RESUMEN
The chemical composition of spilt oils from events that took place on the north-eastern coast of Brazil in 2019 and 2022 was investigated to better understand their sources, and post-spill processes. Oils from both events originated from different sources, based on their fingerprints, hydrocarbons composition and specific biomarkers, such as the C23 tricyclic terpane and oleanane. Despite the differences, the source rocks share similarities in paleoenvironments and depositional conditions and both oils suffered little weathering, mainly due to evaporation and dissolution. Our findings for 2019 spilt oil reinforce that it is a mixed product, enriched both in lighter n-alkanes and 25-norhopanes. Differently, the 2022 samples exhibited characteristics of a non-processed crude oil that originated from a paraffinic deposit in storage tanks. The molecular composition and diagnostic ratios reported for samples from these spill events help to establish baselines for ongoing monitoring of oil spills in marine ecosystems.
Asunto(s)
Monitoreo del Ambiente , Hidrocarburos , Contaminación por Petróleo , Petróleo , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua , Brasil , Hidrocarburos/análisis , Petróleo/análisis , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/análisisRESUMEN
The present study performed geochemical fractioning of major and minor elements in a cross-shelf gradient of the Abrolhos Bank, where the largest and most diverse coral reefs in the South Atlantic are concentrated. The fractioning was performed using sequential extractions to determine the degree of availability and toxicity of the elements. The mobility pattern of the elements investigated were in the following order: Ca > Mn > Pb > Cr > Zn > Fe > V > Cu > Ba>Al > Ni > Ti. For elements, such as (Ti, Ni, Al, Ba, Cu, V, Fe, Zn, Cr, Pb), the highest concentrations were in the residual phase at some sampling sites. As established by Environment Canada (Threshold Effect Level - TEL and Probable Effect Level - PEL), Ba, Cr, and Ni produced values higher than the limits, associated with higher concentrations of other elements. In addition, significant proportions of these elements were found in mobile phases in the same sites. Thus, more rigorous measures are critical to avoid alarming levels of chronic environmental pollution inside and outside protected areas of the region. To enhance the sustainability of the region, more effective enforcement is crucial to prevent anthropic contamination that may threaten its biodiversity. The results provide the baseline for future studies regarding the potential impacts of the breach of the tailings dam in the region of Mariana, Minas Gerais.