Cumulative influences of a small city and former mining activities on the sediment quality of a subtropical estuarine protected area

摘要: This study aimed to evaluate the sediment quality in estuarine protected area known as Cananeia-Iguape-Peruibe (CIP-PA), located on southeastern coast of Brazil. The was designed considering possible negative effects induced by city Cananeia surrounding areas. evaluation performed using chemical and ecotoxicological analyses. Sediments were predominantly sandy, with low CaCO3 contents. Amounts organic matter varied, but higher contents occurred closer city, well did Fe Total Recoverable Oils Greases (TROGs) concentrations. Contamination Cd Cu revealed some samples, while concentrations Zn considered low. Chronic toxicity detected all tested sediments acute only collected near city. principal component analysis (PCA) an association among Cd, Cu, Fe, TROG, fines, matter, CaCO3, chronic toxicity, whereas found be associated mud. However, because levels low, likely due a contaminant that not measured. Results show there is broad within CIP-PA under influence mining activities (chronic moderate contamination metals), poorer conditions occur (acute toxicity); thus, urban seems constitute relevant source contaminants for complex. These results already capable producing risks local aquatic biota, which suggests effectiveness protecting biota may threatened.