Characterization of quality of sediments from Paranaguá Bay (Brazil) by combined in vitro bioassays and chemical analyses

Abstract

The present study characterizes the quality of sediments from the Paranaguá Estuarine Complex (South Brazil). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were determined in sediment samples together with a series of different in vitro bioassays. The fish hepatoma cell line (PLHC-1) was used to determine the presence of cytotoxic compounds and CYP1A- and oxidative stress-inducing agents in sediment extracts. Ovarian microsomal fractions from sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) were used to detect the presence of endocrine disrupters that interfered with the synthesis of estrogens (ovarian CYP19). Despite the relatively low levels of pollutants and no evidence of negative effects based on guideline levels, sediments collected close to harbors were enriched with CYP1A-inducing agents and they showed higher cytotoxicity. In contrast, sediments from internal areas inhibited CYP19 activity, which suggests the presence of endocrine disrupters at these sites. Overall, the selected bioassays and the chemistry data led to the identification of potentially impacted areas along the Paranaguá Estuarine Complex that would require further action to improve their environmental quality. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1811-1819. © 2016 SETAC.

Baseline levels of oxidative stress biomarkers in species from a subtropical estuarine system (Paranaguá Bay, southern Brazil)

“…C. rhizophorae biomarker activity also allowed to discriminate between reference (PAH in sediments 13.09 ng g -1 Sandrini-Neto et al 2016) and polluted locations (89.14 ng g -1 Rizzi et al 2016). Previous studies have also highlighted the response of biotransformation and antioxidant enzymes from the mangrove oyster as suitable biomarkers for contamination (Alves et al 2002;Zanette et al 2006;Zanette et al 2008;Maranho et al 2012).…”

“…Total polyaromatic hydrocarbon contamination (16 priority PAH USEPA) in sediments is in overall much lower in PES than in other regions of the world (Cardoso et al 2016). The area near Paranaguá City usually presents the higher values of total PAH in sediments of the area (28.7-232.74 ng g-1) (Froehner et al 2011;Cardoso et al 2016;Rizzi et al 2016).…”

Wake of Death: Using historical and contemporaneous data to evaluate the >i<Isopisthus parvipinnis>/i< (Sciaenidae) population structure at the Southwest Atlantic Ocean (23º - 26.9ºS)

“…The Cananéia-Iguape system receives a significant contribution of the freshwater runoff from the Ribeira de Iguape River (300 to more than 1200 m 3 /s), in addition to the input of anthropogenic metallic contamination (Mahiques et al, 2009(Mahiques et al, , 2013. On the other hand, the Paranaguá Estuarine Complex contributes with a freshwater input close to 200 m 3 /s (Lana et al, 2001), and in spite of being considered as one of the least impacted coastal systems in Southeastern Brazil, sediments levels of organic compounds were low, but significant amounts of cytotoxic compounds and endocrine disrupters were found (Rizzi et al, 2017). Thus, these two areas are characterized by similar hydrographical influences and pollution profiles.…”