Metal record of copper-based antifouling paints in sediment core following marina construction and operation.

Marinas are central hubs of global maritime leisure and transport, yet their operations can deteriorate the environmental quality of sediments. In response, this study investigated the metal contamination history associated with antifouling paint uses in a sediment core collected from Bracuhy marina (Southeast Brazil). Analysis target major and trace elements (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd and Sn), rare earth elements (REEs), and Pb isotopes. The modification in Pb isotopic ratios and REEs pattern unequivocally revealed sediment provenance disruption following the marina construction. Metal distribution in the sediment core demonstrates that concentrations of Cu and Zn increased by up to 15 and 5 times, respectively, compared to the local background. This severe Cu and Zn contamination coincides with the onset of marina operations and can be attributed to the use of antifouling paints.

A spatiotemporal analysis of the physicochemical parameters after the operation of the Corumbá IV reservoir (Midwest Brazil) to support better management decision.

The study presents the characterization of the water quality of the Corumbá IV reservoir in the State of Goiás, in the Brazilian Cerrado biome, based on data from the operation period between 2007 and 2017. Few are known about the temporal and spatial variations in the water quality of the reservoir. Up to now, the water quality has been analyzed only from the point of view of compliance with the limits required by Brazilian environmental legislation. Therefore, the integrated analysis of water quality parameters and water body dynamics may bring important information to support decision-making in reservoir management. An exploratory analysis of the limnological data series provided by the company in charge of the hydroelectric plant was then carried out. Univariate and multivariate statistical techniques were applied to analyze the data period from 2007 to 2017. The results identify four distinct limnological phases representing the transition of the environment. The first phase (2007 to 2009) characterized by the decomposition of the flooded vegetal organic matter and subsequent phases, after 8 years (2010 to 2017), have featured the transition process from the lotic condition to the consolidation of the lentic environment. The spatial analysis of the results demonstrates that tributaries influence the water quality of the reservoir differently, probably due to the different impacts suffered in the sub-basins (e.g., sewage discharges; runoff). Although it is possible to evidence the impact of anthropic activities on water quality, the reservoir still presents characteristics of an environment with low trophic status.

Allocation of sanitary landfill in consortium: strategy for the Brazilian municipalities in the State of Amazonas.

One of the current problems faced by the Brazilian municipalities is the adequate disposal of municipal solid waste in landfills while considering the environmental dimension. In addition to the design and technical requirements, the analysis of possible sites is a process requiring an evaluation of different criteria. With the proposal to minimize and rationalize efforts for site selection, this paper presents a methodology to evaluate its suitability based on certain criteria (legal, technical, environmental). The selection of the most preferable areas for the installation of a landfill is in context of a model for municipal consortium proposed in the State Plan of Solid Waste of Amazonas which applies to the municipalities of Atalaia do Norte, Benjamin Constant, and Tabatinga. The Analytic Hierarchy Process method was combined with geoprocessing tools in order to determine the relative importance of the evaluation criteria while considering the inherent limitations of data availability for the area of study. Thus, based on the participation of expert groups an aptitude map was produced where 47 potential areas were identified as suitable for the installation of a landfill in those municipalities. Among them, the most suitable is located near the highway that connects the municipalities of Benjamin Constant and Atalaia do Norte.