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Litter is an ecological, economic, and social problem that impacts marine environments around the world. To create prevention and mitigation measures to solve this issue, it is necessary to understand the amounts and sources of this type of pollution. Cassino Beach is an extensive sandy beach located in South Brazil (∼220 km in length) that presents multiple uses, such as touristic, portuary and fishery activities. In order to evaluate the spatial and seasonal variation of litter amounts, types and sources at Cassino Beach, litter (>2.5 cm) was collected over 27 months at two urban and two non-urban sites. At each site, the litter present in three 200 m2 areas was sampled and evaluated. A total of 19,457 items were collected, mostly composed by plastic (∼88%). Paper, metal, and cloth items were also present, but in low amounts. Fragments and cigarette butts were the major types of plastic litter, with abundances of 28.4% and 17.0%, respectively. Urban sites presented higher amounts of litter, with those related to beach use being more common, emphasizing the contribution of beachgoers to litter input at these sites. During the summer season, when beach use increases, the highest total litter concentration was found. Undefined and/or beach use-related sources were dominant in all sites and seasons. Mapping the predominant materials, types and potential sources of litter creates important baseline data that can contribute not only to beach monitoring, but also to the development of litter reduction strategies.

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Microplastics became an unprecedented challenge and mapping their contamination all over the world is needed in order to establish baseline levels and identify the polymers in order to enhance adequate legislation and policy. The main objective of this study is to demonstrate the existence of microplastic pollution on three beaches on the coast of Granada (Spain), namely La Herradura, Motril Beach and La Rábita, characterizing the particles and the relationships in their distribution. This may contribute supporting the studies carried out at a national level in accordance with the Directive on Marine Strategy (2008/56/EC). The results showed a greater median concentration of particles/kg of dry sediment in La Herradura (45.0 ±â€¯24.7) than in Motril (31.5 ±â€¯21.5) and La Rábita (22.0 ±â€¯23.2). These data revealed a higher contamination by microplastics in an enclosed bay-type beach (La Herradura) in comparison with open delta-type beaches. The predominant morphologies were microspheres and fragments, with maximum median concentrations of 38.0 ±â€¯23.7 and 6.0 ±â€¯0.7 particles/kg, respectively. The distribution and size of the particles is affected by the geomorphological and sedimentary characteristics of these beaches, which are different from any other in Spain and in the Mediterranean in general. The beaches of Granada showed more microplastic contamination than Greek or Slovenian beaches, but less than other Spanish beaches. In this area of the Mediterranean, the presence of microplastics can be affected by the wind, sea currents or methodological aspects such as the pore size of the filters used. All of these factors were analysed when comparing the beaches of Granada with other Mediterranean beaches. This study shows that there is contamination by microplastics on the beaches of Granada, which have been little explored until now due to the difficult geological and granulometric characteristics, and gives support to other national studies.

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Este artigo busca apresentar de que formas e sob quais circunstâncias a Baía de Guanabara pôde emergir como importante pauta jornalística ambiental. Analisando matérias do jornal O Globo entre as décadas de 1940 e 1970, período crucial para se entender a poluição daquele ambiente, identificamos a transformação de um referencial idílico da baía para a representação de um lugar de perigo. Nesse sentido, exploramos a importância que a saúde humana adquire para que esta pauta ambiental atingisse um alto patamar de noticialização, semelhantes aos níveis atuais. Refletimos, ainda, sobre as maneiras pelas quais a pauta ambiental pode ser construída, longe de síndromes comuns a esta especialidade jornalística, mas associada a marcos teóricos importantes do campo, como a imprescindibilidade do ativismo ecológico e a necessidade de ampliação do enfoque noticioso e abarcamento de conhecimentos de povos tradicionais.

