Perfil fenotípico e genotípico de resistência a antimicrobianos e virulência em Enterococcus spp. isolados de águas recreacionais costeiras do estado de São Paulo / Phenotypic and genotypic profile of antimicrobial resistance and virulence in Enterococcus spp. isolated from coastal recreational waters in São Paulo

Enterococcus spp. são bactérias caracterizadas como cocos Gram-positivos, frequentemente encontradas na microbiota normal do trato gastrointestinal de seres humanos e animais homeotermos, também sendo encontradas em solos, águas e plantas. Esses micro-organismos são considerados importantes indicadores de contaminação fecal para águas marinhas, e embora sejam descritos como comensais, podem estar associados a uma grande variedade de infecções humanas. A habilidade de adquirirem resistência a antimicrobianos além de sua resistência intrínseca, bem como o contexto de crescimento desfreado de cidades, consumo cada vez maior de antibióticos e poluição das águas, constituem fatores cruciais para que os enterococcus sejam considerados organismos relevantes para a saúde pública global. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar o perfil fenotípico e genotípico de resistência antimicrobiana e virulência em três espécies de Enterococcus isoladas de águas recreacionais costeiras em praias do estado de São Paulo. Para este projeto foram selecionadas quatro praias do litoral do estado de São Paulo, que são monitoradas pela CETESB como parte do programa de balneabilidade das praias paulistas. As placas contendo colônias de enterococos isoladas em ágar mEI foram levadas para o Laboratório de Microbiologia Ambiental e Resistência Antimicrobiana (MicroRes) da Faculdade de Saúde Pública/USP quinzenalmente de junho de 2019 até março de 2020. A identificação e triagem das espécies de enterococos foi realizada pela técnica de MALDI-TOF MS, e posteriormente os isolados identificados como E. faecium, E. faecalis e E. hirae foram selecionados para confirmação de espécie pela técnica de PCR convencional. Após confirmação foi avaliada a susceptibilidade à antimicrobianos de uso comum. Posteriormente foi realizada a detecção de genes de resistência e virulência nessas três espécies. Em 90,7% dos isolados se observou resistência a pelo menos 1 dos 14 antimicrobianos testados, e em 41,5% se obversou resistência a pelo menos três antimicrobianos de classes diferentes e índice MAR superior a 0,2 sendo, portanto, classificados como multirresistentes (MDR). A maioria dos isolados de enterococos demonstraram resistência a rifampicina (39,2%). Genes que conferem resistência à classe dos macrolídeos (ermB) e às tetraciclinas (tetM e tetL) foram os mais prevalentes entre os isolados, com 14,6% e 12,3% respectivamente. Os isolados da espécie E. faecalis apresentaram positividade a pelo menos 1 dos 5 marcadores de virulência testados. Isolados de E. faecalis apresentaram um perfil de virulência mais diversificado quando comparados aos isolados de E. faecium e E. hirae. A presença de estirpes com múltipla resistência aos antimicrobianos somada a positividade para outros fatores de virulência pode ser indicativa de risco para a saúde pública se essas estirpes chegarem a atingir as áreas de praia utilizadas por banhistas, reforçando a importância de estudos conduzidos em águas recreacionais.

Enterococcus spp. are bacteria characterized as Gram-positive cocci, often found in the normal microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract of humans and homeotherm animals, in soils, water and plants. These microorganisms are considered important indicators of fecal contamination for marine waters, and although they are described as commensals, they can be associated with a wide variety of human infections. The ability to acquire antimicrobial resistance in addition to their intrinsic resistance, as well as the context of uncontrolled growth of cities, increasing consumption of antibiotics and water pollution, are crucial factors for enterococci to be considered relevant organisms for public health. Thus, the aim of this study was to characterize the phenotypic and genotypic profile of antimicrobial resistance and virulence in three Enterococcus species isolated from coastal recreational waters on beaches in the state of São Paulo. For this project, four beaches were selected, which are monitored by CETESB as part of the balneability program. The plates containing colonies of enterococci were taken to the Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Antimicrobial Resistance (MicroRes) of the Faculdade de Saúde Pública/USP fortnightly from June 2019 to March 2020. The identification and screening of enterococci species were performed by the MALDI-TOF MS technique, and later the isolates identified as E. faecium, E. faecalis and E. hirae were selected for species confirmation using conventional PCR technique. After confirmation, susceptibility to antimicrobials was evaluated. Subsequently, it was performed the detection of resistance and virulence genes in these three species. In 90.7% of the isolates we observed resistance to at least 1 of the 14 antimicrobials tested, and in 41.5% resistance was observed to at least three antimicrobials of different classes and a MAR index greater than 0.2, therefore, classified as multidrug resistant (MDR). Most enterococci showed resistance to rifampicin (39.2%). Genes that confer resistance to the macrolide (ermB) and to tetracycline (tetM and tetL) were the most prevalent among the isolates, with 14.6% and 12.3% respectively. E. faecalis strains were positive for at least 1 of the 5 virulence markers tested. E. faecalis isolates showed a more diverse virulence profile when compared to E. faecium and E. hirae isolates. The presence of strains with multiple antimicrobial resistance added to positivity for other virulence factors may indicate a risk to public health if these strains reach the beach areas used by bathers, reinforcing the importance of studies conducted in recreational waters.

