Observations on the ingression and distribution of larval prawns in the Nethravati-Gurupur estuary, Mangalore

The spatial and temporal distributions of larval prawns of penaeids and non-penaeids in the estuarine waters of Mangalore were studied. Larvae appear to be passively brought in by the incoming flood tides to the estuary, enjoy a wider distribution throughout the estuarine complex with abundance towards the mouth. The distribution of larval prawns was more in Nethravati than in the Gurupur stretch. The influence of temperature, hydrogen-ion-concentration, salinity and dissolved oxygen on the distribution of larvae in the estuaries is discussed. Inference on spawning seasons of commercially important prawns in the neighbouring waters has been arrived at based on their larval abundance.

Enantiomeric fraction evaluation of pharmaceuticals in environmentalmatrices by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

The interest for environmental fate assessment of chiral pharmaceuticals is increasing and enantioselective analytical methods are mandatory. This study presents an enantioselective analytical method for the quantification of seven pairs of enantiomers of pharmaceuticals and a pair of a metabolite. The selected chiral pharmaceuticals belong to three different therapeutic classes, namely selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (venlafaxine, fluoxetine and its metabolite norfluoxetine), beta-blockers (alprenolol, bisoprolol, metoprolol, propranolol) and a beta2-adrenergic agonist (salbutamol). The analytical method was based on solid phase extraction followed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry with a triple quadrupole analyser. Briefly, Oasis® MCX cartridges were used to preconcentrate 250 mL of water samples and the reconstituted extracts were analysed with a Chirobiotic™ V under reversed mode. The effluent of a laboratory-scale aerobic granular sludge sequencing batch reactor (AGS-SBR) was used to validate the method. Linearity (r2 > 0.99), selectivity and sensitivity were achieved in the range of 20–400 ng L−1 for all enantiomers, except for norfluoxetine enantiomers which range covered 30–400 ng L−1. The method detection limits were between 0.65 and 11.5 ng L−1 and the method quantification limits were between 1.98 and 19.7 ng L−1. The identity of all enantiomers was confirmed using two MS/MS transitions and its ion ratios, according to European Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. This method was successfully applied to evaluate effluents of wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) in Portugal. Venlafaxine and fluoxetine were quantified as non-racemic mixtures (enantiomeric fraction ≠ 0.5). The enantioselective validated method was able to monitor chiral pharmaceuticals in WWTP effluents and has potential to assess the enantioselective biodegradation in bioreactors. Further application in environmental matrices as surface and estuarine waters can be exploited.

Dynamics of some Environmentally Significant Pesticides in a Tropical Waterway - A Toxicological Approach

Industrial pollutants, consisting of heavy metals, petroleum residues, petrochemicals, and a wide spectrum of pesticides, enter the marine environment on a massive scale and pose a very serious threat to all forms of aquatic life. Although, earlier, efforts were directed towards the identification of pollutants and their major sources, because of a growing apprehension about the potential harm that pesticides can inflict upon various aquatic fauna and flora, research on fundamental and applied aspects of pesticides in the aquatic environment has mushroomed to a point where it has become difficult to even keep track of the current advances and developments. The Cochin Estuarine System (CES), adjoining the Greater Cochin area, receives considerable amounts of domestic sewage, urban wastes, agricultural runoff as well as effluent from the industrial units spread all along its shores. Since preliminary investigations revealed that the most prominent of organic pollutants discharged to these estuarine waters were the pesticides, the present study was designed to analyse the temporal and spatial distribution profile of some of the more toxic, persistent pesticides ——— organochlorines such as DDT and their metabolites; HCH-isomers; a cyclodiene compound," Endosulfan and a widely distributed, easily degradable, organophosphorus compound, Malathion, besides investigating their sorptional and toxicological characteristics. Although, there were indications of widespread contamination of various regions of the CBS with DDT, HCH-isomers etc., due to inadequacies of the monitoring programmes and due to a glaring void of baseline data the causative factors could not identified authentically. Therefore, seasonal and spatial distributions of some of the more commonly used pesticides in the CES were monitored systematically, (employing Gas Chromatographic techniques) and the results are analysed.