This article seeks to present in which ways and circumstances Guanabara Bay could emerge as an important environmental journalistic agenda. Analyzing articles from the O Globo newspaper between the 1940s and the 1970s, a crucial period to understand the pollution of the bay, we identified the changes of an idyllic reference point of the bay to represent a place of danger. In this sense, we explore the importance that human health acquires for the environmental agenda of the bay to reach levels of reporting similar to the current ones. We also reflect about how the environmental agenda can be built away from syndromes common to this journalistic field, but associated with important theories in the field, such as the indispensability of ecological activism and the need to expand the news focus and to encompass the knowledge of traditional people.

Este artículo busca presentar de qué maneras y bajo qué circunstancia la Bahía de Guanabara podría emerger como una importante agenda periodística ambiental. Analizando artículos del periódico O Globo entre las décadas de 1940 y 1970, un período crucial para comprender la contaminación de la bahía, identificamos la transformación de un punto de referencia idílico de la bahía para representar un lugar de peligro. Em este sentido, exploramos la importancia que adquiere la salud humana para que la agenda ambiental de la bahía alcance niveles de informes similares a los actuales. También reflejamos las formas em que la agenda ambiental se puede construir a partir de síndromes comunes a este campo periodístico, asociada con importantes teorías en el campo, como la indispensabilidad del activismo ecológico y la necesidad de expandir el enfoque de las noticias y abarcar el conocimiento de las personas tradicionales.

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Resumen: Las cianobacterias son bacterias fotosintéticas del plancton de aguas dulces y saladas. Su acumulación excesiva en las aguas recreacionales y potables se conoce como floración algal, con potenciales efectos en la salud de seres humanos. Son predominantemente estivales, en cursos de aguas dulces y pueden alcanzar las costas oceánicas. Esta es una revisión bibliográfica basada en las publicaciones registradas en PubMed-Medline, BVS (Biblioteca Virtual en Salud que incluye SciELO, LILACS, IBECS), Springer, Science Direct, Portal Timbó, y obtenidas con los términos "cianobacterias", "cianotoxinas", "microcistina", "floraciones algales", "pediatría", "niños", "recreacional" "intoxicación" "exposición", sin límites de año de publicación. Su objetivo es actualizar el conocimiento sobre cianotoxinas y efectos en la salud humana, analizar escenarios de riesgo de exposición a cianobacterias, particularmente en niños, y reforzar medidas preventivas de la exposición y promover acciones desde el sector sanitario. Las manifestaciones clínicas de la intoxicación por exposición reciente son malestar general, irritación de piel y mucosas, síntomas respiratorios e incluso afectación hepática en casos graves. Es preciso incluir estas floraciones en la etiopatogenia de estos cuadros y relacionarlos con la exposición utilizando la monitorización de floraciones del país. La exposición a cianobacterias es un riesgo emergente para la salud. La evidencia científica de los últimos años consolida el conocimiento de efectos en la salud humana por exposición a cianobacterias. Recientemente se identifica el baño, juegos infantiles e ingesta de arena en costas con altos niveles de contaminación como un escenario de riesgo en niños. La evidencia de hepatoxicidad por cianotoxinas es aún más escasa, aunque existen casos documentados. El sistema de monitoreo de playas permite a los equipos de salud incorporar la sospecha de exposición a cianobacterias y el posible contacto con sus toxinas, para poder realizar un diagnóstico temprano y participar en la prevención de la exposición.

