Abstract: The present work tests the use of carapace fragments of the marine turtle Caretta caretta as a tool for environmental biomonitoring of mercury (Hg) and to evaluate the influence of biological and ecological factors in Hg concentrations. Samples of carapace fragments were obtained during the nesting season of 2012 and 2016 and were analyzed for their total-Hg and methyl-Hg concentrations and the isotopic composition of carbon and nitrogen (δ15N and δ13C). Seventy-six females were sampled, with an average size of 87.1 to 107 cm of curved carapace length (CCL). The results showed a wide variation in total Hg concentrations (3.3 – 1,672 ng g-1) and low concentrations of methyl-Hg, not showing any pattern of accumulation among the individuals. The isotopic composition of δ15N and δ13C suggests that the individuals sampled belong to a high trophic level but did not present any relationship with the Hg concentrations. It suggests that, at least with the existing results, and unlike other turtle species, carapace fragments of C. caretta cannot yet be used in environmental monitoring.

Mercury distribution and fractionation were determined in sediments from the Paraíba do Sul River – RJ, Brazil. Total mercury concentration ranged from 1 to 158 ng g-1. Hg associated with the weakly bound fraction was dominant in the estuarine areas (main - 60% and secondary - 55%); followed by fluvial end member (48%) and mangrove (18%). These results reinforce the mercury availability to fluvial and estuarine areas and emphasize the key role played by mangroves as an efficient biogeochemical barrier. In conclusion, the continuous reduction of the mangrove ecosystem around the world can exacerbate the damage resulting from the mercury accumulation.

O presente estudo buscou reidentificar as percepções dos pescadores marinhos artesanais da comunidade do Farol de São Tomé, município de Campos dos Goytacazes-RJ, Brasil, referentes ao processo decisório político frente à implantação do Complexo Portuário Industrial do Açu (ASIC). A pesca marinha artesanal pode estar ameaçada pelo tamanho e escopo do ASIC, que será o maior complexo portuário e industrial da América do Sul. Dados foram coletados através de entrevistas com perguntas abertas entre 13 pescadores marinhos ativos na comunidade do Farol de São Tomé. Os resultados do estudo indicam que, mesmo querendo participar no processo de licenciamento do ASIC, os profissionais da pesca não tiveram oportunidades suficientes para tal participação e que a maioria dos pescadores desconfia dos motivos que nortearam as decisões na sua região. Os pescadores também preveem mudanças adversas às suas atividades. Para debater questões operacionais do ASIC recomenda-se a realização de audiências públicas na comunidade do Farol de São Tomé.

The present study seeks to identify the perceptions of the marine artisanal fishers of the community of Farol de São Tomé in the municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil, regarding the political decision-making process regulating the implantation of the Açu Superport Industrial Complex (ASIC). The marine artisanal fishery in this community may be threatened by the size and scope of the ASIC, which is to be the largest industrial port complex in Latin America. Data were gathered through interviews with open-ended questions conducted among 13 active marine fishers within the community of Farol de São Tomé. The results of the study indicate that although the fishers desired participation in the ASIC's licensing process, there were insufficient opportunities for such participation and that fishers are suspicious of the motives guiding decisions affecting their region. Fishers also predict adverse changes to their activities. In order to debate operational questions relating to the ASIC we recommend that public hearings be held in the community of Farol de São Tomé.

Este estudo utilizou a concentração de mercúrio total (THg) e a assinatura isotópica (δ15N e δ13C) para avaliar a posição trófica e a área de alimentação de Trichiurus lepturus durante sua ontogenia no norte do Rio de Janeiro, sudeste do Brasil. A posição trófica de T. lepturus foi bem detectada pelo THg e δ15N com os espécimes sub-adultos planctívoros distintos dos espécimes adultos carnívoros. As assinaturas de δ13C sugerem uma área de alimentação associada a águas marinhas costeiras que são compartilhadas por peixes em diferentes fases ontogenéticas. Os traçadores de dieta indicaram que os hábitos alimentares desse peixe não variam ao longo das estações do ano, refletindo provavelmente a disponibilidade de presas na área de estudo. Esse peixe tem importância econômica e a concentração de THg foi comparada com o limite estabelecido pela Organização Mundial de Saúde, demonstrando que os espécimes adultos de T. lepturus estão bem próximos do limite tolerável para uma ingestão regular segura.

