Abstract Activities related to the marine exploration of oil and gas reservoirs tend to cause a concentration of natural radionuclides in related materials. As such, knowledge regarding the distribution of radionuclides in sedimentary basins with current oil operations is essential for modeling radiological hazards and possible risks of site contamination. This study investigated the distribution of 226Ra and 228Ra, radioisotopes from the 232U and 232Th decay chains in bottom sediment of the Santos basin. Sediment samples were collected from sites in a sampling grid based on depth contours and were analyzed through high-resolution gamma spectrometry. A distribution model of the spatial variation of these isotopes, the frst of its kind for the Basin, supported the interpretation of similar tendencies in their distribution. From studying the spatial trends of the mean levels of the isotopes with descriptive statistics and variance analysis, latitudinal and bathymetric diferences in the content of radionuclides emerged. These diferences are probably derived from the distinct sources of these elements, as 226Ra originates in the deep ocean from the decay of parent 230Th and from the patterns of sedimentation driven by open ocean circulation, while 228Ra is supplied by terrigenous materials transported by the northward-fowing Brazilian Coastal Current. such contamination Ra U Th basin highresolution high resolution spectrometry Basin analysis emerged elements circulation northwardfowing northward fowing Current

Abstract Pockmarks are circular or elliptical structures formed at the seabed by the expulsion of gas from the subsurface. They are widely distributed along the continental margin off southeastern Brazil and can be over a kilometer wide and 100 meters deep. However, studies concerning the organic characteristics of these pockmark areas are scarce. This study sought to evaluate the organic composition of the sedimentary matter in pockmark areas located in the continental slope region of the southern Brazilian coast. Hydrocarbons, sterols, long-chain alcohols, stable isotopes of C and N, total organic carbon, and total nitrogen were assessed to provide an organic molecular characterization of the pockmarks located in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. These compounds did not reflect the organic characteristics of the scape of fluids that generate pockmark structures.

Abstract Pockmarks are geological features that often sustain hydrocarbon-related communities of microorganisms when active, seeping oil or methane. Microbial communities of inactive pockmarks have not been well studied until the present. Plenty of pockmarks in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean have been discovered. However, no information is available about the organic characteristics in association with the microbial diversity related to methane and non-methane hydrocarbon consumption. This study examined the identity and potential ecology of the methane-related microbial community in an inactive SW Atlantic Carbonate-enriched Pockmark (SWACP). Undisturbed sediment cores were enriched with CH4 99.5% at 5°C, with samples harvested at 16h, 120h, 240h, 720h, and 960h, followed by metataxonomics functional prediction, and the correlation of microbial groups with incubation and enrichment types. The SWACP is depleted in organic compounds, and chemosynthetic production is dominant. Incubated mini-cores of sediment were affected by incubation time and enrichment type, which influenced the microbial composition. Although several taxa were shared among all sediment samples, specific groups per enrichment type and incubation time were observed. These communities comprised taxa previously reported in marine bottom waters, carbonate crusts, active cold-seeps, and inactive pockmarks. The methane-enriched taxa were predominantly related to aerobic methanotrophy, methylotrophy, aerobic and anaerobic non-methane hydrocarbon degradation, and fermentation. This study brings the first survey of the key microbial groups in methane fluxes of a Brazilian deep-sea pockmark, providing data for understanding the ecology surrounding the SW Atlantic gas field areas.

Abstract Carbonate mounds and pockmarks are geologically and ecologically important features distributed worldwide in the world’s oceans. In the present study, we present a chemical characterization of deep-sea scleractinian coral skeletons collected in these geomorphological areas at the southeastern continental margin of Brazil. Coral samples were collected from ten sampling stations during cruises aboard the R/V Alpha Crucis, in 2019. Three species of scleractinian corals were studied: Enallopsammia rostrata, Solenosmilia variabilis, and Desmophyllum pertusum. Stable isotopes of carbon and oxygen (δ13C and δ18O), metals, and phosphorus present in the coral carbonate skeletons were analyzed. Corals are recognized as archives of physical-chemical variations in the marine environment, and the Element/Ca ratios, δ13C, and δ18O allowed for the characterization of the studied areas. Chemical composition found in pockmark areas indicated affinity to terrigenous and particulate materials input (Ba/Ca, Fe/Ca, Mn/Ca, Li/Ca, and Mg/Ca). Greater availability of nutrients and anthropogenic materials (Pb/Ca, Cd/Ca, Zn/Ca, and P/Ca) is also likely to occur in this region, with some elemental ratios higher than those measured in other oceans. These mounds can act as barriers for metals from land flows. Also, corals benefit from a higher food supply due to stronger currents. The corals at the top of the Alpha Crucis Carbonate Ridge receive significant marine influence. Most coral samples have carbonate of aragonitic origin, except for a specimen of D. pertusum, which presented carbonate of biogenic calcite and aragonite. The results demonstrate the potential of scleractinian corals in the chemical characterization of the deep ocean and the need for further investigation of carbonate mound areas from the SW Atlantic.