Summary: Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic bacteria from fresh and saltwater plankton. Its excessive accumulation in recreational and drinking waters is known as algal bloom that could potentially affect human health. They are mainly seen in summer, in freshwater waterways and can reach the ocean coasts. This is a bibliographic review based on the publications registered in PubMed-Medline, BVS (Virtual Health Library that includes SciELO, LILACS, IBECS), Springer, Science Direct, Portal Timbó, and obtained with the terms "cyanobacteria", "cyanotoxins", "Microcystine", "algal blooms", "pediatrics", "children", "recreational" "intoxication" "exposure" without year of publication limits. The review aims to update knowledge about cyanotoxins and their effect on human health; analyze risk scenarios of exposure to cyanobacteria, particularly in children, and reinforce preventive measures for exposure, as well as to promote actions from the health sector. The clinical manifestations of recent exposure poisoning are general malaise, skin and mucous irritation, respiratory symptoms and even liver insufficiency in severe cases. It is necessary to include these blooms in the pathogenesis of these clinic cases and relate them to the exposure using the monitoring of blooms in the country. Exposure to cyanobacteria is an emerging health risk. The scientific evidence of the last years consolidates knowledge on the effect of exposure to cyanobacteria on human health. Recently, bathing, children's games, and sand intake on coasts with high levels of contamination have been identified as a risk scenario for children. Evidence of cyanotoxin hepatoxicity is even scarcer, although there are documented cases. The beach monitoring system allows health teams to incorporate the suspicion of exposure to cyanobacteria and possible contact with their toxins, to make an early diagnosis and participate in the prevention of exposure.

Resumo: As cianobactérias são bactérias fotossintéticas do plâncton de águas doces e salgadas. Sua acumulação excessiva em águas recreacionais e potáveis é conhecida como floração algal com potenciais efeitos sobre a saúde de seres humanos. São predominantemente estivais, ocorrem em cursos de águas doces e podem alcançar as costas oceânicas. Esta é uma revisão bibliográfica baseada nas publicações indexadas em PubMed-Medline, BVS (Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde que inclui SciELO, LILACS, IBECS), Springer, Science Direct, Portal Timbó, e obtidas com os termos "cianobactérias", "cianotoxinas", "microcistina", "florações algais", "pediatria", "crianças", "recreacional" "intoxicação" "exposição", sem limites de ano de publicação. Seu objetivo é atualizar o conhecimento sobre cianotoxinas e efeitos sobre a saúde humana; analisar cenários de risco de exposição a cianobactérias, particularmente em crianças e reforçar medidas preventivas de exposição e promover ações do setor sanitário. As manifestações clínicas da intoxicação por exposição recente são mal-estar geral, irritação de pele e mucosas, sintomas respiratórios e incluso afetação hepática nos casos graves. É preciso incluir estas florações, na etiopatogenia destes quadros e relacioná-las com a exposição utilizando o monitoramento das florações do país. A exposição a cianobactérias é um risco emergente para a saúde. A evidência científica dos últimos anos consolida o conhecimento sobre os efeitos sobre a saúde humana por exposição a cianobactérias; recentemente foram identificados como um cenário de risco para crianças: o banho, jogos infantis e ingestão de areia nas costas com altos níveis de contaminação. A evidência de hepatoxicidade por cianotoxinas é ainda escassa embora existam casos documentados. O sistema de monitoramento de praias permite as equipes de saúde incorporar a suspeita de exposição a cianobactérias e o possível contacto com suas toxinas, para poder realizar um diagnóstico precoce e participar na prevenção da exposição.

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Plastic has become abundant in the oceans and proved to be a threat to marine and coastal fauna. In this study, we present the first record of synthetic debris ingested by the shorebird American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) in Brazil. We collected 24 stomach contents from October 2007 to October 2015 and 58% were juveniles. Synthetic materials were found in 100% of stomachs. Used plastic fragments and plastic pellets were the most frequent items, beige and white were more common colors. Synthetic material may be unintentionally ingested directly through substrate consumption or indirectly through prey consumption. Hence, debris ingestion may be common, representing an impact to coastal birds. Based on our results, we hope to highlight the need for public policies to reduce the disposal of synthetic debris in the oceans and beaches.

