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Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T08:33:01Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2022-02-01 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Estuaries in the world are affected by different contamination sources related to urbanisation and port/industrial activities. Identifying the substances responsible for the environmental toxicity in estuaries is challenging due to the multitude of stressors, both natural and anthropogenic. The Toxicity Identification and Evaluation (TIE) is a suitable way of determining causes of toxicity of sediments, but it poses difficulties since its application is labour intensive and time consuming. The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnosis provided by a TIE based on microscale embryotoxicity tests with interstitial water (IW) to identify toxicants in estuarine sediments affected by multiple stressors. TIE showed toxicity due to different combinations of metals, apolar organic compounds, ammonia and sulphides, depending on the contamination source closest to the sampling station. The microscale TIE was able to discern different toxicants on sites subject to different contamination sources. There is good agreement between the results indicated in the TIE and the chemical analyses in whole sediment, although there are some disagreements, either due to the sensitivity of the test used, or due to the particularities of the use of interstitial water to assess the sediment toxicity. The improvement of TIE methods focused on identifying toxicants in multiple-stressed estuarine areas are crucial to discern contamination sources and subsidise management strategies. Departamento de Ciências do Mar Instituto do Mar Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Campus Baixada Santista, R. Dr. Carvalho de Mendonça, 144, Vila Belmiro, CEP 11070-102, Santos Programa de Pós-Graduação em Análise Ambiental Integrada Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Campus Diadema/Baixada Santista Instituto de Biociências Universidade do Estado de São Paulo (UNESP), Campus Experimental do Litoral Paulista, Praça Infante D. Henrique, s/n, Parque Bitaru, CEP 11330-900, São Vicente Laboratório de Ecotoxicologia Universidade Santa Cecília (UNISANTA), Rua Oswaldo Cruz, 266, Boqueirão, CEP 11045-101Santos Departamento de Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento Universidade de São Paulo (USP) Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB), Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes, 1524, Cidade Universitária, CEP, SP IPEN - Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares Centro do Reator de Pesquisa (CRPq), Avenida. Professor Lineu Prestes 2242, Cidade Universitária, CEP, SP Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN) Centro de Quimica e Meio Ambiente (CQMA), Avenida. Professor Lineu Prestes 2242, Cidade Universitária, CEP, SP Instituto de Biociências Universidade do Estado de São Paulo (UNESP), Campus Experimental do Litoral Paulista, Praça Infante D. Henrique, s/n, Parque Bitaru, CEP 11330-900, São Vicente CNPq: #301766/2019-3 CNPq: #486350-2013-4 FAPESP: 2015/00030-2

As hortas urbanas trazem benefícios alimentares e sociais, mas os poluentesatmosféricos são nocivos à saúde. Então, surge a questão: os alimentos dashortas urbanas são seguros? Para investigar, neste estudo utilizou-se a alfacecrespa, a mais consumida em São Paulo e bioindicadora de metais tóxicos.A pesquisa ocorreu de agosto a outubro de 2018, em horta urbana no telhadode um grande shopping da cidade de São Paulo, cercado de intenso tráfego deveículos. Utilizaram-se dois tratamentos, cultivo a céu aberto (T1) e cultivoem estufa com controle de ar (T2), com nove repetições cada. Após 60 dias,quantificaram-se as concentrações médias, nas amostras, dos elementosarsênio (As), cádmio (Cd), cromo (Cr), chumbo (Pb) e zinco (Zn), que nãoultrapassaram os limites máximos preconizados pela Agência Nacional deVigilância Sanitária (ANVISA). Concluiu-se que as alfaces não oferecem riscosà saúde humana, e o tratamento T2 reduziu o teor de Zn na alface (p

This technical note aims to report, in detail, the development, suitability and analytical validation of an artificial food to assess metal bioaccumulation in the blue crab Callinectes danae after metal exposure assays. For this purpose, lead (Pb) was chosen as the metal of interest. First, a non-contaminated artificial food was prepared by mixing commercial shrimps and agarose. The food was then offered on alternate days to two groups of crabs for 7 and 14 days, respectively. After confirming that this food was well-accepted by crabs, analytical procedures were performed to confirm that Pb added to the mixture would remain in the artificial food. For this purpose, two foods containing Pb at concentrations of 0.5 and 2.0 µg g−1 were prepared by adding aliquots of an ultrapure Pb standard solution to the mixture. Samples of each food were subjected to an acid extraction and Pb concentrations were determined by a GF-AAS. Pb recoveries in both contaminated foods were > 90%. Subsequently, another experiment was performed, and two groups of crabs were fed with contaminated artificial foods (0.5 and 2.0 µg g−1 of Pb) during 7 and 14 days, respectively. The observed acceptance of these foods by crabs at both Pb concentrations was of 100%.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-28T19:41:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-07-01 In the present study, sea urchin Sterechinus neumayeri tissues were used for the passive biomonitoring of toxic and trace elements at the Comandante Ferraz Station, Antarctica and compared to a pristine region (Botany). As, Ba, Br, Ca, Co, Cr, Fe, K, Na, Rb, Sc, Se and Zn concentrations were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), while toxic metals (Cd, Hg, Ni and Pb), and Cu were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS). The findings were compared to other organisms commonly applied for biomonitoring purposes and to the sediment concentrations of each sampling region. Urchins from the Ferraz Station area presented higher Br, Co, Cr, Cs, K, Se and Zn levels than the pristine location. The results obtained herein suggest S. neumayeri can be applied to the biomonitoring of Cr and Zn. The present study also contributes to knowledge of the mineral composition of the sea urchin S. neumayeri. Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares IPEN -CNEN/SP., Av. Professor Lineu Prestes 2242–Cidade Universitária Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524 Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Praça Infante Dom Henrique s/n Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Praça Infante Dom Henrique s/n

The concentrations of Platinum (Pt), Rhodium (Rh) and Palladium (Pd) were evaluated from a highly impacted estuary in Brazil influenced by industrial pole, highway traffic and sewage outfall. The Santos-Sao Vicente region presents important economic activities derived from a largest harbor of Latin America and an industrial pole surrounded by intensive highway traffic. Values of Rh varied from 0.08 to 1.7 ng g−1 with highest values at stations impacted by domestic waste. Pt ranged from 0.15 to 40.3 ng g−1 with highest concentrations located close to the ferryboat traffic. Pd levels varied from 1.05 to 22.0 ng g−1 with values >5 ng g−1 in 50% of the stations. The spatial distribution of PGEs was not always directly associated with muddy sediments, because high PGE levels found even in sandy sediments. Pollution indexes, including anthropogenic factor (AF), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), Enrichment factor (EF), and Pollution Load Index (PLI) were used for evaluating contaminant potential. Based on EF, Igeo, and PLI, 50% of samples of the sediments from Santos-Sao Vicente Estuarine System (SSV) were classified with significant to strong PGE contamination. All stations on the Santos Channel (SC), Sao Vicente Channel (SVC) and Bertioga Channel (BC) had AF higher than 80% in at least one of PGE elements, as showed in station 2A, which presented AF

