ecológicos para o CELCI. The historic of contamination by metals in the Valley of Ribeira de Iguape River is well known, and there are evidences that these chemicals are carried to the Estuarine Complex of Cananeia-Iguape (ECCI), adsorbed on the suspended particles. Metals can thus reach the south of the ECCI, where they may accumulate in the sediments and filter feeding organisms. This study aimed to evaluate the ecological risks associated to the metals originated from the former mining areas of the upstream Ribeira de Iguape River, by using different lines of evidence, which included geochemical and biological analysis (acute toxicity tests, bioaccumulation and biochemical biomarkers in bivalves\' gills). The sediments presented moderate to high levels of metals and acute toxicity, which was correlated with the concentrations of metals (Cu, Pb and Zn). These elements were found in high concentrations in the bivalves soft tissues. The biochemical biomarkers (MT, GSH, GST, GPx, GR, AChE, LPO, and DNA damage) indicated the occurrence of significant effects in the bivalves. Therefore, the results showed that metals are carried into the South portion of the estuary, accumulating in the biota and causing negative effects to the aquatic organisms, producing thus ecological risks to the ECCI.

In the present study, embryotoxicity experiments using the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus were carried out to better clarify the ecotoxicological effects of tributyltin (TBT) and triphenyltin (TPT) (the recently banned antifouling agents), and Irgarol and Diuron (two of the new commonly used booster biocides). Organisms were individually examined to evaluate the intensity and type of effects on embryo-larval development, this procedure has not been commonly used, however it showed to be a potentially suitable approach for toxicity assessment. NOEC and LOEC were similar for compounds of same chemical class, and IC10 values were very close and showed overlapping of confidence intervals between TBT and TPT, and between Diuron and Irgarol. In addition, IC10 were similar to NOEC values. Regardless of this, the observed effects were different. Embryo development was interrupted at the gastrula and blastula stages at 1.25 and 2.5 μg l(-1) of TBT, respectively, whereas pluteus stage was reached with the corresponding concentrations of TPT. Furthermore, embryos reached the prism and morula stages at 5 μg l(-1) of TPT and TBT, respectively. The effects induced by Irgarol were also more pronounced than those caused by Diuron. Pluteus stage was always reached at any tested Diuron concentration, while embryogenesis was interrupted at blastula/gastrula stages at the highest concentrations of Irgarol. Therefore, this study proposes a complementary approach for interpreting embryo-larval responses that may be employed together with the traditional way of analysis. Consequently, this application leads to a more powerful ecotoxicological assessment tool focused on embryotoxicity.

Organotin compounds (OTs) were used in antifouling paints for more than four decades. However, due to their widespread intensive use and high toxicity, undesirable effects in non-target marine organisms have been detected since the early 1980s. Consequently, the International Maritime Organization banned new maritime applications of these products on January 1, 2003 and their presence on ship hulls from January 1, 2008. Although extensively studied in Europe, North America, Oceania, and Asia, environmental levels and effects of organotin contamination are still poorly known for South America. Thus, the current review aimed to present the actual status of this problem in South America by summarizing and comparing the available data in the literature. An overview of the OTs concentrations in sediment and biota and their effects, mainly imposex in marine gastropods, are presented. This work showed that in Atlantic coastal areas of South America there are "hot spots" of OTs contamination, similar to that observed in industrialized countries of Northern Hemisphere. On the other hand, the number of accomplished studies in the Pacific coast is extremely low. Despite the limitation on studies about OTs environmental levels and their related effects, the available data pointed out for a widespread TBT contamination along the South American coastal areas. Therefore, the establishment of baselines of organotin contamination in the Pacific coast and the implementation of temporal trend studies in the South American coastal areas is crucial to verify the effectiveness of local regulations and OTs global ban, and to map the most sensitive areas related to present and future antifouling impacts.