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Venezuela, presenta una gran variedad de playas frecuentadas durante todo el año, por lo que legalmente se establece un monitoreo permanente de niveles de contaminación para su clasificación "apta" o no para bañistas. Sin embargo, esto no contempla la evaluación parasitológica en la arena de playa como criterio para la referida clasificación. Por ello, la presencia de sólo una forma parasitaria patógena indica que existe contaminación fecal dado por personas, animales o acúmulo de basura a lo largo del balneario; además de la influencia de las características geográficas y ambientales en el desarrollo de los parásitos. Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo determinar la presencia de formas parasitarias patógenas para el hombre como indicadores de contaminación fecal en un balneario en Puerto Cabello. Se recolectaron 110 muestras de arena durante un año en diferentes puntos geográficos seleccionados intencionalmente abarcando la extensión de la ensenada, registrándose: temporadas pre o post vacacionales, humedad relativa de la arena, punto geográfico de muestreo y estación climática. Se realizaron los métodos de Lavado con solución salina 0,85%, Rugai modificado y Willis. Resultados: 25% de muestras fueron positivas para parásitos patógenos, distribuyéndose: larvas rabditoides (8,33%) y filarioides (2,08%) de Strongyloides spp., huevos (2,08%) y larvas rabditoides (12,49%) de Anquilostomideos, huevo de Toxocara spp. (4,17%) y Ooquiste de Isospora belli (2,08%), poniendo en evidencia la contaminación fecal de origen animal y humano. Se espera que investigaciones como éstas fomenten la elaboración de normativas de control sanitario y programas de evaluación de niveles de contaminación parasitaria en arena de playa.

A large number of beaches in Venezuela are visited throughout the year, and there is a legal system in place whereby these beaches are monitored and classified as suitable or not for bathing. However, the presence of parasites in the sand on the beaches is not evaluated as part of this classification The presence of only one pathogenic parasite on a beach indicates fecal contamination either by humans, animals or the accumulation of trash, in addition to geographical and environmental characteristics which could influence the development of the parasites. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of parasites pathogenic to humans as indicators of fecal contamination on a beach in Puerto Cabello. A total of 110 sand samples were collected over one year at different geographic locations selected to cover the entire bay area. Samples were registered as collected during the pre or post-holiday seasons, and the relative moisture of the sand, geographic location and season were also noted. Parasites were collected by washing with 0.85% saline solution, and tested using the Rugai method modified by Willis. Overall, 25% of samples showed positive for the parasites as follows: Strongyloides spp.: rhabditoid (8.33%) and filarioid (2.08%) larvae, Ancylostoma spp.: eggs (2.08%) and rhabditoid larvae (12.49%), Toxocara spp.: eggs (4.17%) and Isospora belli: oocysts (2.08%), indicating extensive fecal contamination from both human and animal sources. We hope that investigations such as this will lead to the establishment of hygiene standards and programs for monitoring the levels of parasitic contamination on sandy beaches.

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Contando com a parceria entre UFPB e Centro deControle de Zoonoses da Secretaria Municipal de Saúde,nos propomos a analisar a qualidade do solo das praiasurbanas de João Pessoa/PB. Material e Métodos: Amostrasde areia, coletadas em pontos definidos ao longo das praias,entre setembro de 2007 e agosto de 2008, foram analisadasquanto à presença de cistos de protozoários e ovos oularvas de helmintos. Resultados: Contaminação por parasitosfoi identificada em 29,1% das amostras (n=51)apresentaram-se contaminadas simultaneamente porhelmintos e protozoários, 60,6% das amostras (n=106)apresentaram algum tipo de protozoário e 44,4% (n=77),algum tipo de helminto, enquanto 43 amostras (24,6%) nãoapresentaram qualquer estágio evolutivo de parasito. Osachados mais frequentes foram amebas (50,9%) eascarídeos (32,6%). Altura da maré no momento da coletanão influenciou a contaminação da amostra por protozoáriosou helmintos. Entretanto, baixa umidade relativa da amostrafoi correlacionada à contaminação de helmintos, mas não deprotozoários. Conclusão: A contaminação da areia das praiasurbanas da capital paraibana por protozoários e helmintospotencialmente parasitos foi confirmada e estes dados podemorientar a implantação de ações para melhorar a qualidadede vida da população que frequenta o litoral da cidade deJoão Pessoa...

