RESUMEN
This study investigated the occurrence of plastic particles in the digestive tracts of fish from headwater streams in a human-thinly populated region of the subtropical Sinos River basin in southern Brazil. In total, 258 individuals from 17 species were collected using electric fishing. Thirty-eight percent (38%) of the specimens contained plastic particles. All of them were fibers, with a maximum count of 43 per individual. Plastic fibers were the fourth most abundant food category. Results showed that the uptake of these plastic particles was proportional to the number of ingested food items. Fiber counts in the guts correlated with the uptake of Trichoptera, which are invertebrates using plastic particles to construct their protective cases. No significant difference in plastic uptake was detected between benthic and water column fish. No evidence of bioaccumulation of plastic particles was found in the intestines. The distance from urban areas was not related to the number of ingested plastic particles, concluding that plastics are ubiquitous and available to biota, even in remote locations. The most probable source of these particles is residences close to the streams which discharge the sewage of washing machines without any treatment.
Este estudo investigou a ocorrência de partículas plásticas no trato digestivo de peixes de riachos de cabeceira em uma região de baixa densidade humana da bacia subtropical do rio dos Sinos no sul do Brasil. No total, 258 indivíduos de 17 espécies foram coletados por meio da pesca elétrica. Trinta e oito por cento (38%) dos espécimes continham partículas de plástico. Todos eram fibras, com contagem máxima de 43 por indivíduo. As fibras plásticas foram a quarta categoria de alimentos mais abundante. Os resultados mostraram que a absorção dessas partículas plásticas foi proporcional ao número de itens alimentares ingeridos. A contagem de fibras nos intestinos se correlacionou com a absorção de Trichoptera, que são invertebrados que usam partículas de plástico para construir suas capas protetoras. Nenhuma diferença significativa na absorção de plástico foi detectada entre peixes bentônicos e de coluna d'água. Nenhuma evidência de bioacumulação de partículas plásticas foi encontrada nos intestinos. A distância das áreas urbanas não foi relacionada ao número de partículas plásticas ingeridas, concluindo que os plásticos são ubíquos e disponíveis para a biota, mesmo em locais remotos. A fonte mais provável dessas partículas são as residências próximas aos córregos que descarregam os esgotos das máquinas de lavar sem nenhum tratamento.
Asunto(s)
Animales , Aguas del Alcantarillado/efectos adversos , Contaminación del Agua/análisis , Peces , Agua Dulce/análisis , Microplásticos/efectos adversosRESUMEN
Untreated sewage and industrial wastes from Faisalabad city are disposed to River Chenab through Chakbandi Main Drain (CMD). The present project is planned to investigate the effects of this freshwater pollution on the body of fish Ictalurus punctatus. The specimens of this fish species were collected upstream and downstream of the entrance of CMD into River Chenab. Fish gills, liver, kidney and muscles from dorsolateral regions of fish were subjected to histopathology. Farmed fish and fish from upstream areas were used as control. Fish collected from polluted experimental sites showed significant damage in selected organs. Gill tissues showed an abnormality in the form of an uplifting of the primary epithelium, fusion, vacuolation, hypertrophy, and necrosis. While liver tissues subjected to hepatocytes degeneration, necrosis, mitochondrial granular hepatocyte, and sinusoids dilation. Kidney tissues indicated increased bowmen space and constricted glomerulus and degenerated nephrons. Edema, necrosis, and atrophy were observed in muscle tissues of fish from polluted areas. Fish from the upstream area showed fused gill lamellae, inflammatory cell infiltration, hypertrophy and vacuolation in hepatocytes. Kidney tissues indicated the presence of nuclear tubular cells, destructive renal tubules, hemorrhage, and necrosis at tubular epithelium. Intra myofibril spaces were also observed in muscles. Specimens of control fish indicated no variation in gills, liver, kidney, and muscles. The present study revealed a strong correlation between the degree of tissue damage and environmental contamination. Present findings also compel global warnings to protect our water bodies and fish to rescue the human population.(AU)
O esgoto não tratado e os resíduos industriais da cidade de Faisalabad, no Paquistão, são descartados no Rio Chenab através do dreno principal de Chakbandi (CMD). O presente projeto busca investigar os efeitos dessa poluição de água doce no corpo de peixes Ictalurus punctatus. Os espécimes deste peixe foram coletados a montante e a jusante da entrada do CMD no Rio Chenab. Brânquias, fígado, rim e músculos das regiões dorsolaterais dos peixes foram submetidos à histopatologia. Peixes de criação e peixes de áreas a montante foram utilizados como controle. Peixes coletados em locais experimentais poluídos mostraram danos significativos em órgãos selecionados. Os tecidos branquiais mostraram uma anormalidade na forma de elevação do epitélio primário, fusão, vacuolação, hipertrofia e necrose. Observou-se que os tecidos hepáticos estão sujeitos a degeneração de hepatócitos, necrose, hepatócitos mitocondriais granulares e dilatação de sinusoides. Os tecidos renais indicaram aumento