Survival of Escherichia coli in a tropical estuary

The survival of Escherichia coli in tropical estuarine water has been studied under controlled laboratory conditions using microcosms. The survival has been assessed in terms of various self purifying factors of the natural waters such as biological, chemical and physical factors. The biological factors considered included competition from other microorganisms, predation by protozoa and coliphages. The suitability of the chemical composition of estuarine water has been studied under chemical factors and negative impact of sunlight has been studied under physical factors. The results revealed that sunlight exerted maximum negative impact, followed by biotic factors contained in the estuarine water. However, the chemical composition of the estuarine water is found to be suitable for the growth and survival of E. coli. The injury exerted by each of the above factors was also evaluated by using a selective and non-selective medium in conjunction. It was found that sunlight resulted in 100% injury of the cells as the cells failed to develop in a selective medium. While, sunlight resulted in the extinction of 90% of the E. coli cells within the first two hours of exposure, biotic factors took nearly 24 hours to remove the same amount of population.

The Ratios of Carbon, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus in a Wetland Coastal Ecosystem of Southern India

The fertility of the coastal and estuarine waters is of great concern because of its influence on the productivity of these waters. Seasonal variations in the distribution of organic carbon, total nitrogen and total phosphorus in the sediments of Kuttanad Waters, a part of the tropical Cochin Estuary on the south west coast of India, are examined to identify the contribution of sediments to the fertility of the aquatic systems. The adjoining region has considerable agricultural activity. The fresh water zones had higher quantities of silt and clay whereas the estuarine zone was more sandy. Organic carbon, total phosphorus and total nitrogen were higher in the fresh water zones and lower in the estuarine zones. Total phosphorus and organic carbon showed the lowest values during monsoon periods. No significant trends were observed in the seasonal distributions of total nitrogen. Ratios of C/N, C/P and N/P, and the phosphorus and nitrogen content indicate significant modification in the character of the organic matter. Substantial amounts of the organic matter can contribute to reducing conditions and modify diagenetic processes

Co-stressors chilling and high light increase photooxidative stress in diuron-treated red alga Kappaphycus alvarezii but with lower involvement of H(2)O(2)

Diuron is one of the most commonly found N-phenylurea herbicides in marine/estuarine waters that promotes toxic effects by inhibiting photosynthesis and affecting the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in autotrophs. Since photo- and thermoacclimation are also ROS-mediated processes, this work evaluates a hypothetical additive effect of high light (HL) and chilling (12 degrees C) on 50 nM diuron toxicity to the highly-photosynthetically active apices of the red alga Kappaphycus alvarezii. Additive inhibition of photosynthesis was mainly evidenced by significant decreases of quantum yield of photosystem II and electron transfer rates upon co-stressors exposure to diuron-treated algae. Under extreme 12 degrees C/HL/diuron conditions, unexpected lower correlations between H(2)O(2) concentrations in seawater and radical-sensitive protein thiols were concomitantly measured with the highest indexes of photoinhibition (parameter beta). Altogether, these data support the hypothesis that co-stressors chilling/HL additively inhibit photosynthesis in diuron-exposed K. alvarezii but with less involvement of H(2)O(2) in injury effects than with only chilling or HL. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Caracterização hidrodinâmica e morfo-sedimentar do estuário Potengi e áreas adjascentes: subsídios para controle e recuperação ambiental no caso de derrames de hidrocarboneto