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-12T01:59:10Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-04-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) This short note aims to report in detail a preliminary assessment of the concentrations of Cd, Hg and Pb in tissues of blue crabs Callinectes danae collected from the Cananéia-Iguape-Peruíbe estuarine complex (CIP), in the South of São Paulo State coast, Brazil. In October 2014, blue crabs were collected from CIP. Tissues were removed by dissection and metal determination was performed by GF-AAS and CV-AAS. According to statistical analysis, Pb and Cd concentrations in gills were significantly higher than those found in muscles and hepatopancreas, respectively. There were no significant differences in Hg concentrations between samples. Cd, Hg and Pb concentrations in gills and hepatopancreas were lower than those reported in a previous study performed at CIP. However, Cd concentration in hepatopancreas was higher than the Brazilian limit for consumption and new efforts to monitor Cd concentrations in C. danae tissues must be performed. UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista Campus do Litoral Paulista Núcleo de Estudos em Poluição e Ecotoxicologia Aquática (NEPEA) USP – Universidade de São Paulo, Praça Infante Dom Henrique s/n-Parque Bitaru Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB I), Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, n 1524 – Butantã Laboratório Nacional de Nanotecnologia Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais, R. Giuseppe Máximo Scolfaro, 10000 - Cidade Universitária IPEN - Nuclear and Energy Research Institute Research Reactor Centre, Avenida, Professor Lineu Prestes 2242 - Cidade Universitária UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista Campus do Litoral Paulista Núcleo de Estudos em Poluição e Ecotoxicologia Aquática (NEPEA) USP – Universidade de São Paulo, Praça Infante Dom Henrique s/n-Parque Bitaru FAPESP: 2014/01576-6

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-10T19:50:39Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-02-07 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) The environmental quality of a Ramsar wetland site located at the Cananeia-Iguape-Peruibe Protected Area (CIP-PA), in Sao Paulo, Brazil, was assessed by geochemical analyses and biomarker assessments (GPx, GST, GSH, GST, MT, LPO, DNA damage) performed in swimming crab Callinectes danae Smith, 1869 organs (posterior and anterior gills and hepatopancreas) to estimate sediment contaminant bioavailability. The results indicated that two sampling stations, PT and PM, exhibited the worst environmental conditions, as sediments collected at both points contained metal contamination, while crabs exhibited significant responses for GPx, GST, and LPO (mostly during winter). Sediment contamination tended to be associated to fine sediments (both seasons) and organic matter (winter). During the summer survey, Pb concentrations in sediments of station PT exceeded the Brazilian Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs) and the Canadian Interim Marine Sediment Quality Guidelines. Metal concentrations in sediments sampled in winter were higher compared with summer, with Co, Ni, and Pb exceeding SQGs levels at PT, whereas Co, Ni, Hg, Zn, and Pb exceeded SQGs at PM. Biomarker induction during summer appeared to be caused by natural variables (water salinity and temperature, and molting cycle), whereas oxidative stress and tissue damage during winter appeared to be more clearly linked to metal contamination. Anterior gills presented the clearest signs of seasonal variability, being more responsive to sediment contamination. The results suggest that metals originated from the upper Ribeira de Iguape River are transported toward the estuarine system, causing effects on C. danae individuals. Additionally, seasonality is a strong factor concerning CIP-PA toxicity, since the rainfall regime significantly modifies the freshwater flow and, consequently, estuarine water salinity, suspended particle and metal inputs, as well as the location of depositional areas. Thus, efforts to mitigate CIP-PA contamination should be based on the control of upstream pollution sources. Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Oceanog, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho UN, NEPEA, Campus Litoral Paulista, Sao Vicente, Brazil IPEN Nucl & Energy Res Inst, Res Reactor Ctr, Sao Paulo, Brazil Pontificia Univ Catolica Rio de Janeiro, Dept Chem QUI, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Lab Avaliacao & Promocao Saude Ambiental, Inst Oswaldo Cruz, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil Univ Fed Rio de Janeiro, Inst Quim, Rio De Janeiro, RJ, Brazil Univ Fed Fluminense, Programa Posgrad Geoquim, Dept Geoquim, Niteroi, RJ, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho UN, NEPEA, Campus Litoral Paulista, Sao Vicente, Brazil FAPESP: 09/52762-6 CNPq: 479899/2013-4 CNPq: 303620/2008-0 CNPq: 311609/2014-7 CNPq: 311820/2017-4 CNPq: 308649/2011

Concentration of metals in 15 bottom sediment samples from Tiete River, a significantly polluted river, were assessed. Total and partial trace element concentrations were determined, and As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn were found above local reference values. These metals were also higher than the threshold effect level (TEL) in some sampling points and Zn was higher than probable effect level (PEL) oriented values in almost all sampling points. The most polluted points were identified from Tiete to Barra Bonita Counties. Regarding sediment quality, this river is still polluted and precautions to minimize environmental problems caused by toxic metals to biota and to human health are necessary.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a concentracao de metais toxicos Cd, Cr, Cd, Hg, Ni, Pb e Zn e o semi-metal As e de outros metais de interesse, em amostras de sedimento superficial coletadas em pontos estrategicos no Sistema Billings (incluindo os Reservatorios Rio Grande e Guarapiranga), em duas campanhas de coleta. Para avaliar os niveis de contaminacao antropica foram calculados o fator de enriquecimento (FE) e o indice de geoacumulacao (IGeo), alem de utilizar os valores orientadores TEL e PEL de concentracao estabelecidos pelo CCME (Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment) e adotados pela CETESB. De maneira geral, os elementos As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb e Zn apresentaram valores acima de PEL para a maioria dos pontos analisados, resultando na classificacao de pessima qualidade dos sedimentos analisados. Os metais Cd e Hg estiveram entre TEL e PEL para a maioria dos pontos, em ambas as campanhas. Os resultados indicaram um maior comprometimento do reservatorio Billings com relacao ao teor de metais toxicos. O calculo do FE apresentou enriquecimento para os elementos Al, Ba, Fe, Mn, Sb e Se nos pontos analisados, apontando provavel contribuicao de origem antropica. O calculo de IGeo apontou a contaminacao dos reservatorios somente por Ba, Sb e Se. Este estudo evidenciou a necessidade de um monitoramento frequente da qualidade do sedimento nos Reservatorios Billings, Guarapiranga e Rio Grande, como procedimento indispensavel para avaliacao periodica da qualidade da bacia, considerando sua importância no fornecimento de agua para a Regiao Metropolitana de Sao Paulo. Palavras chave: metais toxicos, sedimentos, Complexo Billings

