Oysters and mussels as equivalent sentinels of microplastics and natural particles in coastal environments.

Filter-feeder organisms such as oyster and mussels are exposed to particles like microplastics (MPs). Although widely used to monitor MPs contamination, little is known about their performance as sentinels, which are biological monitors accumulating contaminants without significant adverse effects. This study comparatively evaluated the quantitative and qualitative accumulation of MPs by oysters (Crassostrea brasiliana) and mussels (Perna perna) along a gradient of contamination in a highly urbanized estuarine system of Brazil. In the most contaminated site, both species presented the worst status of nutrition and health, and also one of the highest MPs levels reported for molluscs to date (up to 44.1 particles·g-1). Despite some inter-specific differences, oysters and mussels were suitable and showed an equivalent performance as sentinels, reflecting the gradient condition demonstrated for other contaminants in the region. The similarity in MPs accumulation was also observed for qualitative aspects (polymer composition, sizes, shapes and colors). Particles were mostly <1000 µm, fibrous, colorless and composed by cellulose and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Thus, despite small variations, the usage of C. brasiliana and P. perna is recommended and provides reliable information for environmental levels of microplastics.

The importance of integrating morphological attributes of microplastics: a theoretical discussion to assess environmental impacts.

Most scientific studies on microplastic (MP) pollution report their results as number of particles (e.g., particles/m2, particles/m3, particles/kg dw). An important limitation of this expression is to consider all MP particles as environmentally equivalent, regardless of their size, volume, mass, or specific surface area. Using a theoretical approach, we advocate that including such morphological attributes reveals significant differences in results of supposedly equivalent samples that consider only the number of particles. Our goal is to present how particle size and shape produce different results for hypothetical samples with the same number of particles. Therefore, from these examples we expect to stimulate the debate and contribute to improve accuracy and comparability of studies on MP pollution.

Spatio-temporal changes in water quality in the Guarapiranga reservoir (São Paulo, Brazil): insights from a long-term monitoring data series.

The provision of drinking water in metropolises is a challenge that requires programs for continuous monitoring of water quality and processes that impact the land cover of the watershed. In this work, we investigated through multivariate statistical analysis the temporal and spatial trends of several variables, not yet explored in a data series that includes 42 years (1978-2020) of monitoring in the hydrographic basin of the Guarapiranga reservoir, in the São Paulo Metropolitan Region-SPMR (Brazil). This reservoir is the source of drinking water for 3.8 million people and plays a strategic role in the social, environmental, and economic structure at SPMR. Our results point to the continuous degradation of water quality in the reservoir, although with different causes and spatio-temporal aspects. Between the 1970s and 1980s, variables associated with erosion/silting played a more critical role. From the 1990s, the introduction of N and P intensified, and the concentration of thermotolerant coliforms increased. The loss of quality is mainly associated with the progressive advance of urban settlements without planning combined with the inefficient initiatives to control domestic sewage pollution. If there is no rapid and comprehensive intervention, there is a risk that the Guarapiranga reservoir may become unsuitable for drinking water supply and other types of use in the future. This scenario will represent a critical obstacle to regional development and the quality of life of the population.

Pharmaceutical market, environmental public policies and water quality: the case of the São Paulo Metropolitan Region, Brazil.

Water pollution has been an increasing concern for the authorities responsible for planning and executing public policies. In this qualitative research, we have discussed the most sold pharmaceuticals in the São Paulo Metropolitan Region, Brazil, and compared public policies focused on pharmaceuticals and environmental issues among countries/regions. For that, data provided by Close-Up International related to the sales of medicines in the São Paulo Metropolitan Region between April/2016 and April/2017 were collected and processed to identify and quantify the pharmaceutical products. The 300 most sold medicines in the São Paulo Metropolitan Region fall in 26 therapeutic classes, which include 159 drugs. The most sold pharmaceutical products group is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) representing approximately 44.3% of the total. The ten most sold pharmaceuticals sum up 1200 tons. Dipyrone is the first place in mass representing around 488 tons, followed by metformin with around 310 tons commercialized. Public policies focused on pharmaceuticals in the environment still need adjustments to improve reinforcement, even in developed countries. There is no international standard on how to conduct the issue, each country adopting the public policy that best matches to the local. Brazil, despite having some legislation that approaches the theme, still lacks effective public policies and stakeholder awareness. In this aspect, the need for improvement of the reverse logistics system, consumer orientation to the adequate disposal of unused/expired medicines, and the adoption of the unit-dose system as a therapeutic strategy is evident.

