Environmental availability of potentially toxic elements in estuarine sediments of the Cananéia–Iguape coastal system, Southeastern Brazil

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin Vol. 103; pp. 260 - 269
• Main Authors: Tramonte, Keila Modesto, Rubens Cesar Lopes Figueira, Paulo Alves de Lima Ferreira, Andreza Portella Ribeiro, Miriam Fernanda Batista, Michel Michaelovitch de Mahiques
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 2016
• Subjects: bioavailability; coasts; conservation areas; copper; estuarine sediments; guidelines; lead; Metals; mining; monitoring; rain forests; Sequential extraction; toxic substances; United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization; Valo Grande; water pollution; zinc; Brazil
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363

The Cananéia–Iguape system is located in a Southeastern Brazilian coastal region, acknowledged by UNESCO as Biosphere Reserve of the Atlantic Rainforest. This system underwent important environmental changes due to the opening of the artificial channel of Valo Grande and by past intensive Pb ore mining activities. In view of this scenario, this study evaluated Cu, Pb and Zn availability in sediments from Cananéia–Iguape system, based on the content associated with the main components of the sediments. Moreover, in order to assess local contamination, the metals' contents were compared to Canadian quality guidelines, the past levels of metals preceding the mining activities and background sediment values. Concerning Cu and Zn in a state of chemical remobilization, both elements would possibly present no harm to the local communities. However, Pb available content exceeded the comparison values in various sampling sites, suggesting the need of monitoring regarding its bioavailability.