The monitoring of water bodies means the attempt of protecting vulnerable groups of organisms inhabiting streams and rivers. Industrial and domestic discharges may worsen the water quality and affect biological balance, structure and the functioning of the ecosystem. Cubatao City, is one of the largest industrial centers in Brazil and in Latin America, where the constant discharge of effluents into Cubatao River and its tributaries caused a degradation scenario in the hydrographic basin of the region. The objective of this study was to evaluate the acute and chronic effects of surface water from Cubatao River and two of its tributaries (Pereque and Piloes) by ecotoxicological assays. In addition, physical chemical parameters were analyzed. Ceriodaphnia dubia and Vibrio fischeri were exposed-organisms during the studied period. The study was conducted between 2010 and 2011 in four campaigns and nine sites along the basin of Cubatao River. The ecotoxicity was measured by Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence, EC50 values ranging from 31.25% to 71.61%. In contrast, based on a bioequivalence t-test statistical analysis, the results obtained with Ceriodaphnia dubia revealed no toxicity in the sampling sites. A critical analysis of raw data of luminescence was carried out showing higher values during the 2nd campaign. From the numbers obtained for physical-chemical parameters P5 was far the worst due to chlorides, hardness and conductivity. From the Pearson correlation analysis carried out with toxicity to V. fischeri and the physical chemical parameters, the dissolved oxygen in water resulted in a moderate positive correlation. Sediment contamination was also demonstrated in the region.

Vertical distribution of some rare earth elements (REEs) and trace elements through a Jurumirim Reservoir sediment core is presented. REE fractionation using BCR sequential extraction protocol was performed to verify REE mobility in the environment. Three steps (exchangeable, reducible, oxidizable) and residual fractions were studied and REE distribution for each was evaluated by ICP-MS. REEs showed a higher affinity for the reducible phase. Instrumental neutron activation analysis was also applied to sediment samples to determine the total mass fraction for some REE (Ce, Eu, La, Lu, Nd, Sm, Tb, and Yb). The diagrams normalized to chondrite values were used for a REE distribution pattern evaluation.

The human impact on estuarine regions results in an increasing concentration of trace elements in the environment, exposing aquatic organisms. In this study, Zn, Co, Cr, and As were determined in the muscle tissue of some fish species from Santos-Sao Vicente (SSV), a recognized polluted region, and in the Cananeia estuary (CAN). Genotoxicity was also determined for the evaluation of the chronic effect on ichthyofauna, to enlarge the bank of environmental data regarding the effects of pollution, and to suggest other fish bioindicator species that may contribute to monitoring programs. The obtained data showed a similar profile of an accumulation of Co and Zn in Micropogonias furnieri and Chaetodipterus faber, where: Santos Bay > CAN > inner area of SSV. A low frequency of micronucleus was observed. However, in general, fish from the inner area of the SSV estuary presented more nuclear abnormalities than fish from Santos Bay and CAN. In the inner area of SSV, Centropomus paralelus and Diapterus rhomneus showed more changes than other fish species. It was possible to consider that the habits of each species, contributed to a different profile of trace element accumulation, followed by the chemical components in the organism offering different vulnerability.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:21:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2018-10-30 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) This study aimed to assess the bioaccumulation of Pb and induction of metallothionein-like proteins (MT) in Callinectes danae through single and combined dietary and waterborne exposures. Male C. danae individuals were collected in the south area of the Cananéia-Iguape-Peruíbe Protected Area (APA-CIP), in São Paulo State, Brazil. After an acclimatization period, exposure assays were performed during 7 and 14 days, at two Pb concentrations (0.5 e 2.0 µg/g) in 4 treatments: 1) control; 2) contaminated water only; 3) contaminated food only; 4) contaminated water and food. The results indicate that C. danae is highly tolerant to Pb exposure at the evaluated concentrations. In gills, Pb bioaccumulation is more dependent of water efflux and time of exposure (higher Pb values). However, pathways act simultaneously in the induction of MT expression in this tissue. The decreases in Pb accumulation in the combined treatments and MT increases after 14 days in gills suggests that these proteins play a detoxification function in the presence of Pb. In hepatopancreas, depending on the predominance of a certain pathway or combined pathways, accumulation occured at different times. For muscle tissue, bioaccumulation was observed due to contaminated water exposure, but not dietary exposure, probably because Pb concentrations were low. UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista Campus do Litoral Paulista Núcleo de Estudos em Poluição e Ecotoxicologia Aquática (NEPEA), Praça Infante Dom Henrique s/n° Parque Bitaru, CEP 11330-900 USP ‐ Univ. de São Paulo Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB)- Departamento de Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes, 1524 - Cidade Universitária, CEP 05508-900 IPEN ‐ Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares Centro do Reator de Pesquisa (CRPq), venida. Professor Lineu Prestes 2242 - Cidade Universitária, CEP: 05508-000 UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista Campus do Litoral Paulista Núcleo de Estudos em Poluição e Ecotoxicologia Aquática (NEPEA), Praça Infante Dom Henrique s/n° Parque Bitaru, CEP 11330-900 FAPESP: 2014/01576-6

Made available in DSpace on 2018-11-26T17:49:16Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2018-05-01 This study aimed to evaluate the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus as an environmental biomonitor and contribute to the knowledge of its nutritional aspects for two regions of the northern coast of the So Paulo State, Brazil. Mass fractions were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis. Concentrations of Ca, Cs, Cr, Fe, Rb, Sc, and Zn were higher at Praia Grande (contaminated area), while As, Br, and Se higher at Praia Preta (control). An exploratory principal component analysis indicated that Praia Grande was influenced by Cr, Cs, Fe and Zn possibly due to environmental contamination. Results indicate the possibility of applying this organism for biomonitoring purposes for metals Cr, Fe, Zn and the semimetal As. IPEN CNEN SP, Inst Pesquisas Energet & Nucl, Ave Prof Lineu Prestes 2242, BR-05508000 Sao Paulo, Brazil Inst Ciencias Biomed, Ave Prof Lineu Prestes 1524, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Praca Infante Dom Henrique S-N, BR-11330900 Sao Vicente, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Praca Infante Dom Henrique S-N, BR-11330900 Sao Vicente, SP, Brazil

The blue crab Callinectes danae is distributed throughout the Atlantic coast and this study aimed to evaluate a environmental forensics approach that could be applied at tropical estuarine systems where this species is distributed, based on the metal concentrations in its tissues. For this purpose, blue crab samples were collected in 9 sites (distributed in 3 areas) along the Santos Estuarine System, state of São Paulo, Brazil. The concentrations of Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were determined in gills, hepatopancreas and muscle tissues. Sediment samples were collected and analyzed in these same sites. A data distribution pattern was identified during both sampling periods (August and December 2011). In order to validate this model, a new sampling campaign was performed in March 2013 at the Santos Estuarine System and also at Ilha Grande (state of Rio de Janeiro). These data were added to the previous database (composed of the August and December 2011 samples) and a discriminant analysis was applied. The results confirmed an environmental fingerprint for the Santos Estuarine System.

