Sediment contamination and toxicity of Marine Protected Areas in southeastern Brazilian coast: A baseline for management planning

Mar Pollut Bull. 2021 Sep:170:112613. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112613. Epub 2021 Jun 11.

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that the effectiveness of establishing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is threatened by toxic effects of contaminants. São Paulo is the most economically developed state of Brazil, and its coast is protected by a system of MPAs, including the North Shore Marine Protected Area (NSMPA). The present study provides a first assessment of sediment quality in NSMPA and two reference sites. Concentrations of arsenic (As), metals (Al, Fe, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and its sources were determined. Comparisons with sediment quality guidelines indicated low contamination, as confirmed by the Geoaccumulation Index, which classified the results as background levels. Whole-sediment exposures of the amphipod Tiburonella viscana were performed to estimate possible acute effects, but samples exhibited no toxicity. The results presented in this study represent a baseline for further monitoring programs of MPAs, supporting conservation actions of management plans.

Keywords: Amphipods; Background values; Geochemistry; Marine conservation; Metals; Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

MeSH terms

  • Brazil
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Geologic Sediments
  • Metals, Heavy* / analysis
  • Metals, Heavy* / toxicity
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons* / analysis
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons* / toxicity
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical* / analysis
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical* / toxicity

Substances

  • Metals, Heavy
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical