Bioaccumulation of PAHs in marine bivalves of the Santos Estuary (Brazil) associated with the evaluation of human consumption.

The present study aimed to evaluate concentrations of 16 priority PAHs in the mussel Perna perna and oyster Crassostrea rhizophorae of the Santos Estuary (Brazil) and the potential risk to human health associated with the consumption of these species. The levels of ΣPAHs in the tissues of bivalves ranged from 96.94 to 988.76 µg/kg for mussels and from 88.38 to 138.62 µg/kg for oysters. A general trend of higher concentrations of PAHs was observed according to the increase in log Kow values in both species. The estimated amount of ΣPAHs via mussel and oyster intake ranged from 1.0 to 3.2 ng/kg and from 0.4 to 1.2 ng/kg of body weight per day, respectively. The calculated THQs, HI and CRs for the regular consumption of raw bivalves followed the internationally acceptable limits and represent a low risk to human health.

Determination of water quality, toxicity and estrogenic activity in a nearshore marine environment in Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil.

Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) can be found in domestic sewage, wastewater treatment plant effluents, natural water, rivers, lakes and in the marine environment. Jurujuba Sound, located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil, receives untreated sewage into its waters, one the main sources of aquatic contamination in this area. In this context, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the estrogenic potential of water sampled from different depths and from areas with differential contamination levels throughout Jurujuba Sound. Water quality was evaluated and acute toxicity assays using Allviibrio fischeri were conducted, while estrogenic activity of the water samples was determined by a Yeast Estrogen Screening assay (YES). Water quality was mostly within the limits established for marine waters by the Brazilian legislation, with only DOC and ammoniacal nitrogen levels above the maximum permissible limits. No acute toxicity effects were observed in the Allivibrio fisheri assay. The YES assay detected moderate estrogenic activity in bottom water samples from 3 sampling stations, ranging from 0.5 to 3.2ngL-1, as well as in one surface water sample. Estrogenic activity was most frequently observed in samples from the bottom of the water column, indicating adsorption of estrogenic compounds to the sediment.

Regulation of the synthetic estrogen 17α-ethinylestradiol in water bodies in Europe, the United States, and Brazil.

The synthetic estrogen 17α-ethinylestradiol, the principal component of oral contraceptives, has been identified as one of the main compounds accounting for adverse effects on the endocrine system in various species. This study aimed to analyze the state-of-the-art in legislation and guidelines for the control of this synthetic estrogen in water bodies in Europe and the United States and to draw a parallel with the Brazilian reality. Countries have generally attempted to expand the regulation and monitoring of certain emerging micropollutants not previously covered by legislation. Europe is more advanced in terms of water quality, while in the United States this estrogen is only regulated in water for human consumption. Brazil still lacks legal provisions or standards for this estrogen, which can be explained by the relatively limited maturity of the country's system for controlling water pollutants.