Abstract Deep-sea sediments comprise one of the largest habitats on Earth. The archaeal groups contribute to a large fraction of the deep-sea benthic biomass, playing a key role in biogeochemical cycles. However, their diversity in deep-sea benthic ecosystems remains poorly understood, mostly because only recently novel taxa have been proposed, thus remodeling the phylogenetic tree. Despite the dificulty in obtaining cultivated representatives, the metabolic capabilities of archaea have lately been described through metagenomic data, indicating that archaeal taxa are highly versatile. Here, we aimed to reveal the diversity of archaeal communities in surface (0 to 15 cm depth) and subsurface (200 cm depth) sediments from a carbonate-rich region in the Southwestern Atlantic upper slope. We performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and found that the archaeal composition in surface sediments was mainly dominated by ammonia-oxidizing archaea within Nitrososphaeria class. The distribution of Nitrososphaeria ASVs (amplicon sequence variants) indicates the presence of several species or ecotypes. Contrastingly, the subsurface sediment was dominated by uncultivated anaerobic and poorly known archaea, including representatives of all supergroups (Asgard, TACK, DPANN and Euryarchaeota). These archaea have been described as having potentially diverse metabolic capabilities, including autotrophic and heterotrophic pathways, such as acetogenesis, methylotrophy, and degradation of labile and recalcitrant organic compounds. This indicates an important role in the remineralization of organic matter in the SW (Southwest) Atlantic slope. They are likely enriched due to the transport and mixing of sediments by the IWBC (Intermediate Western Boundary Current) along the continental slope. However, further studies are needed to reveal the geochemical and oceanographic drivers of the archaeal distribution. This study provides the first description of the archaeal communities in carbonate-rich sediments in the SW Atlantic slope, and adds new biodiversity insights to this geological feature, which is considered a vulnerable marine ecosystem, thus helping for future conservation strategies.

Abstract Although carbonate mounds have been investigated for 100 years, few studies focus on the giant variety. The Alpha Crucis Carbonate Ridge (ACCR), a ~17 x 12-km ring-shaped ridge formed by hundreds of mounded structures, located between the 300 and 800-m isobaths and reaching a maximum height of 340 meters above the adjacent seafloor, is the first giant carbonate mounded feature described for the SW Atlantic margin. This study provides the first multiproxy approach to investigate sediments covering the ACCR and its adjacencies. Most of the area is located under the Intermediate Western Boundary Current (IWBC) flow, which carries the nutrient-rich Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW). Radiocarbon aging shows pronounced differences for the shallow layers (MIS3 for the top of the mounds and late Holocene for the adjacencies). Grain size data indicate the prevalence of sandy fractions on top of the mounds and muddy sediments in the adjacent areas. Fe/Ca and Ti/Ca proxies allowed for identifying mainly biogenic sedimentation in the area. However, the input of allochthonous terrigenous sediment is necessary for mound buildup, and values of Fe and Ti collected on the top of the mounds are significant. End-Members distributions and metal concentrations also allowed for recognition of distinct sources of sediment. εNd and Ln(Fe/K) indicated two primary terrigenous sources, the Precambrian rocks of the Brazilian shield (Cabo Frio end-member) and the multiple lithologies drained by the Rio de la Plata basin. Redox condition proxies indicated that the area is submitted to oxic conditions, probably reflecting the action of the IWBC. This work provides the first insight into an integrated grain-size and geochemical characterization of the Alpha Crucis Carbonate Ridge (southwestern Atlantic margin).