The concentration and distribution of selected trace and major elements, in river bottom sediments (12 sites) along the Tiete River basin were investigated. Total concentration for major by XRF and trace by INAA elements were determined. Physicochemical parameters pH, DO, Eh and conductivity were measured and discussed. Enrichment factor, geoaccumulation index, TEL and PEL criteria used to assess contamination levels allowed to classify the river as: less polluted (sites 1A, 1B—headwaters), more polluted (sites 2A–3C—after crossing Sao Paulo county) and moderately polluted (sites 4, 5, 6 and 7—far from Sao Paulo city).

The Rio Grande Reservoir supplies water to four counties. Two sediment cores were collected, one was sliced every 2 cm for INAA and dating determinations; the other was cut every 5 cm, for grain size and Hg, Cd, Pb, Ni, Mn and Cu determinations. Sedimentation rates and sediment ages of every layer were determined by 210Pb method. Enrichment Factor (EF) and Geoaccumulation Index (I geo) were calculated. Significant enrichment was found for Na, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb and Zn and extremely high enrichment for Hg, Cu and Cd, in upper layers. A 90 year pollution history of this reservoir was traced.

The outsourcing informal home practices adopted in jewelry and fashion jewelry chain can cause toxic substance elimination in the effluents and raise a concern for its environmental impact. This study evaluates if this informal work alters the concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTEs: As, Cd, Cr total and Cr-VI, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sn, and Zn) in the sewage network. The sanitary sewage samples (n = 540) were collected in 15 manholes during two campaigns in three different areas of Limeira-SP, Brazil (industrial area, with informal work and without known industrial/informal activity). The sewage sludge (n = 12), raw (n = 12), and treated sewage (n = 12) were collected in two wastewater treatment plants (WWT: AS and TATU) operating with different treatment process. The PTE determination was performed by ICP-OES, direct mercury analysis, and UV–Vis spectroscopy. Cr-VI, Cu, Ni, and Zn were the only elements above the quantification limit. Four samples exceeded Cu or Zn values permitted to be discharged into sewage system; however, the concentration average was lower than that established by Brazilian legislation. A difference was found between values above and below the 75th percentile for campaign and total organic carbon values (p

Objective Riverine communities in Rondonia State are exposed to high selenium (Se) content in their diet because of the high-selenium soils identified in the Amazon. However, the Amazonian population has a high mercury (Hg) exposure because this metal accumulates in the soil. Because children are more vulnerable to Hg toxicity, the aim of this study was to evaluate and correlate Se status and hair Hg levels in riverine children (aged 3–9 y) living in two different locations in Rondonia State: Demarcacao area (DA) and Gleba do Rio Preto (GRP). Methods Se levels were assessed using hydride generation quartz tube atomic absorption spectroscopy; total hair Hg levels were assessed using cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry. Dietary intake was evaluated through a 24-h food record and a food frequency questionnaire. Results Forty-two children participated in this study. Eighty-four percent of the children from DA showed low plasma Se. Conversely, all children from GRP presented plasma Se levels above the reference values. Forty-five percent of the children from DA presented low erythrocyte levels, and 55% of the children from GRP showed concentration in erythrocyte above the reference values. The mean Se intake was 41.8 μg/d in DA and 179.0 μg/d in GRP. High hair Hg levels were observed in children from both the DA and GRP (3.57 ± 1.86 and 6.24 ± 5.89, respectively). Conclusions Children from both riverine communities are likely to present altered Se status according to their dietary intake. Additionally, these children are highly exposed to Hg, mainly through fish consumption, and the toxicity of this metal may cause metabolic damage.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:22:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2018-01-01 UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista Campus do Litoral Paulista Núcleo de Estudos em Poluição e Ecotoxicologia Aquática (NEPEA), Praça Infante Dom Henrique s/n° Parque Bitaru USP Univ. de São Paulo Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB)- Departamento de Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524 - Cidade Universitária IPEN Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares Centro do Reator de Pesquisa (CRPq), Avenida. Professor Lineu Prestes 2242 - Cidade Universitária UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista Campus do Litoral Paulista Núcleo de Estudos em Poluição e Ecotoxicologia Aquática (NEPEA), Praça Infante Dom Henrique s/n° Parque Bitaru

Phosphogypsum is a by-product from the phosphate fertilizer industry, disposed in huge stacks in open-air storage areas. Its use in agriculture may be a solution to decrease these stacks, because, among its other uses, phosphogypsum can be used as a soil amendment to provide calcium and sulphur for major crops. However, it contains rare earth elements (REE) from its raw material. The objective of this study was to determine the concentrations of REE in phosphogypsum stacks Imbituba (southern Brazil) in order to verify the possibility of contamination in the surrounding of the stacks due to the disposal and to ensure the safe use of phosphogypsum in agriculture. Samples of phosphogypsum were collected and REE were determined by neutron activation analysis and gamma spectrometry. There was no leaching of the REE through the profile of the stacks, which suggests that the occurrence of REE in the phosphogypsum is associated with the formation of sulphates, carbonates, fluorides and phosphates. The results indicate that application of phosphogypsum from Imbituba to agricultural soils can contribute to increase the concentration of rare earth elements in the cultivated soils, but these are not available to plant uptake.

Phosphogypsum (PG) is a by-product of the phosphate fertilizer industry. In Brazil, three main phosphate industries are responsible for the production of 5.5 × 106 metric tons of PG per year, which is stored in stacks. Part of this by-product can be reused to improve fertility of agricultural soils. For its safe application, it is necessary to characterize the impurities (metals and radionuclides) present in PG and to evaluate their availability to the environment. The main objectives of this paper are: to determine the total concentration of radionuclides (226Ra, 228Ra and 210Pb) and metals (As, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, Zn) in the Brazilian PG samples using different methodologies, to evaluate the available fraction of these elements in the PG samples using a methodology with mild leaching with EDTA, to compare the results obtained for PG samples with those obtained for the most used phosphate fertilizers. The total concentration obtained for the metals using methodologies with different initial digestion (strong attack with acids and HF and mild attack with nitric acid) are slightly different. The results obtained using the methodology with mild leaching showed that the metals and radionuclides are not available to the environment, giving evidence that the application of PG in agriculture is safe as far as contamination by such elements. PG presented metals concentration lower than the phosphate fertilizers. The results obtained for the PG samples, for As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb and Se, are below the limits established by the Brazilian Regulatory Agency.