With a partnership between the Federal Universityof Paraíba (UFPB) and the Center for Zoonosis Control in theMunicipal Health Department, we proposed to examine thesoil quality of urban beaches in the city of João Pessoa/PB.Material and Methods: Sand samples were collected atdemarcated places along the beaches between September2007 and August 2008, and were then analyzed for thepresence of protozoan cysts and helminth eggs or larvae.Results: Parasites contamination was identified in most ofthe 175 samples analyzed: 29.1% of the samples (n = 51)were found to be simultaneously infected with helminthesand protozoa; 60.6% of the samples (n = 106) had some typeof protozoan and 44.4% (n = 77) some kind of helminth, while43 samples (24.6%) did not show any developmental stageof the parasite. The most frequent findings were amoebas(50.9%) and roundworms (32.6%). Tide height at the time ofcollection did not influence the contamination of the sampleby protozoa or helminthes. However, low relative humidity ofthe sample was shown to be correlated to helminth infection,but not to protozoa. Conclusion: Contamination of sand fromthe urban beaches of the capital of Paraiba state potentiallyby protozoan and helminth parasites was confirmed in thisstudy. This information can guide the implementation of actionsto improve the quality of life of the population that attends thecoast of the city of João Pessoa...

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Objetivo: Estudiar la calidad sanitaria de las aguas de playa Jacó, mediante inspecciones sanitarias y muestras realizadas en el período 2002 al 2008, y su comparación con los resultados obtenidos en los períodos 1986-1987 y 1996-2000. Método: Se realizó un análisis de la evolución histórica de la calidad de la playa, en los períodos 1986-1987 y 1996-2000; luego, se analizó en detalle los promedios geométricos, mínimos y máximos anuales de Coliformes fecales/100mL (CF/100mL), en el período 2002-2008. La evaluación de la calidad del agua se hizo con los "Criterios Bacteriológicos Nacionales para Evaluar las Aguas de Mar de Contacto Directo" (natación), en donde el límite para calificar las aguas de mar es de 240CF/100mL; además, se estudiaron las cuatro desembocaduras de aguas superficiales (tres quebradas y el río Copey). Resultados: Se presento un incremento de la contaminación fecal de las aguas de mar en Jacó durante las dos últimas décadas; esta situación se agravó en el año 2008, en donde en al menos dos puntos de muestreo el agua se clasifica como no apta para la natación. Además, se identificaron grande densidades de CF/100mL en las tres quebradas y el río Copey lo cual, unido al uso de tanques sépticos, influye en la calidad sanitaria de la playa. Discusión: El crecimiento urbano y turístico de la zona en forma desordenada ha afectado la calidad sanitaria de la playa, clasificándose en los años 2005 y 2008 como clase E y D, respectivamente; es decir, actualmente esta playa es "no apta para la natación".

Objective: To study sanitary conditions of beach waters in Playa Jacó through sanitary inspection and samplings for the period 2002-2008, as compared to results of the periods 1986-1987 and 1996-2000. Method: First, an analysis was performed on the historical evolution of the quality of the beach in the periods 1986- 1987 and 1996-2000; then the annual geometrical average, the minimum and the maximum of fecal Coliforms/100mL (CF/100mL) were analyzed for the period 2002-2008. The evolution of the quality of the water was done under "National Bacteriological Criteria to Evaluate Seawater in Direct Contact (swimming) "where the limit for seawater is established as 240CF/100mL: furthermore, surface water quality was studied at the four mouths of the rivers (three brooks and Copey River). Results: Data indicate an increase of fecal contamination of the seawater of Jacó Beach during the last two decades. This situation became worse in the year 2008, as shown in sampling of two different points. These sampling points were classified as not acceptable for swimming. Furthermore, high density of fecal coliforms was identified in the three brooks and the Copey River. This situation is linked to the use of septic tanks and has an influence in the poor quality of the beach. Discussion: The urban and tourist growth in the zone in a disorderly fashion has affected the sanitary quality of the beach, classifying it in 2005 and 2008 as class E and D, respectively; that is to say, at the moment this beach is "non-acceptable for swimming".

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