do espaço dos arqueiros, glomérulos contraídos e néfrons degenerados. Edema, necrose e atrofia foram observados nos tecidos musculares de peixes de áreas poluídas. Peixes da área a montante apresentaram lamelas branquiais fundidas, infiltração de células inflamatórias, hipertrofia e vacuolização em hepatócitos. Os tecidos renais indicaram a presença de células tubulares nucleares, túbulos renais destrutivos, hemorragia e necrose no epitélio tubular. Os espaços intramiofibrilas também foram observados nos músculos. Amostras de peixes controle não indicaram variação em brânquias, fígado, rim e músculos. O presente estudo revelou uma forte correlação entre o grau de dano tecidual e a contaminação ambiental. As descobertas atuais também constituem avisos globais para proteger nossos corpos d'água e peixes para resguardar a população humana.(AU)
Asunto(s)
Animales , Ictaluridae/anomalías , Aguas del Alcantarillado/efectos adversos , Contaminación Ambiental/efectos adversosRESUMEN
Sewage sludge (SS) reuse in forest plantation as soil fertilizer/amendment has tremendously increased in recent years. However, SS may have high concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTE), representing a potential risk for soil and the whole ecosystem. This paper was aimed to assess the toxicity of PTE in unfertile tropical soils amended with SS in a commercial Eucalyptus plantation, with an integrated multiple approaches combining: i) the use of a battery of bioassays (Daphnia magna, Pseudokcrichirella subcapitata, Lactuca sativa, and Allium cepa); and ii) the evaluation of some PTE (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) and their availability into the pedoenvironment. Differences in total and available PTE between SS doses and time of treatments were evaluated using ANOVA; correlations between PTE and bioassays by a sparse partial robust M-regression (SPRM), while multiple correlations among parameters were performed by principal factor analysis (PFA). Results show that PTE contents in soils tended to increase with SS application doses. However this cannot be assumed as a general rule since in all the investigated treatments the PTE concentrations were consistently below both soil natural background concentrations and quality reference values. Bioassays showed a generalized low eco- and genotoxicity of SS with an increase in toxicity at increasing SS doses but with a clear decreasing trend as time went by. A. cepa was the most sensitive bioassay followed by P. subcapitataâ¯>â¯D. magnaâ¯>â¯L. sativa. Overall, the results indicate that in realistic open field conditions SS risk may be lower than expected due to dynamic decrease in PTE toxicity with time after application. This study has an important implication that open-field trials should be strongly encouraged for evaluating environmental risk of SS application in forestry.
Asunto(s)
Eucalyptus/efectos de los fármacos , Fertilizantes/análisis , Aguas del Alcantarillado/efectos adversos , Contaminantes del Suelo/toxicidad , Eucalyptus/crecimiento & desarrollo , Eucalyptus/fisiología , Agricultura Forestal , Suelo/químicaRESUMEN
A disposição final do lodo de esgoto vem se caracterizando como um dos problemas ambientais urbanos mais relevantes da atualidade. Geralmente este resíduo é encaminhado para o aterro sanitário e o processo de descarte tem custo elevado. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar o efeito do nitrogênio e do lodo de esgoto compostado nos parâmetros produtivos do trigo. O experimento tem histórico de 6 cultivos mantidos os mesmos tratamentos. O experimento foi conduzido na Fazenda Experimental São Manuel, pertencente à Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas da UNESP de Botucatu. Foi adotado o delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados, constituídos por 6 tratamentos e 5 repetições assim definidos: T0 sem adubação nitrogenada; T1 adubação mineral nitrogenada de acordo com a necessidade da cultura; T2 50% da adubação nitrogenada proveniente do lodo de esgoto e 50% na forma mineral; T3 100% da adubação nitrogenada proveniente do lodo de esgoto; T4 150% da adubação nitrogenada proveniente do lodo de esgoto; T5 200% da adubação nitrogenada proveniente do lodo de esgoto. O tratamento que proporcionou uma maior produtividade de grão e matéria seca foi o tratamento que recebeu a maior dose de lodo.
The final disposal of sewage sludge is one of the most relevant urban environmental problems nowadays. Presently this waste is sent to the landfill and the disposal process has a high cost. The objective of this work is to verify the effect of nitrogen and composted sewage sludge on wheat production parameters. The experiment has a history of 6 cultures with the same treatments. The experiment was conducted at the São Manuel Experimental Farm, belonging to the Faculty of Agronomic Sciences of UNESP of Botucatu. A randomized complete block design was used, consisting of 6 treatments and 5 replicates: T0 - without nitrogen fertilization; T1 - nitrogenous mineral fertilization according to the need of the crop; T2 - 50% of the nitrogen fertilization from the sewage sludge and 50% in the mineral form; T3 - 100% of the nitrogen fertilization from the sewage sludge; T4 - 150% of nitrogen fertilization from sewage sludge; T5 - 200% of nitrogen fertilization from sewage sludge. The treatment that provided a higher productivity of grain and dry matter was the treatment that received the highest dose of sludge.