This study presents the Environmental Sensibility Mapping to oil spillings on the Potengi estuary - RN and neighboring coastline through remote sensing data, collecting, treatment and integration of the geomorphologic, oceanographic (temperature, salinity, density, direction and intensity), meteorological (wind speed and direction) and high resolution seismic (bathymetry and sonography) data. The Potengi river estuary is located on the eastern coastline of the Rio Grande do Norte State, being inserted in the geological context for the coastal Pernambuco-Paraíba basin and spreading over 18 km; it shelters the Natal harbor zone and an oil terminal, centralizing, therefore, important oil transport operations that can cause accidental spillings. Under the oceanographic point of view, the Potengi estuary is characterized by the absence of any expressive thermic stratification, being classified as partially mixed, B type according to Pritchard (1955), and 2 type in conformity to the stratification-circulation diagram by Hansen & Rattray (1966). Two main wind systems are responsable for the formation of wave sets that occur in the area. The dynamic tide presents, in the Natal Harbor, mean amplitude in spring and quadrature tides, with around 2.8 and 2m, respectively. The mechanism of saline tide mixing was defined through the salinity which is the main parameter for the identification of this mechanism. Important variations of the salinity mean values (36.32 psu), temperature (28.11ºC) and density (22.96 kg/m3) in the estuarine waters presented features belonging to low latitude regions. The water temperature follows the air temperature variations, in the region, with expressive daily amplitudes. In this study, the identification of the estuarine bed morphology through bathymetric and sonographic analysis, had the purpose to evaluate the influence of the superficial and bottom currents for the bottom shaping. In this way, the use of the side scan sonar showed, to be very useful in the identification of the bottom morphology and its relationship with the predominant action of the tidal currents in the Potengi estuary. Besides, it showed how the sonograms can be a support to the comparison of the several patterns derived from the local hydrodynamic variations. The holocene sediments, which fill the estuarine channel, are predominantly sandy, varying from selected, sometimes silty. The sedimentation is controlled by the environmental hydrodynamic conditions, being recognized two important textural facies: Muddy Facies and Sandy Facies. The distribution of these textural facies apparently oscillates owing to the tidal cycle and flow intensity. Each one of the above mentioned data was integrated in a Geographic Information System (GIS), from which was produced the Environmental Sensibility Map to oil spillings with Coastal Sensibility Index (CSI) to the Potengi estuary. The integrated analysis of these data is essential to oil spilling contingency plans, in order to reduce the spilling environmental consequences and to make efficient the endeavours of contention and cleaning up/removal on the Natal Harbor. This study has the aim to collaborate for the increase of informations about the estuarine environment and contribute to a better management of the question: environment/polluting loads

CONDITION of Hoplias aff. malabaricus (BLOCH, 1794) IN TWO COASTAL STREAMS of ITANHAEM RIVER BASIN, BRAZIL

The main purpose of this research was to measure the condition of the fish species Hoplias aff. malabaricus collected in Aguapeu River (black waters) and Branco River (white waters), which belong to Itanhaem River basin, a coastal watershed in São Paulo state, Brazil. Individuals of Hoplias aff. malabaricus were sampled by using gill nets, monthly from March 2001 to February 2002. The Condition Factor was obtained through the length-weight relationship, assuming that the higher the mass for a given length, the better the condition of the fish. The Condition Factor was compared among fishes from both rivers, resulting that Branco River individuals have significantly lower condition. Limnological aspects were studied from May 2001 to November 2002 and some show significant differences between Aguapeu River and Branco River. These were salinity, do and total organic N, which the higher values being observed in Branco River propably due to estuarine waters influence. However, the lower condition of the Branco River fishes should also be an effect of a disturbance due to the sand mining in this river, since this activity cause important alterations to the environment, affecting the whole biota, included aquatic macrophytes, invertebrates and fishes.