Sediments of the Lagoa Vermelha (Red Lake), situated in the Ribeira Valley, southeastern Brazil, are made of a homogeneous, organic-rich, black clay with no visible sedimentary structures. The inorganic geochemical record (Al, As, Ba, Br, Co,Cs, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Rb, Sc, Sb, V, Zn, Hg and Pb) of the lake sediments was analyzed in a core spanning 2430 years. The largest temporal changes in trace metal contents occurred approximately within the last 180 years. Recent sediments were found to be enriched in Pb, Zn, Hg, Ni, Mn, Br and Sb (more than 2-fold increase with respect to the “natural background level”). The enhanced accumulation of Br, Sb, and Mn was attributed to biogeochemical processes and diagenesis. On the other hand, the anomalous concentrations of Pb, Zn, Hg and Ni were attributed to pollution. As Lagoa Vermelha is located in a relatively pristine area, far removed from direct contamination sources, the increased metal contents of surface sediments most likely resulted from atmospheric fallout. Stable Pb isotopes provided additional evidence for anthropogenic contamination. The shift of 206 Pb/ 207 Pb ratios toward decreasing values in the increasingly younger sediments is consistent with an increasing contribution of airborne anthropogenic lead. In the uppermost sediments (0–10 cm), the lowest values of the 206 Pb/ 207 Pb ratios may reflect the influence of the less radiogenic Pb from the Ribeira Valley District ores ( 206 Pb/ 207 Pb between 1.04 and 1.10), emitted during the last 50 years.

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

Este estudo focaliza a influência da pedogênese no comportamento dos elementos terras raras em solos derivados de diferentes tipos litológicos que se alteraram sob as mesmas condições de clima tropical úmido. Investiga também a possível contribuição do Pb aerotransportado a esses solos. Foram estudados 5 perfis de solo desenvolvidos sobre diferentes rochas vulcânicas aflorantes na ilha de Fernando de Noronha. Os resultados mostram que, de modo geral, o intemperismo concentra os ETR, mantendo aproximadamente o mesmo padrão de distribuição da rocha parental, com ligeiro enriquecimento preferencial dos ETRP. Os dados isotópicos de Pb indicaram a presença de um componente antrópico não radiogênico nos horizontes superiores dos solos.

The Rio Grande Reservoir, Southeast of the Sao Paulo Metropolitan Area, supplies water for four counties (about 1.6 million people). It has been seriously affected by urban expansion due to chaotic urban occupation and improper use of the surrounding areas. In this study bottom sediment samples were collected during the dry season and rainy season. Four sampling points were defined and located at the mouth of the Rio Grande and Ribeirao Pires Rivers (points 1 and 2), in the middle of the reservoir (point 3) and near the catchment point of the water supply (point 4). Samples were submitted to instrumental neutron activation analysis and some metals, trace and rare earth elements were determined. The methodology validation according to precision and accuracy was carried out by reference material analyses. The results obtained were compared to earth crust values and also with results already published in the literature. The enrichment factor in relation to earth crust values using Sc as reference element was calculated and a strong enrichment was found for the elements As, Br, Sb, Th, U and Zn. A strong anthropogenic influence was observed for some elements, mainly in the points located in the entrance of the reservoir that receives domestic and industrial effluents from the rivers that reach the reservoir.

The Guarapiranga Reservoir is a very important aquatic system due to the fact that it is one of the main water reservoirs for South America’s largest city, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Guarapiranga basin is located within the Metropolitan Region of Sao Paulo and the reservoir itself is located in the Northern part of the basin occupying approximately 26 km2. This reservoir is characterized by environmental impacts from urban invasion, industrial and sewage wastes, all of which seriously affect its water quality and, consequently, the sediment quality. Two collection campaigns were undertaken: April 2009 and June 2010. The samples were analyzed by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) in order to determine the following elements: major (Fe, K and Na), trace (As, Ba, Br, Co, Cr, Cs, Hf, Rb, Sb, Sc, Ta, Tb, Th, U and Zn) and rare earths (Ce, Eu, La, Lu, Nd, Sm, Tb and Yb). The organic matter and granulometric distribution were also evaluated and multivariate analysis was applied to the results. The study of elemental ratios indicated that the amount of elements present in the Guarapiranga Reservoir is mainly of detrital origin.

The year 2011 has been chosen as the International Year of Chemistry and it will focus on the importance of sustainability in the field of chemistry. The program "Alternative Synthetic Routes for the Prevention of Pollution", implemented 20 years ago in the USA marked the official start of Green Chemistry. Currently, many lines of research in chemistry observe and comply with the concepts of green chemistry contributing significantly to the advancement of science. Hence, the objective of this paper is to present an overview of published papers on Green Chemistry in national and international journals from the "CAPES Portal Database", from 1997 to May 2010.

Os frutos do açaizeiro (Euterpe precatoria Mart.) procedentes de diferentes ecossistemas amazônicos foram processados para a obtenção de suco. O produto foi avaliado quanto à composição centesimal (umidade, cinzas, lipídeos, proteína, glicídios e fibra alimentar), minerais, ácidos graxos e antocianinas. Os frutos foram comparados quanto ao peso, constatando-se uma variação significativa de 1,1 a 2,0 g entre eles. Com relação ao suco, verificou-se baixa concentração de proteína e alto teor de energia devido, principalmente, à presença de lipídeos cuja concentração variou de 4,24 a 9,74%. Dentre os minerais, o potássio foi o mais abundante com teores na faixa de 73,78 a 376,69 mg 100 g-¹ (do suco), seguido do cálcio (15,99 a 57,85 mg 100g-¹). O ferro foi encontrado em concentrações minoritárias, na ordem de 0,43 a 1,2 mg 100g-¹. Com relação aos ingredientes funcionais, o suco de açaí apresentou concentrações importantes de fibra alimentar (2,37 a 7,8%), e antocianinas, variando de 128,4 mg 100 g-¹ , nos frutos de coloração verde, procedentes de Parintins, até 868,9 mg 100 g-¹ nas amostras de Manaquiri (base seca). Na fração lipídica, destacou-se ainda a presença do ácido graxo oleico (18:1), com porcentagem média de 68,2% no total de ácidos graxos, seguido do ácido palmítico (16:0) com 17,5%. Tais resultados reforçam o potencial do açaí como fonte de energia, lipídeos, fibra alimentar, antocianinas, ácido graxo monoinsaturado e minerais. O presente estudo irá contribuir para a ampliação da tabela de composição química de alimentos e, consequentemente, auxiliar nos programas de melhoramento genético, mercado e inclusão social.