Asunto(s)
Aguas del Alcantarillado/efectos adversos , Nitrógeno/administración & dosificación , Triticum/crecimiento & desarrollo , Agricultura Sostenible , Eficiencia , Fertilizantes/análisisRESUMEN
A disposição final do lodo de esgoto vem se caracterizando como um dos problemas ambientais urbanos mais relevantes da atualidade. Geralmente este resíduo é encaminhado para o aterro sanitário e o processo de descarte tem custo elevado. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar o efeito do nitrogênio e do lodo de esgoto compostado nos parâmetros produtivos do trigo. O experimento tem histórico de 6 cultivos mantidos os mesmos tratamentos. O experimento foi conduzido na Fazenda Experimental São Manuel, pertencente à Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas da UNESP de Botucatu. Foi adotado o delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados, constituídos por 6 tratamentos e 5 repetições assim definidos: T0 sem adubação nitrogenada; T1 adubação mineral nitrogenada de acordo com a necessidade da cultura; T2 50% da adubação nitrogenada proveniente do lodo de esgoto e 50% na forma mineral; T3 100% da adubação nitrogenada proveniente do lodo de esgoto; T4 150% da adubação nitrogenada proveniente do lodo de esgoto; T5 200% da adubação nitrogenada proveniente do lodo de esgoto. O tratamento que proporcionou uma maior produtividade de grão e matéria seca foi o tratamento que recebeu a maior dose de lodo.(AU)
The final disposal of sewage sludge is one of the most relevant urban environmental problems nowadays. Presently this waste is sent to the landfill and the disposal process has a high cost. The objective of this work is to verify the effect of nitrogen and composted sewage sludge on wheat production parameters. The experiment has a history of 6 cultures with the same treatments. The experiment was conducted at the São Manuel Experimental Farm, belonging to the Faculty of Agronomic Sciences of UNESP of Botucatu. A randomized complete block design was used, consisting of 6 treatments and 5 replicates: T0 - without nitrogen fertilization; T1 - nitrogenous mineral fertilization according to the need of the crop; T2 - 50% of the nitrogen fertilization from the sewage sludge and 50% in the mineral form; T3 - 100% of the nitrogen fertilization from the sewage sludge; T4 - 150% of nitrogen fertilization from sewage sludge; T5 - 200% of nitrogen fertilization from sewage sludge. The treatment that provided a higher productivity of grain and dry matter was the treatment that received the highest dose of sludge.(AU)
Asunto(s)
Triticum/crecimiento & desarrollo , Nitrógeno/administración & dosificación , Aguas del Alcantarillado/efectos adversos , /métodos , Fertilizantes/análisis , Eficiencia , Agricultura SostenibleRESUMEN
In the present study, we analyzed the influence of untreated sewage exposure on carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopic composition and several biochemical responses in the barnacle Balanus glandula. The main objective was to evaluate whether changes in stable isotopes signature do reflect biochemical sub-lethal effects in a sewage influence gradient. Stable isotopes analysis showed differences in isotope signatures between close sewage influence and distant sites, being δ13C signatures stronger than that of δ15N. Regarding biochemical effects, although organisms close to the effluent would be clearly exposed to contaminants (increased GST activity) the oxidative stress would not be too evident (peroxidases and ACAP not affected). The most affected physiological aspect was the digestive one, reflected in increased alkaline proteases and lipases activities. A clear relation between δ15N and GST activity was found, showing to δ15N as an indicator of potential exposure to chemical contaminants.
Asunto(s)
Isótopos de Carbono/análisis , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/análisis , Isótopos de Nitrógeno/análisis , Aguas del Alcantarillado/análisis , Thoracica/efectos de los fármacos , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/análisis , Animales , Argentina , Proteínas Bacterianas/metabolismo , Biomarcadores/metabolismo , Endopeptidasas/metabolismo , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/efectos adversos , Lipasa/metabolismo , Agua de Mar/química , Aguas del Alcantarillado/efectos adversos , Thoracica/química , Thoracica/enzimología , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/toxicidadRESUMEN
The adverse effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on aquatic wildlife and human health represent a current issue of high public concern. Even so, they are still poorly studied in aquatic environments of South America. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of EDCs in five cascading reservoirs from the Iguaçu River, evaluating reproductive endpoints in three native fish species (Astyanax bifasciatus, Chrenicicla iguassuensis and Geophagus brasiliensis). Additionally, a polyclonal antiserum anti-vitellogenin from G. brasiliensis and a capture ELISA assay were developed for detection of estrogenic or anti-estrogenic activities in male and female fish, respectively. Vitellogenin (VTG) levels in male fish from the Iguacu River was observed, as well as decreased levels of vitellogenin and estradiol in the plasma of female fish. These findings were associated with immature gonads and lower gonadosomatic index in G. brasiliensis adult females from the Foz do Areia (FA) Reservoir. Additionally, both endemic species (Astyanax bifasciatus and Chrenicicla iguassuensis) displayed immature gonads and histological changes, such as degeneration of germ cells, in other studied reservoirs. The current results suggest that these reproductive responses may be associated with the bioavailability of EDCs in the Iguaçu River. These impacts are likely related to chemicals released by human activities, especially from sewage and industrial sources and agricultural production, detected in previous studies. Overall, the FA reservoir was potentially the most affected by chemicals with endocrine properties, and further studies are necessary to identify and quantify these chemicals.