Resumo Inaugurado em 1852, o canal artificial do Valo Grande (VG), no rio Ribeira de Iguape (SP), configura-se como um dos maiores desastres ambientais da costa brasileira. Este artigo apresenta uma síntese sobre o tema, abordando suas dimensões histórica, ecológica, geográfica e sociopolítica. O VG tem causado a desestruturação do ecossistema e a reconfiguração da paisagem no Complexo Estuarino-Lagunar Cananéia-Iguape. Estudos também indicam que parte dessas transformações pode ser reversível, caso o canal venha a ser fechado, como determinado em decisão judicial de 2a Instância em 2018. Tal medida deverá ser acompanhada, no entanto, por um amplo programa de monitoramento visando sua efetividade (ambiental e social) em longo prazo. A questão do VG permanece ainda sem definição, passados mais de 150 anos desde os seus primeiros impactos significativos na região. Trata-se de fenômeno singular no Brasil e sobre o qual este artigo procura lançar alguma luz.

Abstract The channel of the Valo Grande (VG) in the Ribeira de Iguape River (São Paulo State, Brazil), inaugurated in 1852, is one of the largest environmental disasters in the Brazilian coast. This article presents a synthesis of the historical, ecological, geographic and sociopolitical dimensions involving the VG. The VG has promoted the ecosystem disrupting and the landscape reconfiguration of Cananéia-Iguape estuary-lagoon complex. Studies have also indicated that part of these environmental changes could be reversible, in the case of VG closure, which was determined by Brazilian jury at second instance in 2018. Such a decision, however, shall be accompanied by an extensive monitoring program aiming at the environmental and social effectiveness of this action in long-term. The VG question still remains unsolved, although more than 150 years have passed since its first impacts in the region. It is a unique case in Brazil, which this article seeks shed some light.

Resumen Inaugurado en 1852, el canal artificial del Valo Grande (VG), en el río Ribeira de Iguape (SP, Brasil), se configura como uno de los mayores desastres ambientales de la costa brasileña. Este artículo presenta una síntesis sobre el tema, abordando sus dimensiones histórica, ecológica, geográfica y sociopolítica. El VG ha causado la desestructuración del ecosistema y la reconfiguración del paisaje en el Complejo Estuarino-Lagunar Cananéia-Iguape. Los estudios también indican que parte de esas transformaciones puede ser reversible si el canal se cerraba, según lo determinado en decisión judicial de 2a Instancia en 2018. Tal medida deberá acompañarse, sin embargo, de un amplio programa de monitoreo para su efectividad (ambiental y social) a largo plazo. La cuestión del VG sigue siendo sin definición, pasados más de 150 años desde sus primeros impactos significativos en la región. Es un fenómeno único en Brasil, y sobre el cual este artículo busca arrojar alguna luz.

RESUMO: Neste artigo, apresentamos novas evidências sobre a transgressão ocorrida Estágio Isotópico 3 (MIS3) na costa do sudeste do Brasil (Baixada Santista). Dados coletados por meio de um ensaio de penetração em solo (SPT) revelam a ocorrência de sedimentos mixohalinos entre 45.000 e 41.000 anos a.P. Uma sequência mais profunda, que mostra clara transição de ambiente continental para um mixohalino, foi associada ao Estágio Isotópico 5e (MIS5e). Marcadores orgânicos e inorgânicos foram usados para reconhecer as variações dos ambientes terrestre/mixohalino/marinho, bem como inferir sobre o clima e a energia do ambiente deposicional. Uma mudança ambiental, que poderia corresponder a um pico do nível do mar ou à ocorrência de condições mais secas, foi reconhecida entre 43.000 e 42.000 anos a.P. Os resultados reforçam a necessidade de futuros trabalhos sobre a variabilidade do MIS3 na costa atlântica sul-americana.

ABSTRACT: In this paper, we present new evidence regarding a Marine Isotope Stage 3 (MIS3) transgression on the south-eastern Brazilian coast (Baixada Santista coastal plain). Data collected from a Standard Penetration Test (SPT) drilling reveal the occurrence of myxohaline sediments between cal BP 45,000 and 41,000. A deeper sequence, which shows a clear transition from terrestrial to a myxohaline environment, was associated with MIS5e. Organic and inorganic proxies have been used to recognize the variations on the terrestrial/myxohaline/marine deposits, as well as to infer about climate and energy of the depositional environment. Environmental change, which could correspond to a sea-level peak or the occurrence of drier conditions, was recognized between 43,000 and 42,000 cal BP. The results reinforce the need for future works on MIS3 variability on the South American Atlantic coast.