A 172 cm-long sediment core was collected from a small pristine lake situated within a centripetal drainage basin in a tropical karst environment (Ribeira River valley, southeastern Brazil) in order to investigate the paleoenvironmental record provided by the lacustrine geochemistry. Sediments derived from erosion of the surrounding cambisoils contain quartz, kaolinite, mica, chlorite and goethite. Accelerator mass spectroscopy (AMS) 14 C dating provided the geochronological framework. Three major sedimentary units were identified based on the structure and color of the sediments: Unit III from 170 to140 cm (1030760–730760 yr BP), Unit II from 140 to 90 cm (730760–360760 yr BP) and Unit I from 90 to 0 cm (360760–0 yr BP). Results of major and trace element concentrations were analysed through multivariate statistical techniques. Factor analysis provided three factors accounting for 72.4% of the total variance. F1 and F2 have high positive loadings from K, Ba, Cs, Rb, Sr, Sc, Th, light rare earth element (LREE), Fe, Cr, Ti, Zr, Hf and Ta, and high negative loadings from Mg, Co, Cu, Zn, Br and loss on ignition (LOI). F3, with positive loadings from V and non-metals As and Sb, accounts for a low percentage (9.7%) of the total variance, being therefore of little interpretative use. The profile distribution of F1 scores reveals negative values in Units I and III, and positive values in Unit II, meaning that K, Ba, Cs, Rb, Sr, Sc, Th, LREE, Fe, Cr, Ti, Zr, Hf and Ta are relatively more concentrated in Unit II, and Mg, Co, Cu, Zn and Br are relatively more abundant in Units I and III. The observed fluctuations in the geochemical composition of the sediments are consistent with slight variations of the erosion intensity in the catchment area as a possible response to variations of climatic conditions during the last millennium. r 2009 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Since the early days of mankind, plants have been used as food and for medicinal purposes. Still, little information exists in literature about the activity concentration of 238U and 232Th decay products, as well as stable element concentrations in Brazilian plants. Activity concentrations of 226Ra, 228Ra and 210Pb, and chemical concentrations of As, Ba, Br, Cs, Co, Cr, Cu, Eu, Fe, Hf, La, Lu, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sm, Ta, Tb, Yb, Zn and Zr were determined in ten samples commonly used in Brazilian medicinal plants.

A 72 cm long core was collected from Lagoa da Viração (LV), a small pond in the Fernando de Noronha island, northern Brazil. Sediments from the lower section of the core (20—72 cm depth) contain essentially mineral matter, while in the upper section (0—20 cm depth) mineral matter is mixed with organic matter. Lithogenic conservative elements — Si, Al, Fe, Ti, Co, Cr, Cu, Ba, Ga, Hf, Nb, Ni, Y, V, Zn, Zr and REE — exhibit remarkably constant values throughout the core, with concentrations similar to those of the bedrock. The vertical distribution of soluble elements — Ca, Mg, Na, K, P, Mn and Sr — is also homogeneous, but these elements are systematically depleted in relation to the bedrock. LOI, TOC, Br, Se, Hg and Pb, although showing nearly constant values in the lower section of the core, are significantly enriched in the upper section. The concentration profiles of Br and Se suggest that they may be accounted for by natural processes, related to the slight affinity of these elements for organic matter. On the other hand, the elevated levels of Hg and Pb in recent sediments may be explained by their long-range atmospheric transport and deposition. Furthermore, the isotopic composition of Pb clearly indicates that anthropogenic sources contributed to the Pb burden in the uppermost pond sediments.

O presente estudo apresenta resultados de análise química de refeições (almoço) oferecidas pelo restaurante do COSEAS (USP), por cinco dias não consecutivos. Essas refeições foram coletadas em triplicata, da mesma forma como oferecida para os usuários, sendo, a seguir, liofilizadas para as análises posteriores. No total, 15 amostras foram coletadas. A análise química de composição centesimal foi realizada segundo as técnicas padronizadas pela AOAC. O conteúdo de alguns elementos minerais (Ca, Fe, K, Na, Se e Zn) foi determinado por análise por ativação neutrônica instrumental. A validação da metodologia foi feita por meio da análise dos materiais de referência. A partir dos dados de concentração, calcularam-se os valores de ingestão de cada nutriente correspondente a esta refeição (40% da ingestão diária total), que foram avaliadas segundo as novas recomendações de nutrientes (Dietary Reference Intakes - DRIs) do National Research Council (USA), considerando a população de mulheres no estágio de vida de 19 a 30 anos. Comparando-se os valores médios encontrados com os valores recomendados, concluiu-se que: para os macronutrientes e os micronutrientes, Fe, Se e Zn, as recomendações foram atingidas; para Ca e K foram deficientes; e para Na excedeu o valor recomendado. Os radionuclídeos 40K, 60Co, 137Cs e 131I foram determinados, nas amostras de dieta, por espectrometria gama; 90Sr por cintilação em meio líquido; e 210Po, 234U, 232Th, 238U, 235U, 228Th, 230Th e 232Th por espectrometria alfa. Verificou-se, a partir dos resultados obtidos, que todos os radionuclídeos analisados se encontram muito abaixo dos limites estabelecidos pela FAO. This study presents the results obtained for the chemical and radiological analyses of lunch meals served in the cafeteria at the University of São Paulo-USP (COSEAS restaurant) in Brazil, on 5 non-consecutive days. On each of the five days, the meals were collected in triplicate and then freeze-dried for analysis totalizing 15 samples. The determination of the proximate composition complied with the AOAC standardized methodologies. The content of Ca, Fe, K, Na, Se, and Zn was determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis and the method validation was performed by certified reference materials analyses. Based on the concentration data, the daily intake of each mineral was calculated (corresponding to 40% of the total daily intake) and compared to the new recommendations set by the National Research Council (USA) considering the 19-30 year-old women range group. Comparing the average values obtained in this study with the recommended values, it was possible to verify that for macronutrients and the micronutrients Fe, Se, and Zn the recommendations were followed; for Ca and K they were deficient and exceeded the recommendation value for Na. The radionuclides 40K, 60Co, 137Cs, and 131I were determined by gamma spectrometry; 90Sr by liquid cintilation and 210Po, 234U, 232Th, 238U, 235U, 228Th, 230Th, and 232Th by alfa spectrometry. All radionuclides are present in concentrations below the limits set by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Twenty six bottom sediment samples were collected from the Cananeia estuary in summer and winter of 2005. Multielemental analysis was carried out by instrumental neutron activation analysis. Total mercury was determined by cold vapor atomic absorption. As, Cr, Hg and Zn concentrations were compared to the Canadian oriented values (TEL and PEL). Sample points 4 and 9 presented higher concentration for most elements and As and Cr exceeded the TEL values. Organic matter (>10%) associated with siltic and clay sediments was observed. Climatic conditions, hydrodynamic and biogeochemical processes promote differences in seasonal concentrations of elements at some points, which contribute to special distributions.