This study applies total mercury (THg) concentration and stable isotope signature (δ15N and δ13C) to evaluate the trophic status and feeding ground of Trichiurus lepturus during its ontogeny in northern Rio de Janeiro, south-eastern Brazil. The trophic position of T. lepturus is detected well by THg and δ15N as the sub-adult planktivorous specimens are distinct from the adult carnivorous specimens. The δ13C signatures suggest a feeding ground associated with marine coastal waters that are shared by fish in different ontogenetic phases. The diet tracers indicated that the fish feeding habits do not vary along seasons of the year, probably reflecting the prey availability in the study area. This fish has economic importance and the concentration of THg was compared to World Health Organization limit, showing that the adult specimens of T. lepturus are very close to the tolerable limit for safe regular ingestion.

Emission factors of natural processes and anthropogenic activities were used to estimate nutrients and metal loads for the lower Macaé river basin, which hosts the operational base for the offshore oil and gas exploration in the Campos Basin. The estimates indicated that emissions from anthropogenic activities are higher than natural emissions. Major contributing drivers include husbandry and urbanization, whose effluents receive no treatment. The increasing offshore oil exploration along the Brazilian littoral has resulted in rapid urbanization and, therefore might increase the inshore emission of anthropogenic chemicals in cases where effective residue control measures are not implemented in fluvial basins of the region.

Mercury distribution and geochemical support on the Continental Margin was evaluated at the Campos Basin, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. The average concentrations for all analyzed elements were, respectively, 20 ± 5 ng g-1 (Hg); 30 ± 14 mg g-1 (Al); 16 ± 6 mg g-1 (Fe), and 254 ± 83 µg g-1 (Mn). Silt and clay content, total carbonate and Hg, and organic carbon increased with depth. Finally, the relationship between Hg and silt clay showed significant positive correlation. Total Hg concentrations are the background level described primarily (~40 ng g-1).

A eletroquímica e a concentração de matéria orgânica nos horizontes superficiais de Latossolos correlacionam-se estreitamente. No presente trabalho, avaliaram-se as propriedades eletroquímicas do horizonte superficial de sete Latossolos brasileiros após a remoção das substâncias húmicas em meio alcalino. Os solos foram separados em dois grupos, segundo sua mineralogia, caulinítica e oxídica. O extrator NaOH 0,1 mol L-1 solubilizou substâncias húmicas correspondentes a menos de 3 % da MO total, indicando forte adsorção específica do material orgânico à fração mineral. A extração de ácidos húmicos e fúlvicos foi capaz de inverter o sinal de carga da superfície; no entanto, o efeito mais acentuado da retirada das substâncias húmicas solúveis foi a perda da capacidade-tampão das cargas do solo. A capacidade da dupla camada elétrica, uma medida indireta desse poder-tampão, aumentou de 3 a 15 vezes depois da extração das substâncias húmicas alcalino-solúveis. Solos com mineralogia predominantemente oxídica apresentaram maiores valores do ponto de efeito salino nulo, da capacidade da dupla camada elétrica, além da diminuição na capacidade de troca de cátions do que aqueles de natureza caulinítica.

Electrochemistry and organic matter concentrations in the surface horizons of Oxisols are closely related. This study evaluated the electrochemical properties in the surface horizon of seven Brazilian Oxisols after the removal of humic substances by alkaline extraction. Based on their mineralogy the soils were grouped as kaolinitic or oxidic. Less than 3 % of the total organic matter were soluble humic substances extractable by NaOH 0.1 mol L-1, indicating their strong specific adsorption to the inorganic mineral sites. The removal of the humic and fulvic acids reversed the soil surface charge and also led to a marked loss in the buffering capacity of the soil charge. The electric double layer capacity, an indirect measure of this buffer capacity, increased 3 to 15 times after extracting humic substances. The point of zero salt effect and the electric double layer capacity values were higher and the cation exchange capacity was lower in the oxidic than in the kaolinitic soils.