Environmental changes in Sepetiba Bay, SE Brazil

摘要: Sepetiba Bay is an example of aquatic environment that has been severely impacted by human occupation and industrial activities in its basin. Some 400 industries including metallurgical, petrochemical pyrometallurgical smelters, which emitted pollutants to air, soil water, were established Basin during the past 30 years. Apart from these point sources, changes land use have also resulted a large remobilization pollutant deposition on Basin. Studies pointed out significant sedimentation rates, concentrations inorganic (Zn, Cd, Pb Hg) more recently, eutrophication, pointing this area as coastal zone. Notwithstanding local suffers environmental impacts caused diversion river waters adjacent basins, with some 30% total Hg flux 10-fold increase water sediment fluxes resulting this. Decreasing quality compromises both biodiversity potential economic uses Bay, fisheries tourism. Monitoring heavy metal levels organisms (algae, mollusks, crustaceans oysters) often shows well above limits allowed following Brazilian legislation for food quality. Historical evolution suggests worsening situation. Failure monitor effect land-based activities, those other basins artificially associated poor scenario construction proper management planning.