Mercury is potent toxicant element, but its toxicity can be reduced by forming a complex with selenium for safe excretion. Considering the impact of mercury exposure in the Amazon region and the possible interaction between these two elements, we aimed to assess the effects of Pro198Leu polymorphism to GPX1 and GSTM1 deletion, on mercury levels in a population from Porto Velho, an urban locality in the Brazilian Amazon region. Two hundred women from the capital city of Rondônia state were recruited for this study with 149 deemed suitable to participate. We assessed dietary intake using 24-hour recall. Selenium levels in plasma and erythrocytes were measured using hydride generation quartz tube atomic absorption spectroscopy and total hair mercury using cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry. Oxidative stress parameters (GPx activity, oxygen radical absorbency capacity [ORAC] and malondialdehyde [MDA]) were also analyzed. All participants were genotyped for Pro198Leu polymorphism and GSTM1 deletion. We observed that this population presented high prevalence of selenium deficiency, and also low levels of mercury, likely due to food habits that did not include selenium-rich food sources or significant consumption of fish (mercury biomagnifiers) regularly. Univariate statistical analysis showed that Pro198Leu and GSTM1 genotypes did not affect selenium and mercury levels in this population. Pro198Leu polymorphism and GSTM1 deletion had no effect on mercury levels in mildly exposed people, suggesting these genetic variants impact mercury levels only in highly exposed populations.

We report the concentrations of 22 elements in short coastal sediment cores of Admiralty Bay (King George Island, Antarctica) determined by Neutron Activation Analysis. We focus the discussion on rare earth elements (REE) because their fractionation patterns in sediments relative to local sources may offer insights about weathering, transportation, deposition, and diagenetic processes. We found strong correlations between REE and Th, indicating detrital origin. Despite strong Eh gradients, the Th-normalized redox-sensitive elements (e.g., Eu, Ce, Fe, As, and others) showed little variability within the sedimentary environment. The exceptions were U (depleted in the upper few centimeters) and Br (enriched in the upper few centimeters). While U appears to be removed from seawater via uptake across the boundary of reducing sediments, the mechanisms driving Br accumulation are unclear, but perhaps related to increasing diatom production driven by regional warming. A comparison with published concentrations from rocks representing the regional eroding units showed that the characteristics of source rock could be recognized in the REE fractionation patterns in our sediments. These results imply no significant alteration during weathering and sediment transport in the coastal region of Admiralty Bay and the prevalence of strong periglacial erosion in ice-free areas of maritime Antarctica in spite of the relatively mild regional environmental setting (e.g., high moisture and high temperatures).

The Rio Grande reservoir lies southeast of the Metropolitan Area of Sao Paulo. In order to evaluate if the sediments contain a historical registration of anthropogenic activity, four sediment cores were sampled from the reservoir. In these cores the Hg concentration was determined by the CV AAS technique, major and trace elements by instrumental neutron activation analysis and the sedimentation rates by the 210Pb method. The results obtained for Hg are much higher than expected, showing an anthropogenic contribution. As a general trend, the elemental concentration decreases with depth, indicating recent contamination.

Daily dietary intake of Hg and some essential eleme nts in diets of children from communities in the Jau National Park, Amazon region, were assessed. Diet samples were analyzed for total Hg content using c old vapor atomic absorption spectrometry and Ca, Fe, K, Na, Se and Zn contents by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The weekly tolerable provisional intake for Hg in the communities studied varied from 13 to 57 μg of Hg per kg of body weight, exceeding the limit of 5 μg . kg –1 set by the WHO. Comparison of the daily dietary intake values to the new Dietary Reference Intakes (4 –8 years), showed prevalence of inadequacy.

Estudos sobre composição de alimentos largamente consumidos pela população são fundamentais para estabelecer se uma determinada dieta é adequada em relação aos nutrientes essenciais. No presente trabalho, são apresentados resultados de análises de nutrientes realizadas em dietas representativas do consumo alimentar de trabalhadores de indústria de autopeças da cidade de São Paulo (homens de 19 a 56 anos), coletadas a partir da porção em duplicata de todos os alimentos e bebidas consumidos durante 3 dias consecutivos. Foram determinados os teores de proteínas, lipídeos, carboidratos, cinza, umidade, fibras alimentares e vitaminas B1, B2 e piridoxina em 24 dietas. Comparando-se os resultados obtidos com as novas recomendações (DRIs), verificou-se que as dietas dos trabalhadores atingiram adequação de 100% em carboidratos e 96% em proteínas e lipídeos. Em relação às fibras dietéticas, as dietas foram inadequadas, com apenas 4,2% de adequação. Todas as dietas foram adequadas em vitaminas B1 e B2, enquanto que 58% das dietas foram inadequadas em relação à piridoxina.The analysis of food consumed by a large part of the population is important to establish the nutritional composition of diets to verify if diets are adequate regarding essential nutrients. In the present study, diet analysis results of steel industry workers´ dietary consumption are presented. Workers from 19 to 56 years old were selected and their diets were collected by a duplicate portion technique, including all the meals and beverages consumed over 3 consecutive days. The content of lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, ash, humidity, fiber, vitamins B1 and B2 and piridoxine were determined in 24 diet samples. Comparing the results with the values set by the new dietary recommendation dietary intakes (DRIs), it was observed that the workers´ diets were 100% adequate in carbohydrates and 96% in proteins and lipids. However, dietetic fiber content of the diets was considered inadequate (only 4.2% of adequacy). All the diets were adequate in B1 and B2 vitamins, while 58% of the diets were inadequate in terms of piridoxine.