Asunto(s)
Biomarcadores/metabolismo , Disruptores Endocrinos/toxicidad , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Peces/fisiología , Vitelogeninas/metabolismo , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/toxicidad , Animales , Biomarcadores/análisis , Brasil , Cíclidos , Disruptores Endocrinos/análisis , Sistema Endocrino/efectos de los fármacos , Estradiol/análisis , Estrona/análisis , Femenino , Gónadas/efectos de los fármacos , Gónadas/fisiología , Masculino , Reproducción/efectos de los fármacos , Ríos/química , Aguas del Alcantarillado/efectos adversos , Vitelogeninas/sangre , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/análisisRESUMEN
The objective of this study was to ascertain the cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic potential of sewage sludge using Allium cepa bioassay. Solubilized and crude sludge from two sewage treatment stations (STSs), herein named JM and M, were tested. In addition, sanitized, crude and solubilized sludge were also analyzed from STS M. The treatments showed positive response to phytotoxicity, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and/or mutagenicity. Despite negative results for MN F1 (micronuclei counted in F1 root cells, derived from meristematic cells), the monitoring of genotoxic and mutagenic activities of sewage sludge are recommended because in agricultural areas this residue is applied in large scale and continuously. Based on our results we advise caution in the use of sewage sludge in agricultural soils.
Asunto(s)
Cebollas/efectos de los fármacos , Aguas del Alcantarillado/efectos adversos , Bioensayo , Citotoxinas/toxicidad , Daño del ADN , Pruebas de Mutagenicidad , Mutágenos/toxicidad , Cebollas/genética , Raíces de Plantas/citologíaRESUMEN
The spatial and seasonal variation of the specific composition and community parameters (abundance, diversity, richness and evenness) of the intertidal algal assemblages was studied at four coastal sampling sites, distributed along an environmental gradient from the sewage water outfall of Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Two of them were located close to the sewage outfall (<800m) (impacted area) and the two other were 8 and 9km distant (non-impacted area). The algal abundance was monthly analyzed from October 2008 to May 2009. The algal assemblages varied according to the pollution gradient in spring, summer and autumn, being autumn the season when the highest difference was observed. Ceramium uruguayense was recognized as an indicator species for the non-impacted areas, while Berkeleya sp. represented an indicator species for the sewage outfall impact. Ulva spp. did not reflect the typical pattern observed for other sewage pollution areas.
Asunto(s)
Diatomeas/efectos de los fármacos , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Algas Marinas/efectos de los fármacos , Aguas del Alcantarillado/efectos adversos , Contaminación del Agua/efectos adversos , Argentina , Océano Atlántico , Diatomeas/crecimiento & desarrollo , Estaciones del Año , Algas Marinas/crecimiento & desarrollo , Aguas del Alcantarillado/análisis , Contaminación del Agua/análisisRESUMEN
Sewage treatment yields sludge, which is often used as a soil amendment in agriculture and crop production. Although the sludge contains elevated concentrations of macro and micronutrients, high levels of inorganic and organic compounds with genotoxic and mutagenic properties are present in sludge. Application of sludge in agriculture is a pathway for direct contact of crops to toxic chemicals. The objective of this study was to compile information related to the genotoxic and mutagenic effects of sewage sludge in different plant species. In addition, data are presented on toxicological effects in animals fed with plants grown in soils supplemented with sewage sludge. Despite the benefits of using sewage sludge as organic fertilizer, the data showcased in this review suggest that this residue can induce genetic damage in plants. This review alerts potential risks to health outcomes after the intake of food cultivated in sewage sludge-amended soils.