Este estudo apresenta uma avaliação da deposição de elementos potencialmente tóxicos no Canal de Bertioga (costa sudeste brasileira) ao longo de 150 anos, período principal de atividade antropogênica na área. O trabalho analisou cinco testemunhos sedimentares por meio de ICP-OES para determinar os níveis de metais (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb e Zn) e As. O índice de carga de poluição (PLI) e o fator de enriquecimento (EF) foram calculados para identificar a toxicidade relativa dos elementos dos sedimentos e a contribuição antropogênica dos elementos investigados. Os índices indicaram a ausência de contaminação por metais pesados, mas houve uma entrada mais elevada de As nos testemunhos B2 e B5, amostrados em área com maiores taxas de sedimentação. Através de análise estatística de decomposição de séries temporais, verificou-se que o fluxo de metais para a área segue os ciclos de estações chuvosa (verão austral) e seca (inverno austral). Como conclusão pode ser verificado que o enriquecimento observado corresponde ao final do século XIX, quando o Porto de Santos foi inaugurado, e à década de 1970, quando as atividades do porto foram expandidas. Ainda, a análise dos índices e da decomposição temporal indica que a entrada de As no Canal de Bertioga dá-se por processos naturais de intemperismo e sedimentação.

The study presents an evaluation of potentially toxic elements deposition in Bertioga Channel (Southeastern Brazilian coast) along the last 150 years, the main anthropogenic activity period in the area. Five sediment cores by means of ICP-OES to determine the levels of metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) and As. The pollution load index (PLI) and enrichment factor (EF) were calculated to identify the relative elements toxicity of the sediments and the anthropogenic contribution of the investigated elements. The indexes indicated the absence of contamination but a higher input of As in cores B2 and B5, which have been sampled in an area that presents higher sedimentation rates. Through an statistical analysis of time series decomposition, it was verified that the metals flux to the area follow the cycles of rainy (austral summer and autumn) and dry seasons (austral winter and spring). In conclusion, the enrichment corresponds to the end of the 19th Century, when Santos Harbor was inaugurated, and to the 1970s, when Santos Harbor activities expanded. In addition, the analysis of the indexes and the temporal decomposition indicate that these elements' input to Bertioga Channel is due to natural processes of weathering and sedimentation.

Estendendo-se entre as latitudes 34ºS e 22ºS, a plataforma continental sul-brasileira constitui o único setor que corresponde a um ambiente subtropical a temperado. Os estudos dos diferentes aspectos geológicos da área iniciaram-se na década de 1960 e foram recentemente retomados após os trabalhos relativos à delimitação da Zona Econômica Exclusiva. Em termos de morfologia, pode ser dividida em três setores: Embaiamento de São Paulo, Setor Florianópolis-Mostardas e o Cone do Rio Grande, cada qual definido com base em diferenças geológicas relativas a batimetria, declividade e a presença de cânions e canais. A despeito da existência de centenas de datações ao radiocarbono, a curva de variações relativas do nível do mar no Último Ciclo Glacial é ainda tema de debate. Controvérsia recente sobre as curvas de variação do nível do mar sobre as durante o Holoceno Médio e Tardio trouxe à tona a questão da amplitude das oscilações do nível do mar. Adicionalmente, poucas mas consistentes datações sugerem a ocorrência de um nível do mar elevado durante o Estágio Isotópico 3. Em termos de processos sedimentares atuais, a plataforma continental sul-brasileira exibe um controle hidrodinâmico muito forte, tanto latitudinal quanto batimétrico. O setor ao sul de 25ºS é caracterizado pela influência da pluma de água que carreia sedimentos originários do Rio da Prata, cuja presença é conspícua até 28ºS, havendo uma zona de transição entre essas duas latitudes. A plataforma externa é marcada pelo "efeito enceradeira" da Corrente do Brasil, relíquia responsável pela manutenção de uma fácies em áreas além da isóbata de 100 metros.

Extending from latitude 34ºS to 22ºS the Southern Brazilian shelf constitutes the only part of the Brazilian shelf with a subtropical to temperate environment. The studies on the different geological aspects of the area began in the 1960's and have recently been reassessed after studies related to the determination of the Economic Exclusive Zone. In terms of morphology, the Southern Brazilian shelf may be divided into three sectors, the São Paulo Bight, the Florianópolis-Mostardas Sector and the Rio Grande Cone, characterized by conspicuous differences in terms of geological determining factors, bathymetry, declivities and the presence of canyons and channels. Despite the existence of hundreds of radiocarbon datings the sea level changes curve of southern Brazil during the Last Glacial Cycle is still a matter of debate. A recent controversy on the Middle and late Holocene sea level changes curve raised the question of the amplitude of the oscillations which occurred in the period. Also, a few but relatively consistent radiocarbon datings suggest the occurrence of a high sea level during Isotope Stage 3. In terms of sedimentary cover the Southern Brazilian shelf exhibits a very strong hydrodynamic control, both latitudinal and bathymetrical. The sector southward from 25ºS is characterized by the influence of the plume of water carrying sediments originating from the Río de La Plata. Actually its presence is conspicuous up to 28ºS, with the area between this latitude and 25ºS constituting a transitional zone. In terms of bathymetry the outer shelf is marked by the "floor-polisher" effect of the Brazil Current, which is responsible for the maintenance of a relict facies in areas deeper than 100 meters.