Cubatao River is located in Santos Basin, Sao Paulo State, Brazil. This region is characterized by the occurrence of estuaries and mangrove. Due to its location, near the coastal line, it is also an important industrial area, where phosphate fertilizer plants, petrol refineries, and chemical and steel industries are present. Such human activities contribute to the enhancement of elemental composition in sediments and, in some cases, also increase the radionuclide concentrations, the so called Technologically Enhanced Natural Occurring Radioactive Materials (TENORM). The contamination of land and sediments by TENORM is of major concern. The activity concentration of U and Th series radionuclides was determined in five sediment samples from Cubatao River. The activity concentration ratio was also determined. Equilibrium was observed for the ratio 234U/238U. The activity ratios of Th/238U, 228Ra/226Ra and 210Pb/226Ra were higher than the unity. In the first two cases, the observed values are due to the higher activity of Th in the sediment and in the last case are probably due to the atmospheric deposition of 210Pb.

Pantanal, located in the central region of South America, is recognized as one of the world's largest freshwater wetlands. In order to verify possible changes in this environment, a study was undertaken in Nhecolândia Pantanal, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. Two sediment cores from the Salina do Meio pond (SM1 and SM2) and one core from a small flood land named Baia (B5) were collected in 2001. The elements As, Ba, Br, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Eu, Fe, Hf, La, Lu, Na, Nd, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sm, Ta, Tb, Th, U, Yb, Zn and Zr were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). Cluster and factorial analysis were applied to the chemical data. The sedimentation rate in the SM2 core was determined by 210Pb method and the mean value found was 0.61 cm . y-1. The results obtained in the present study showed that recent geochemical processes such as desorption, precipitation and dissolution can contribute for the high water alkalinity and salinity in the saline ponds.

Estudos sobre composição de alimentos largamente consumidos pela população são fundamentais para estabelecer se uma determinada dieta é adequada em relação aos nutrientes essenciais. No presente trabalho, são apresentados resultados de análises de nutrientes realizadas em dietas representativas do consumo alimentar de trabalhadores de indústria de autopeças da cidade de São Paulo (homens de 19 a 56 anos), coletadas a partir da porção em duplicata de todos os alimentos e bebidas consumidos durante 3 dias consecutivos. Foram determinados os teores de proteínas, lipídeos, carboidratos, cinza, umidade, fibras alimentares e vitaminas B1, B2 e piridoxina em 24 dietas. Comparando-se os resultados obtidos com as novas recomendações (DRIs), verificou-se que as dietas dos trabalhadores atingiram adequação de 100% em carboidratos e 96% em proteínas e lipídeos. Em relação às fibras dietéticas, as dietas foram inadequadas, com apenas 4,2% de adequação. Todas as dietas foram adequadas em vitaminas B1 e B2, enquanto que 58% das dietas foram inadequadas em relação à piridoxina. The analysis of food consumed by a large part of the population is important to establish the nutritional composition of diets to verify if diets are adequate regarding essential nutrients. In the present study, diet analysis results of steel industry workers´ dietary consumption are presented. Workers from 19 to 56 years old were selected and their diets were collected by a duplicate portion technique, including all the meals and beverages consumed over 3 consecutive days. The content of lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, ash, humidity, fiber, vitamins B1 and B2 and piridoxine were determined in 24 diet samples. Comparing the results with the values set by the new dietary recommendation dietary intakes (DRIs), it was observed that the workers´ diets were 100% adequate in carbohydrates and 96% in proteins and lipids. However, dietetic fiber content of the diets was considered inadequate (only 4.2% of adequacy). All the diets were adequate in B1 and B2 vitamins, while 58% of the diets were inadequate in terms of piridoxine.

In the last decades considerable attention has been given to technologically enhanced natural occurring radioactive material (TENORM). Within this frame, of particular concern is the phosphate fertilizer industry, located in Cubatao, Sao Paulo State, Southwest Brazil. This industry is responsible for the production of 69 million tons of phosphogypsum waste, which is stockpiled in the surrounding environment. This waste concentrates radionuclides of the natural series originally present in the phosphate rocks used as raw material. This study aims to evaluate the environmental impact of such activities in the sediments of the estuarine system. Contents of natural radionuclides from thorium and uranium series were measured in sediments from Cubatao estuarine system, using high-resolution gamma-spectrometry. U and Th were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). It was observed that U and Th concentration is higher in the rivers close to the phosphogypsum piles, at least five points were identified as being affected by anthropogenic factors.

As part of its Quality Assurance Program, the Neutron Activation Analysis Laboratory (LAN-IPEN) has participated of several interlaboratory comparisons, analyzing the following environmental samples: Fish Tissue (IAEA-407), Seafood Material (Elementos en Almeja, MR-CCHEN-02), Tea Leaves (INCT-TL-1), Mixed Polish Herbs (INCT-MPH-2) and Marine Sediment Sample (IAEA-433). Up to thirty elements were determined in the candidate reference materials by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The performance of the laboratory has been statistically evaluated (Z-score) in relation to assigned values calculated from all data provided by the participant laboratories. The results obtained showed, as a general trend, Z-score values (IZI

A Lagoa da Viração é uma pequena lagoa localizada no arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha, 20 m acima do nível do mar. Com o objetivo de determinar a natureza do material inconsolidado existente no fundo da lagoa, dois testemunhos foram coletados. Verificou-se que esse material é constituído predominantemente de esmectita e óxidos de Fe e Ti. Os elementos As, Ba, Br, Co, Cr, Cs, Rb, Sb, Sc, Ta, Th, U, Zn e as terras raras (Ce, Eu, La, Lu, Nd, Sm, Tb e Yb) foram determinados pela técnica de ativação neutrônica. A assinatura dos elementos traço é muito semelhante àquela das rochas circundantes. Características químicas e mineralógicas indicam que esse material não é sedimento, mas formou-se no fundo da Lagoa por intemperismo da rocha parental ultramáfica em ambiente subaquático.

Phosphogypsum, a waste by-product derived from the wet process production of phosphoric acid, represents a serious problem facing the phosphate industry in Brazil. This by-product (mainly calcium sulphate dihydrate) precipitates during the reaction of sulphuric acid with phosphate rock and is stored at a rate of about 4 � 10 6 kg per day on several piles in Cubatao, Brazil. Contents of natural radionuclides from thorium and uranium series were measured in Brazilian phosphogypsum samples from disposal piles, using high-resolution gamma ray spectrometry and instrumental neutron activation analysis (NAA). These phosphogypsum piles present a potential threat to the surrounding environment and to the individual occupationally exposed. The results obtained in this study show that radionuclides, although present in relatively high concentrations in phos- phogypsum, do not imply in significant doses for individuals occupationally exposed. The results obtained for the water activity in the monitor wells showed that the run-off of the piles is influenced by the activity present in the piles, giving indication of a possible groundwater contamination. Sediments from rivers in the area of influence of the pile presented higher concentrations of 238 U and 232 Th when compared with reference values.