Asunto(s)
Cromosomas de las Plantas/efectos de los fármacos , Productos Agrícolas/efectos de los fármacos , Fertilizantes/efectos adversos , Aguas del Alcantarillado/efectos adversos , Contaminantes del Suelo/toxicidad , Agricultura , Animales , Genes de Plantas/efectos de los fármacos , Micronutrientes , Mutágenos/toxicidad , Mutación Puntual , Aguas del Alcantarillado/química , SueloRESUMEN
There are few studies in tropical regions exploring the use of leaf breakdown process as a functional tool to assess anthropic disturbance on aquatic ecosystems. We assessed the effects of water pollution due to human activities on the leaf breakdown rate of Picramnia sellowii in streams of the southeastern Brazil. The experiment was carried out for 60 days in three reference streams and three streams impaired by organic pollution and absence of riparian vegetation. Three litter bags were incubated in each stream containing 3 ± 0.05 g of P. sellowii leaves. The reference streams presented higher values of dissolved oxygen and lower values of nutrients, turbidity, electrical conductivity, total impermeable area and water temperature. The leaf breakdown rate (k) differed significantly between the reference (k = 0.014 ± 0.003 d-1) and impaired streams (k = 0.005 ± 0.001 d-1). The leaves incubated in the reference streams contained greater fungal biomass (measured as ergosterol concentration) and abundance of invertebrates, as well as greater presence of shredders, with k values being related to the biomass of these organisms. Overall, there were clear differences between the leaf mass loss in the reference and impaired streams. These results reinforce the negative effect of urbanization on leaf breakdown and fungal and shredder biomass.
Asunto(s)
Ecosistema , Magnoliopsida/metabolismo , Ríos/química , Aguas del Alcantarillado/efectos adversos , Calidad del Agua , Biomasa , Brasil , Hojas de la Planta/metabolismoRESUMEN
There are few studies in tropical regions exploring the use of leaf breakdown process as a functional tool to assess anthropic disturbance on aquatic ecosystems. We assessed the effects of water pollution due to human activities on the leaf breakdown rate of Picramnia sellowii in streams of the southeastern Brazil. The experiment was carried out for 60 days in three reference streams and three streams impaired by organic pollution and absence of riparian vegetation. Three litter bags were incubated in each stream containing 3 ± 0.05 g of P. sellowii leaves. The reference streams presented higher values of dissolved oxygen and lower values of nutrients, turbidity, electrical conductivity, total impermeable area and water temperature. The leaf breakdown rate (k) differed significantly between the reference (k = 0.014 ± 0.003 d1) and impaired streams (k = 0.005 ± 0.001 d1). The leaves incubated in the reference streams contained greater fungal biomass (measured as ergosterol concentration) and abundance of invertebrates, as well as greater presence of shredders, with k values being related to the biomass of these organisms. Overall, there were clear differences between the leaf mass loss in the reference and impaired streams. These results reinforce the negative effect of urbanization on leaf breakdown and fungal and shredder biomass.(AU)
Na região tropical são escassos os estudos que exploram o uso do processo de decomposição foliar como ferramenta funcional para avaliar os efeitos das perturbações antrópicas sobre os ecossistemas aquáticos. Nosso objetivo foi avaliar os efeitos dos impactos antrópicos sobre a taxa de decomposição de Picramnia sellowii em riachos no Sudeste do Brasil. O experimento foi realizado durante 60 dias em três riachos referências e três impactados por poluição orgânica e sem cobertura vegetal. Em cada riacho foram incubados três sacos contendo 3 ± 0,05 g de folhas secas de P. sellowii. Os riachos referência apresentaram maiores concentrações de oxigênio dissolvido e menores valores de nutrientes, turbidez, condutividade elétrica, TIA (área total impermeável) e temperatura. O coeficiente de decomposição (k) diferiu entre os riachos referência (k = 0,014 ± 0,003 d1) e os impactados (k = 0,005 ± 0,001 d1). Nas folhas incubadas nos riachos referência foi observada maior biomassa de fungos e abundância de invertebrados, assim como a presença de fragmentadores, estando o k relacionado com a biomassa destes organismos. A decomposição se mostrou sensível para avaliar impactos antrópicos nos ecossistemas aquáticos uma vez que foram observadas nítidas diferenças entre a perda de massa foliar nos riachos referências e impactados. Estes resultados reforçam o efeito negativo da urbanização sobre a decomposição e biomassa de fungos e fragmentadores.(AU)
Asunto(s)
Magnoliopsida/metabolismo , Ecosistema , Ríos/química , Aguas del Alcantarillado/efectos adversos , Calidad del Agua , Biomasa , Brasil , /metabolismoRESUMEN
Abstract There are few studies in tropical regions exploring the use of leaf breakdown process as a functional tool to assess anthropic disturbance on aquatic ecosystems. We assessed the effects of water pollution due to human activities on the leaf breakdown rate of Picramnia sellowii in streams of the southeastern Brazil. The experiment was carried out for 60 days in three reference streams and three streams impaired by organic pollution and absence of riparian vegetation. Three litter bags were incubated in each stream containing 3 ± 0.05 g of P. sellowii leaves. The reference streams presented higher values of dissolved oxygen and lower values of nutrients, turbidity, electrical conductivity, total impermeable area and water temperature. The leaf breakdown rate (k) differed significantly between the reference (k = 0.014 ± 0.003 d–1) and impaired streams (k = 0.005 ± 0.001 d–1). The leaves incubated in the reference streams contained greater fungal biomass (measured as ergosterol concentration) and abundance of invertebrates, as well as greater presence of shredders, with k values being related to the biomass of these organisms. Overall, there were clear differences between the leaf mass loss in the reference and impaired streams. These results reinforce the negative effect of urbanization on leaf breakdown and fungal and shredder biomass.