Microplastics in sediments from Amazon rivers, Brazil.

We assessed the concentrations of microplastics in sediment samples collected in seven sites from Solimões, Negro and Amazon rivers, upstream and downstream the metropolitan region of Manaus. Concentrations ranged from 417 to 8178 particles/kg of dried sediment (microplastics: 0.063-5 mm), and from 0 to 5725 particles/kg of dried sediment (microplastics: 0.063-1 mm). The highest microplastics concentrations were observed in samples from shallow water (water depth of 5-7 m) sites with lower water velocity of the Negro river surrounding Manaus, and the lowest concentration in farthest sample collected in deeper zone (water depth of 34 m) of the Amazon river around 110 km downstream Manaus. The variation of microplastics concentrations within the studied area can be related to hydraulic characteristics defining the erosive-depositional behavior of the sampling sites and their proximity to Manaus. Our results represent the first report to show the ubiquitous presence and widespread distribution of microplastics in sediments from the lower Solimões, lower Negro and upper Amazon rivers.

Pharmaceutical market, environmental public policies and water quality: the case of the São Paulo Metropolitan Region, Brazil / Mercado farmacêutico, políticas públicas ambientais e qualidade da água: o caso da Região Metropolitana de São Paulo, Brasil / Mercado farmacéutico, políticas públicas ambientales y calidad del agua: el caso de la Región Metropolitana de São Paulo, Brasil

Abstract: Water pollution has been an increasing concern for the authorities responsible for planning and executing public policies. In this qualitative research, we have discussed the most sold pharmaceuticals in the São Paulo Metropolitan Region, Brazil, and compared public policies focused on pharmaceuticals and environmental issues among countries/regions. For that, data provided by Close-Up International related to the sales of medicines in the São Paulo Metropolitan Region between April/2016 and April/2017 were collected and processed to identify and quantify the pharmaceutical products. The 300 most sold medicines in the São Paulo Metropolitan Region fall in 26 therapeutic classes, which include 159 drugs. The most sold pharmaceutical products group is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) representing approximately 44.3% of the total. The ten most sold pharmaceuticals sum up 1200 tons. Dipyrone is the first place in mass representing around 488 tons, followed by metformin with around 310 tons commercialized. Public policies focused on pharmaceuticals in the environment still need adjustments to improve reinforcement, even in developed countries. There is no international standard on how to conduct the issue, each country adopting the public policy that best matches to the local. Brazil, despite having some legislation that approaches the theme, still lacks effective public policies and stakeholder awareness. In this aspect, the need for improvement of the reverse logistics system, consumer orientation to the adequate disposal of unused/expired medicines, and the adoption of the unit-dose system as a therapeutic strategy is evident.

Resumo: A poluição da água tem preocupado cada vez mais as autoridades responsáveis pelo planejamento e execução das políticas públicas no Brasil. Esta pesquisa qualitativa discute os produtos farmacêuticos mais vendidos na Região Metropolitana de São Paulo, Brasil, e compara as políticas públicas focadas em produtos farmacêuticos e questões ambientais, entre países e regiões. Foram coletados e processados os dados fornecidos pela Close-Up International sobre vendas de medicamentos na Grande São Paulo entre abril de 2016 e abril de 2017, para identificar e quantificar esses produtos. Os 300 medicamentos mais vendidos na Grande São Paulo pertencem a 26 classes terapêuticas e incluem 159 fármacos. Os produtos farmacêuticos mais vendidos pertencem ao grupo dos anti-inflamatórios não esteroides (AINES), representando aproximadamente 44,3% do total. Os dez produtos farmacêuticos mais vendidos somam 1.200 toneladas. A dipirona liderou o ranking em termos de massa, com cerca de 488 toneladas, seguida pela metformina, com 310 toneladas comercializadas. As políticas públicas focadas nos produtos farmacêuticos e sua presença no meio ambiente ainda requerem ajustes, mesmo nos países desenvolvidos. Não existe uma norma internacional para lidar com essa questão, e cada país adota a política pública mais adequada para o contexto local. O Brasil já dispõe de alguma legislação sobre o tema, mas ainda faltam políticas públicas efetivas e uma melhor conscientização dos atores envolvidos. Portanto, há uma necessidade evidente de melhorar o sistema de logística reversa, com orientação dos consumidores em relação ao descarte adequado dos medicamentos não utilizados ou vencidos e a adoção do sistema de dose unitária como estratégia terapêutica.