Co-stressors chilling and high light increase photooxidative stress in diuron-treated red alga Kappaphycus alvarezii but with lower involvement of H2O2

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Determination of rice herbicides, their transformation products and clofibric acid using on-line solid-phase extraction followed by liquid chromatography with diode array and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometric detection

A simultaneous method for the trace determination of acidic, neutral herbicides and their transformation products in estuarine waters has been developed through an on-line solid-phase extraction method followed by liquid chromatography with diode array and mass spectrometric detection. An atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) interface was used in the negative ionization mode after optimization of the main APCI parameters. Limits of detection ranged from 0.1 to 0.02 ng/ml for 50 mi of acidified estuarine waters preconcentrated into polymeric precolumns and using time-scheduled selected ion monitoring mode. Two degradation products of the acidic herbicides (4-chloro-2-methylphenol and 2,4-dichlorophenol) did not show good signal response using APCI-MS at the concentration studied due to the higher fragmentor voltage needed for their determination For molinate and the major degradation product of propanil, 3,4-dichloroaniline, positive ion mode was needed for APCI-MS detection. The proposed method was applied to the determination of herbicides in drainage waters from rice fields of the Delta del Ebro (Spain). During the S-month monitoring of the herbicides, 8-hydroxybentazone and 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid were successively found in those samples. (C) 2000 Elsevier B.V. B.V. All rights reserved.

Feeding habits of Guiana dolphins, Sotalia guianensis, from south-eastern Brazil: New items and a knowledge review

This study presents new information on feeding habits of Guiana dolphins, Sotalia guianensis, in south-eastern Brazil, together with new regression equations to evaluate the weight and length of fish from otoliths, showing an overview on the knowledge about this species-diet in this area. Eighteen stomach contents had been analysed and compared to 180 samples collected in another eight feeding studies. The analysed specimens were either incidentally caught in gillnets used in coastal waters by the fleet based in the Cananéia main harbour (25°00âS 47°55âW), south of São Paulo State, or found dead in inner waters of the Cananéia estuary between 2003 and 2009. Based on the index of relative importance analysis, the most important fish species were the banded croaker, Paralonchurus brasiliensis. Doryteuthis plei was the most representative cephalopod species. Stellifer rastrifer was the most important fish species observed in dolphins in inner estuarine waters and P. brasiliensis in recovered dolphins from coastal waters. Loliguncula brevis is the only cephalopod species reported from dolphins found in inner estuarine waters up to date. Doryteuthis plei was the most important cephalopod species observed in coastal dolphins. When considering other feeding studies, the most representative fish family in the diet of S. guianensis was Sciaenidae, which is mainly represented by demersal fishes. The main preys of S. guianensis are abundant in the studied areas, which may indicate an opportunistic feeding habit. The majority of them are not the most important target species by the commercial fishery in south-eastern Brazil. © 2012 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom.

Utilização de parâmetros microbiológicos para avaliação do impacto da contaminação por petróleo e derivados em sedimentos marinhos. -

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

O efeito da salinidade no desenvolvimento larval do caranguejo-uçá, Ucides cordatus (Linnaeus, 1763) (Decapoda: Ocypodidae) no Norte do Brasil

O presente trabalho estudou o efeito da salinidade na sobrevivência e na duração do desenvolvimento larval do caranguejo-uçá, Ucides cordatus (do estuário do Rio Caeté, Norte do Brasil), até a fase de megalopa em sete tratamentos de salinidade (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 e 30). A salinidade afetou significativamente a sobrevivência das larvas zoea, no entanto não afetou a duração do desenvolvimento larval (20,77 ± 1,56 dias). Nas salinidades 0, 5 e 10 houve total mortalidade das larvas zoea. Somente a partir da salinidade 15 observou-se um desenvolvimento completo até a fase de megalopa. A taxa de sobrevivência foi maior em salinidade 30 (72%) e menor em 15 (16%). A reduzida taxa de sobrevivência das larvas zoea de U. cordatus, em salinidades baixas, indica a necessidade de dispersão larval do estuário para as águas costeiras onde as condições de salinidade para o desenvolvimento larval são mais favoráveis. Caso contrário se não houvesse a dispersão, a reduzida salinidade das águas estuarinas no período chuvoso, causaria uma elevada mortalidade, afetando desta forma o recrutamento, a manutenção e o crescimento da população de U. cordatus nos manguezais.