Resumo Na região tropical são escassos os estudos que exploram o uso do processo de decomposição foliar como ferramenta funcional para avaliar os efeitos das perturbações antrópicas sobre os ecossistemas aquáticos. Nosso objetivo foi avaliar os efeitos dos impactos antrópicos sobre a taxa de decomposição de Picramnia sellowii em riachos no Sudeste do Brasil. O experimento foi realizado durante 60 dias em três riachos referências e três impactados por poluição orgânica e sem cobertura vegetal. Em cada riacho foram incubados três sacos contendo 3 ± 0,05 g de folhas secas de P. sellowii. Os riachos referência apresentaram maiores concentrações de oxigênio dissolvido e menores valores de nutrientes, turbidez, condutividade elétrica, TIA (área total impermeável) e temperatura. O coeficiente de decomposição (k) diferiu entre os riachos referência (k = 0,014 ± 0,003 d–1) e os impactados (k = 0,005 ± 0,001 d–1). Nas folhas incubadas nos riachos referência foi observada maior biomassa de fungos e abundância de invertebrados, assim como a presença de fragmentadores, estando o k relacionado com a biomassa destes organismos. A decomposição se mostrou sensível para avaliar impactos antrópicos nos ecossistemas aquáticos uma vez que foram observadas nítidas diferenças entre a perda de massa foliar nos riachos referências e impactados. Estes resultados reforçam o efeito negativo da urbanização sobre a decomposição e biomassa de fungos e fragmentadores.
Asunto(s)
Magnoliopsida/metabolismo , Ecosistema , Ríos/química , Aguas del Alcantarillado/efectos adversos , Calidad del Agua , Biomasa , Brasil , Hojas de la Planta/metabolismoRESUMEN
Human activities generate a great amount of sewage daily, which is dumped into the sewer system. After sewage-treatment processes, sewage sludge is generated. Such byproduct can be treated by different methods; the result of treatment is a stabilized compost of reduced pathogenicity that has a similar inorganic chemical composition to the raw sewage sludge. After such pretreatment, sewage sludge is called a biosolids, and it can be used in agriculture. In this contest, the present study evaluated the effects of a sample of biosolids on the perivisceral fat body of a diplopod. These invertebrates are soil organisms that play an important role in the dynamics of terrestrial ecosystems, and as a consequence, they are in contact with xenobiotics present in this environmental compartment. Special emphasis is given on the interpretation of the effects of complex mixtures in target organs of diplopods. A semiquantitative analysis for the evaluation of histopathological changes in the perivisceral fat body was proposed. The sample-induced histopathological and ultrastructural changes in individuals exposed to it, and the severity of the effects was positively related to the exposure time, resulting in the deaths of exposed individuals after 90 days. Thus, the results indicate the need for caution in the use of biosolids as well as the need for improving waste management techniques, so they will produce environmentally innocuous final products.
Asunto(s)
Artrópodos/efectos de los fármacos , Aguas del Alcantarillado/efectos adversos , Animales , Artrópodos/metabolismo , Ambiente , Cuerpo Adiposo/efectos de los fármacos , Cuerpo Adiposo/metabolismo , Cuerpo Adiposo/patología , Aguas del Alcantarillado/química , Administración de ResiduosRESUMEN
The present study aimed to assess the sewage effects of the Brazilian Antarctic Station Comandante Ferraz, Admiralty Bay, King George Island, on the hepatic metabolism (energetic, antioxidant, and arginase levels) and levels of plasma constituents of two Antarctic fish species Notothenia rossii and N. coriiceps. The bioassays were conducted under controlled temperature (0 °C) and salinity (35 psu), exposing the fish for 96 h, to sewage effluent diluted in seawater to 0.5 % (v/v). Liver homogenates were tested for the specific activities of the enzymes glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase), glycogen phosphorylase (GPase), hexokinase, citrate synthase, lactate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, catalase, and arginase. Plasma levels of glucose, triacylglycerides, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, chloride, magnesium, calcium, and inorganic phosphate were also determined. In N. rossii, the decrease in citrate synthase and the increase in G6Pase and GPase suggested that the sewage effluent activated glycogenolysis and hepatic gluconeogenesis, whereas is N. coriiceps, only G6Pase levels were increased. In N. rossii, sewage effluent induced hypertriglyceridemia without modulating glucose plasma levels, in contrast to N. coriiceps, which developed hypoglycemia without elevating plasma triglyceride levels. The decrease in glutathione reductase levels in N. coriiceps and in superoxide dismutase and catalase in N. rossii suggest that these two species are susceptible to oxidative stress stemming from the production of reactive oxygen species. An increase in magnesium in N. rossii and a decrease in N. coriiceps showed that sewage effluent compromised the control of plasma levels of this cation. Although phylogenetically close, both species of Antarctic fish exhibited different metabolic responses to the sewage effluent, with N. coriiceps showing greater susceptibility to the toxic effects of the pollutants. The present study suggests that the biochemical responses of these two species are potential indicators of metabolic changes caused by sewage effluents.
