Distribution patterns of microplastics within the plankton of a tropical estuary.

The Goiana Estuary was studied regarding the seasonal and spatial variations of microplastics (<5mm) and their quantification relative to the zooplankton. The total density (n 100 m(-3)) of microplastics represented half of the total fish larvae density and was comparable to fish eggs density. Soft, hard plastics, threads and paint chips were found in the samples (n=216). Their origins are probably the river basin, the sea and fisheries (including the lobster fleet). In some occasions, the amount of microplastics surpassed that of Ichthyoplankton. The highest amount of microplastics was observed during the late rainy season, when the environment is under influence of the highest river flow, which induces the runoff of plastic fragments to the lower estuary. The density of microplastics in the water column will determine their bioavailability to planktivorous organisms, and then to larger predators, possibly promoting the transfer of microplastic between trophic levels. These findings are important for better informing researchers in future works and as basic information for managerial actions.

Fatores protetivos e de risco para o uso de crack e danos decorrentes de sua utilização: revisão de literatura / Protective and risk factors for the use of crack and damages from its use: review of literature

INTRODUÇÃO: Este estudo objetivou revisar pesquisas que relatam danos decorrentes do uso de crack e possíveis fatores protetivos ou de risco para o uso. MÉTODO: Foram realizadas buscas no PsycInfo, PubMed e LILACS. Os descritores utilizados foram: (Crack Cocaine) AND (Street Drugs OR Population Characteristics OR Epidemiology). RESULTADOS: A facilidade de acesso do crack, uso frequente de cocaína injetável, cristais de metanfetamina, envolvimento em comércio sexual e variedade de drogas utilizadas nos últimos seis meses foram considerados fatores de risco para o uso. Não usuários de crack percebem o condicionamento vicário, informações fornecidas pela família e o medo de morrer como fatores protetivos para o uso da droga. O uso de crack pode causar danos físicos, problemas psiquiátricos, neurocognitivos e prejuízos sociais. CONCLUSÃO: O uso de crack está associado a danos físicos, mentas e sociais. Fatores protetivos e de risco devem ser considerados na elaboração de políticas públicas de saúde.(AU)

BACKGROUND: The aim of this paper was to review studies that describe the damage caused by crack and the possible protective or risk factors for this use. METHOD: The PsycInfo, PubMed and LILACS databases were searched using the following terms: (Crack Cocaine) AND (Street Drugs OR Population Characteristics OR Epidemiology). RESULTS: The easy access to crack, the frequent use of injectable cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, the involvement in sex trade, and the variety of drugs used in the past six months were regarded as risk factors for drug use. For crack non-users, vicarious conditioning, information given by the family and fear of death were protective factors for drug use. The use of crack can cause physical damage, psychiatric and neurocognitive problems and social impairment. CONCLUSION: The use of crack is associated with physical, mental and social damage. Protective and risk factors must be contemplated in the design of public health policies.(AU)