Variação temporal do fitoplâncton e dos parâmetros hidrológicos da zona de arrebentação da Ilha Canela (Bragança, Pará, Brasil)

As variações sazonal e nictemeral do fitoplâncton e dos parâmetros hidrológicos foram estudadas em uma estação fixa (00º46'37.2"S-046º43'24.5"W) localizada na Ilha Canela (Bragança-Pará) em setembro e dezembro de 2004 e março e junho de 2005. Amostras subsuperficiais de água foram coletadas para os estudos qualitativos, quantitativos e para a determinação das concentrações de clorofila a. Simultaneamente, foram medidos os parâmetros físico-químicos da água: salinidade, temperatura, pH, oxigênio dissolvido e percentual de saturação. Foram identificados 64 táxons entre Cyanophyta (um táxon), Bacillariophyta (54 táxons) e Dinophyta (nove táxons). A concentração de clorofila a variou de 4,67 mg m^-3 (período seco) a 5,44 mg m^-3 (período chuvoso) e acompanhou a densidade fitoplanctônica, que foi mais elevada durante o período chuvoso (média=1.870 x 10³ cél L^-1). Os fitoflagelados dominaram quantitativamente o fitoplâncton local, seguidos pelas diatomáceas. Dimeregramma minor e Skeletonema sp. constituíram espécies muito freqüentes e muito abundantes. A ressuspensão de sedimentos provocadas pelos intensos ventos e a arrebentação das ondas favoreceram a dominância de D. minor durante o período seco. No período chuvoso, a elevada pluviometria, os moderados ventos, bem como a influência das águas estuarinas do Taperaçu e Caeté, propiciaram a redução da salinidade e o desenvolvimento de outras espécies fitoplanctônicas.

Influência da sazonalidade sobre as águas estuarinas dos furos da ilha de Colares (baía do Marajó)

A caracterização das águas superficiais e intersticiais nos estuários é fundamental para desvendar as condições ambientais, qualidade ambiental e mudanças sazonais, que podem ocorrer em espaço menor como é o caso do furo da ilha de Colares. Este trabalho tem como objetivo mostrar a influência da sazonalidade nas águas estuarinas na foz Norte e Sul do furo da ilha de Colares e da contribuição das águas intersticiais para as águas superficiais. Os parâmetros físicos e químicos, e nutrientes contemplados são: índice pluviométrico (IP), temperatura, salinidade, pH, condutividade elétrica, sólidos totais dissolvidos, material particulado em suspensão, oxigênio dissolvido, profundidade de Secchi, nitrato, nitrito, N-amoniacal, fosfato, silicato e sulfato. A determinação destes parâmetros ocorreu de forma simultânea em cada foz do furo de Colares durante um ciclo de maré (13 horas) nos periodos chuvoso (10/04/2013) e menos chuvoso (05/10/2013). Os resultados revelam que a sazonalidade interfere nas condições abióticas das águas estuarinas do furo da ilha de Colares e deduz que o IP é o fator de maior efeito das mudanças dos parâmetros físicos e químicos e, sobretudo o maior responsável na mobilidade, disponibilidade e distribuição dos nutrientes dissolvidos, que foram encontrados em concentrações maiores no período chuvoso. Ainda os nutrientes nitrato e N-amoniacal foram considerados muito elevados na foz Norte, possivelmente relacionados com a influência de atividades antropogênica. Contudo foram considerados dentro dos limites estabelecidos pela Resolução 357 da CONAMA/05. Na foz Sul ocorreu níveis de pH fora do padrão estipulado pela Resolução da CONAMA, porém o fenômeno foi considerado natural visto que este em especifico se encontra distante de atividades antropogênicas. No período menos chuvoso o N-amoniacal foi considerado ausente na foz Norte e Sul. O manguezal foi considerado como fonte de salinidade, silicato e sulfato para as águas superficiais.