Distribution of Metals in the Waters and Sediments of Rivers in Central Amazon Region, Brazil

Abstract

Seasonal concentrations of total, particulate and dissolved Al, Cu, Cd, Cr, Fe, Pb and Ni were analyzed in surface water and total metals in sediment samples from black and whitewater rivers within the Itacoatiara City, Central Amazon. Metals concentrations in water and sediment samples demonstrated that even though urbanization and agricultural practices are common in this region. Metal concentrations in sediments samples are acceptable regarding the recommended levels for protection of aquatic life. From this work, which is the first trace elements study in the main tributaries from Itacoatiara region, we conclude that metals are present in a particulate form, being easier to be transported to other aquatic bodies. During flooding periods an increase of Al, Fe and total organic compound (TOC) in almost water sampling points was observed.

Metals, n-Alkanes, Hopanes, and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon in Sediments from Three Amazonian Streams Crossing Manaus (Brazil)

“…Compared with the polluted and eutrophic Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon [46], the Mindu and Quarenta streams presented slightly lower concentrations for most metals. Only the metals Mn and Pb were found in much lower concentrations herein compared to all of the systems cited [23,[44][45][46]. The Quarenta and Mindu streams also presented slightly lower concentrations for most metals than those reported for the Xingu and Fresco rivers [22] and the Furo da Laura estuary [24], which are Amazonian waterbodies located in the Pará state.…”

“…Compared with sediments of black and whitewater rivers within the Itacoatiara city (AM), Central Amazon, metal concentrations were higher for sediments of the Mindu and Quarenta streams [23]. Compared with estuarine environments, such as the Itajaí-Açu estuarine system (SC) [44] and the São Marcos bay and Anil river estuary (MA) [45], sediments from the Mindu and Quarenta streams presented a comparable concentration for most metals.…”

Microplastics in the Amazon biome: State of the art and future priorities

“…Similarly, sieve meshes used in sediments processing ranged from 63 μm to 500 μm. Notably, many environments of the amazon biome are characterized by high levels of organic matter [ 56 ], which can obstruct the finest meshes, and complicate the digestion, sieving, and filtration processes of MP, thus requiring adaptation of the methodological procedures.…”