Asunto(s)
Perciformes/metabolismo , Aguas del Alcantarillado/efectos adversos , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/efectos adversos , Animales , Regiones Antárticas , Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Enzimas/genética , Enzimas/metabolismo , Regulación Enzimológica de la Expresión Génica/efectos de los fármacos , Hígado/efectos de los fármacos , Hígado/enzimologíaRESUMEN
As both food and source of a kappa-carrageenan, Hypnea musciformis represents a species of great economic interest. It also synthesizes substances with antiviral, anti-helminthic and anti-inflammatory potential and shows promise for use as a bioindicator of cadmium. In this study, we investigated the combined effects of seawater from three urbanized areas (area 1: natural runoff, NRA; area 2: urbanized runoff and sewage with treatment, RTA; area 3: urbanized runoff and untreated sewage, RUS) and three different temperatures (15, 25 and 30 °C) on the growth rate, photosynthetic efficiency, photosynthetic pigments and cell morphology of H. musciformis. After 4 days (96 h) of culture, the biomass of H. musciformis showed differences that fluctuated among the areas and temperature treatments. Specifically, the specimens cultivated in 35 °C had low values of ETRmax, α(ETR), ß(ETR), and Fv/Fm photosynthetic parameters, as well as changes in cell morphology, with reduction in photosynthetic pigments and drastic reduction in growth rates. When combined with the extreme temperatures, high concentrations of ammonium ion in seawater effluent caused an inhibition of photosynthetic activity, as well as significant variation in chlorophyll a and carotenoid contents. As observed by light microscopy, the synergism between different temperatures and pollutants found in eutrophic waters caused changes in cellular morphology with increased cell wall thickening and decreased floridean starch grains. H. musciformis also showed important changes in physiological response to each factor independently, as well as changes resulting from the synergistic interaction of these factors combined. Therefore, we can conclude that extreme temperature combined with the effect of eutrophic waters, especially RUS, caused distinct morphological and physiological changes in the red alga H. musciformis.
Asunto(s)
Fotosíntesis/fisiología , Rhodophyta/fisiología , Aguas del Alcantarillado/efectos adversos , Contaminantes del Agua/toxicidad , Biomasa , Rhodophyta/citología , Rhodophyta/crecimiento & desarrollo , Agua de Mar , Temperatura , Purificación del AguaRESUMEN
The composition and concentration of substances in urban effluents are complex and difficult to measure. These contaminants elicit biological responses in the exposed organisms. Proteomic analysis is a powerful tool in environmental toxicology by evidencing alterations in protein expression due to exposure to contaminants and by providing a useful framework for the development of new potential biomarkers. The aim of this study was to determine changes in protein expression signatures (PES) in the digestive gland of oysters Crassostrea gigas transplanted to two farming areas (LIS and RIB) and to one area contaminated by sanitary sewage (BUC) after 14 days of exposure. This species is one of the most cultivated molluscs in the world. The identified proteins are related to the cytoskeleton (CKAP5 and ACT2), ubiquitination pathway conjugation (UBE3C), G protein-coupled receptor and signal transduction (SVEP1), and cell cycle/division (CCNB3). CKAP5 showed higher expression in oysters kept at BUC in comparison with those kept at the farming areas, while ACT2, UBE3C, SVEP1, and CCNB3 were suppressed. The results suggest that these changes might lead to DNA damage, apoptosis, and interference with the immune system in oyster C. gigas exposed to sewage and give initial information on PES of C. gigas exposed to sanitary sewage, which can subsequently be useful in the development of more sensitive tools for biomonitoring coastal areas, particularly those devoted mainly to oyster farming activities.