Resumen: La contaminación del agua ha sido una creciente preocupación para las autoridades responsables de planificar y ejecutar políticas públicas. Esta investigación cualitativa trata sobre los productos farmacéuticos más vendidos en la Región Metropolitana de São Paulo, Brasil, y además compara las políticas públicas centradas en cuestiones farmacéuticas y ambientales entre países/regiones. En este sentido, los datos proporcionados por Close-Up International, relacionados con las ventas de medicinas en la Región Metropolitana de São Paulo entre abril/2016 y abril/2017, se recogieron y presentaron para identificar y cuantificar los productos farmacéuticos. Las 300 medicinas más vendidas en la Región Metropolitana de São Paulo se incluyeron en 26 clases terapéuticas, que incluyeron 159 medicamentos. El grupo de productos farmacéuticos más vendido es el de los medicamentos antiinflamatorios no esteroides (AINE), representando aproximadamente un 44,3% del total. Los 10 productos farmacéuticos más vendidos llegaron a alcanzar las 1.200 toneladas. La dipirona está en primer lugar, alrededor de 488 toneladas, a la que le sigue la metformina con cerca de 310 toneladas comercializadas. Las políticas públicas centradas en productos farmacéuticos y medioambiente todavía necesitan ajustes para mejorar su fortalecimiento, incluso en los países desarrollados. No existe un estándar internacional sobre cómo gestionar este asunto, cada país adopta las políticas públicas que mejor se ajustan a su entorno. Brasil, a pesar de contar con algo de legislación que se centra en esta cuestión, todavía adolece de políticas públicas efectivas, así como una falta de sensibilización de los agentes responsables. En este aspecto, es evidente la necesidad de mejorar el sistema de logística inversa, así como la orientación al consumidor para desechar adecuadamente las medicinas no usadas/caducadas, y la adopción de un sistema de dosis unitarias como estrategia terapéutica.

Effect of root age on the allocation of metals, amino acids and sugars in different cell fractions of the perennial grass Paspalum notatum (bahiagrass).

This work aimed to compare the allocation of Al, Fe, Cu, Ni, amino acids and sugars in different fractions of root cells of Paspalum notatum with 21 and 120 days old grown in quartz sand. In general younger roots showed a higher content of Al, Fe, Cu Ni, amino acids and sugars, compared to older roots. This can be due to a higher metabolic activity of younger roots and/or to structural changes that can occur with cell ageing. Al and Fe were mainly allocated to fractions with pectin, hemicellulose and cellulose, both in younger and older roots. However, older roots also showed a significant fraction of Al allocated to the intracellular fraction. It seems that older roots were less able to prevent the entry of Al in the cytoplasm. The proportion of Cu was higher in intracellular components, both in younger and older roots, as expected from an essential nutrient. Ni content was very low in older roots and in younger roots it was mainly allocated to the intracellular fraction and to the cell wall polysaccharides fraction. The amino acids were mainly allocated to the cytoplasm and polysaccharide fraction. Although younger roots showed a higher total amount of amino acids compared to older roots, the amino acids profile and allocation, mainly in the cytoplasm polysaccharides, was quite similar. Arabinose, a major component of structural glycoproteins of the primary cell wall matrix, was only detected in younger roots. Thus, it seems that root cells of P. notatum suffered changes in the composition of the cell wall components with ageing. To further understand the structural changes of root cells with ageing and its effect on metal allocation, it is important to quantify several components of the cell wall matrix, namely pectins and glycoproteins.