Mudanças na produtividade e circulação oceânica da margem continental Brasileira foram reconstituídas a partir de análises sedimentológicas e microfaunísticas realizadas em sedimentos de um testemunho representativo dos últimos 27 000 anos. Nossos dados sugerem maior produtividade oceânica e suprimento de sedimento terrígeno na área de estudo no Último Máximo Glacial (UMG) do que no Holoceno. Estas mudanças foram principalmente influenciadas por flutuações do nível relativo do mar. Durante o UMG, num cenário de nível relativo do mar mais baixo, a maior produtividade oceânica e menor temperatura da superfície do mar, podem ter sido produtos do deslocamento para o largo da Corrente do Brasil. No Holoceno, o deslocamento para a costa das águas quentes da Corrente do Brasil contribuiu para o aumento na temperatura da água e menor produtividade oceânica. A diminuição do aporte de sedimentos terrígenos desde o UMG pode estar relacionado ao aumento da extensão da plataforma continental e/ou a condições climáticas mais secas no continente.

Changes in the Brazilian continental margins oceanic productivity and circulation over the last 27,000 years were reconstructed based on sedimentological and microfaunal analyses. Our results suggest that oceanic paleoproductivity and the supply of terrigenous sediments to the Brazilian continental margin were higher during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) than during the Holocene. These changes may have been primarily influenced by significant sea level fluctuations that have occurred since the late Pleistocene. During the LGM, the lower sea level, higher productivity and lower sea-surface paleotemperatures may have been the result of the offshore displacement of the main flow of the Brazil Current. However, during the Holocene, the warm waters of the Brazil Current were displaced toward the coast. This displacement contributed to the increase in water temperature and prevented an increase in oceanic productivity. The decrease in terrigenous supply since the LGM could be related to the increase of the extension of the continental shelf and/or drier climatic conditions.

O sistema Cananéia-Iguape (Sudeste do Brasil), consiste em um complexo de canais lagunares localizados no interior de uma Reserva da Biosfera (assim definida pela UNESCO). Não obstante, variações ambientais importantes ocorreram nos últimos 150 anos, devido à abertura de um canal artificial, o Valo Grande, conectando o Rio Ribeira de Iguape ao sistema lagunar. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a história das variações ambientais no sistema lagunar, causadas pela abertura do canal artificial, através da análise das camadas superiores da coluna sedimentar de um testemunho coletado no sistema. Neste sentido, uma abordagem integrada, envolvendo variações geoquímicas e faunísticas foi utilizada. As variações ambientais ocorridas apontam para mudanças drásticas na salinidade, nos padrões de sedimentação, nas associações de foraminíferos (incluindo períodos azóicos) e, mais drasticamente, no aporte de metais para o sistema costeiro. As concentrações de Pb no testemunho coletado indicam valores duas vezes maiores do que os medidos em sedimentos contaminados do estuário de Santos, situado na zona costeira mais industrializada do Brasil.

The Cananéia-Iguape system, SE Brazil, consists of a complex of lagoonal channels, located in a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Biosphere Reserve. Nevertheless, important environmental changes have occurred in approximately the last 150 yrs due to the opening of an artificial channel, the Valo Grande, connecting the Ribeira de Iguape River to the lagoonal system. Our objective is to assess the historical record of the uppermost layers of the sedimentary column of the lagoonal system in order to determine the history of environmental changes caused by the opening of the artificial channel. In this sense, an integrated geochemical-faunal approach is used. The environmental changes led significant modifications in salinity, in changes of the depositional patterns of sediments and foraminiferal assemblages (including periods of defaunation), and, more drastically, in the input of heavy metals to the coastal environment. The concentrations Pb in the core analyzed here were up to two times higher than the values measured in contaminated sediments from the Santos estuary, the most industrialized coastal zone in Brazil.