Asunto(s)
Ciudades , Crassostrea/efectos de los fármacos , Crassostrea/metabolismo , Contaminantes Ambientales/toxicidad , Proteínas/metabolismo , Aguas del Alcantarillado/efectos adversos , Transcriptoma/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Monitoreo del AmbienteRESUMEN
Field and laboratory experiments were combined to evaluate biomarker responses of Diplodon chilensis to sewage pollution. Mussels from an unpolluted area in Lacar lake (S0) were caged at a reference site (S1) and at two sites with increasing sewage pollution (S2, S3) in Pocahullo river (all in Argentina). After 1 month, gill (g) glutathione S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT) activities, and lipid peroxidation (TBARS) were found to be significantly elevated in S3, gGST being positively correlated with fecal bacteria (FC) concentration. Digestive gland (dg) enzyme activities were depressed and dgTBARS were increased in all transplanted mussels. After 3 mo, most variables returned to control levels in S1 mussels except for dgCAT and dgTBARS. After seven months, GST and CAT activities of S0 and S3 mussels were evaluated in the laboratory, before and after acute exposure (8 h) to high fecal bacteria concentration ([FC] in S3x 2). gGST increased in both groups, while dgGST responded only in S3 mussels. gCAT and dgCAT activities were similarly increased by acute exposure in both groups. Our results suggest that gGST and gCAT are suitable biomarkers for high FC pollution regardless of previous exposure history. In addition, we show that dgCAT is sensitive to the acute increase in FC load, both in naive and long-term exposed individuals, while dgGST becomes responsive after long-term acclimatization.
Asunto(s)
Bivalvos/química , Catalasa/análisis , Glutatión Transferasa/análisis , Aguas del Alcantarillado/análisis , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/análisis , Animales , Argentina , Biomarcadores/análisis , Biomarcadores/metabolismo , Bivalvos/metabolismo , Catalasa/metabolismo , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Glutatión Transferasa/metabolismo , Peroxidación de Lípido , Ríos/química , Aguas del Alcantarillado/efectos adversos , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/metabolismo , Contaminación Química del Agua/efectos adversos , Contaminación Química del Agua/análisisRESUMEN
The increased production of urban sewage sludge requires alternative methods for final disposal. A very promising choice is the use of sewage sludge as a fertilizer in agriculture, since it is rich in organic matter, macro and micronutrients. However, urban sewage sludge may contain toxic substances that may cause deleterious effects on the biota, water and soil, and consequently on humans. There is a lack of studies evaluating how safe the consumption of food cultivated in soils containing urban sewage sludge is. Thus, the aim of this paper was to evaluate biochemical and redox parameters in rats fed with corn produced in a soil treated with urban sewage sludge for a long term. For these experiments, maize plants were grown in soil amended with sewage sludge (rates of 5, 10 and 20 t/ha) or not (control). Four different diets were prepared with the corn grains produced in the field experiment, and rats were fed with these diets for 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Biochemical parameters (glucose, total cholesterol and fractions, triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase) as well the redox state biomarkers such as reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase, glutathione peroxidase and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) were assessed. Our results show no differences in the biomarkers over 1 or 2 weeks. However, at 4 weeks BuChE activity was inhibited in rats fed with corn grown in soil amended with sewage sludge (5, 10 and 20 t/ha), while MDA levels increased. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to corn cultivated in the highest amount per hectare of sewage sludge (8 and 12 weeks) was associated with an increase in MDA levels and a decrease in GSH levels, respectively. Our findings add new evidence of the risks of consuming food grown with urban sewage sludge. However, considering that the amount and type of toxic substances present in urban sewage sludge varies considerably among different sampling areas, further studies are needed to evaluate sludge samples collected from different sources and/or undergoing different types of treatment.
Asunto(s)
Dieta , Fertilizantes/efectos adversos , Estrés Oxidativo , Aguas del Alcantarillado/efectos adversos , Contaminantes del Suelo/toxicidad , Suelo , Zea mays/metabolismo , Agricultura , Animales , Biomarcadores/análisis , Grano Comestible/metabolismo , Fertilizantes/análisis , Inocuidad de los Alimentos , Masculino , Oxidación-Reducción , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Aguas del Alcantarillado/química , Contaminantes del Suelo/análisisRESUMEN
Bragança's socioeconomic situation is highly dependent on estuarine and marine biological resources that are influenced by tidal cycles and climatology. Field measurements (hydrological, hydrodynamic and microbiological variables) were taken in the most urbanized zone from Caeté estuary to characterise the quality of the local environment. During the dry period, the estuary was more eutrophic and presented the highest temperature (30.5 degrees C in Oct./06), salinity (17 psu in Feb./07), pH (8.24 in Feb./07) and fecal coliform (> 1000 MPN/100 ml in Dec./06 and Feb./07) values. The phytoplankton Cyclotella meneghiniana, Coscinodiscus centralis and other r-strategist species were observed. The lack of basic hydric canalization was responsible for the local contamination, especially during the dry period when more concentrated wastewater from the city was emitted into the estuary, showing the human influence on the reduction of local estuarine water quality. In Bragança, the fishery is considered one of the main economic activities so, this contamination is worrisome because a large part of the local economy depends on biological resources and, thus, the contamination could negatively affect the environmental health of this Amazon ecosystem.