Assessment of Grenadian coastal recreational water quality

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the quality of recreational water along the southern coast of Grenada. DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 12 sites were sampled along the southern coast. Water samples were collected bi-weekly for four weeks, during the month of November. Samples were taken from six sites per day, two samples per site, amounting to 24 samples per week, totaling 96 samples for four weeks. The samples were collected between the hours of 8am-12pm. Rainfall data for the sampling period was also collected. Variables measured were Enterococci, total coliform, pH, turbidity, nitrate, and phosphate. RESULTS: The site with the highest percentage of sampling days exceeding recommended limits was Beausejour Bay. Sixty percent of sampling days on the Carenage showed a high rate total coliform readings exceeding 200.5 CFU/100 ml. Flamingo Bay (10%) showed the lowest percentage of sampling days that exceeded the recommended limit for Enterococci. Overall, 30.2% of samples from all sites showed Enterococci level above the recommended limits set by Caribbean Environmental Health Institute (35 CFU/100ml). Temperature, turbidity, pH and rainfall variables were inconsistently associated with microbial content. CONCLUSION: Recreational water on the majority of the beaches along the southern end of Grenada for the month of November 2008 exceeded the recommended limits of total coliform and Enterococci. No positive correlation between rainfall and Enterococci was found.

Short-term movements and habitat preferences of sailfish, Istiophorus platypterus (Istiophoridae), along the southeast coast of Brazil

Pop-up satellite archival tags (PSATs) were deployed on four sailfish, Istiophorus platypterus, in the coastal waters of Rio de Janeiro State in southeast Brazil during January and February of 2009 (sailfish I and II) and between November 2010 and January 2011 (sailfish III and IV). The total number of days monitored (i.e., time that the tags remained attached) were 12 (sailfish I), 51 (sailfish II), 16 (sailfish III) and 43 days (sailfish IV). The results indicate a clear pattern of vertical habitat utilization with the majority of the time spent concentrated near the uniform sea surface layer occupying a relatively narrow temperature range. Despite the clear preference for epipelagic surface waters, sailfish regularly undertook vertical excursions into deeper waters (>50 m) within three to six hour intervals. "Most Probable Tracks" (estimated from raw geolocations using the state-space Kalman filter model) and linear displacements suggested that tagged sailfish did not move significant distances from the tagging site. In brief, our report provides information regarding the biology of sailfish in the southwestern Atlantic and how vertical distributions during the day and night are influenced by water temperature and how this information can improve sailfish stock assessments in southwestern Atlantic Ocean.

Quatro exemplares de agulhão-vela foram marcados com marcas eletrônicas monitoradas por satélite ('Pop-up satellite archival tags - PSATs') nas águas costeiras do Rio de Janeiro, sudeste do Brasil, durante janeiro e fevereiro de 2009 (agulhão-vela I e II) e entre novembro de 2010 e janeiro de 2011 (agulhão-vela III e IV). O número total de dias monitorados (ou seja, o tempo que as marcas permaneceram implantadas nos peixes) foram 12 (agulhão-vela I), 51 (agulhão-vela II), 16 (agulhão-vela III) e 43 dias (agulhão-vela IV). Os resultados demonstram um padrão claro de utilização do hábitat com a maior parte do tempo despendido predominantemente próximo à superfície do mar ocupando águas com uma faixa de temperatura restrita. Apesar da preferência por águas superficiais, os agulhões frequentemente realizaram mergulhos para águas mais profundas (ca. > 50 m) em intervalos de três a seis horas. A "rota mais provável" estimada a partir dos dados brutos de geolocalização e o modelo 'State-Space Kalman Filter' sugerem que os agulhões marcados não realizaram migrações significativas a partir do local de marcação. Em resumo, nossos resultados apresentam informações sobre a biologia da espécie no Atlântico Sudoeste e como as migrações verticais durante o dia e a noite são influenciadas pela temperatura da água e como essa informação pode auxiliar as avaliações de estoques de agulhão-vela no sudoeste do Atlântico.

Biogeography of freshwater fishes from the Northeastern Mata Atlântica freshwater ecoregion: distribution, endemism, and area relationships

The Northeastern Mata Atlântica freshwater ecoregion (NMAF) includes part of the eastern Brazilian coastal drainages, has high level of fish endemism and great biogeographic significance. A taxonomic inventory of freshwater fishes from 25 drainages of the NMAF ecoregion and a biogeographic analysis using the Parsimony Analysis of Endemicity (PAE) method were carried out. A total of 192 native species was listed. The PAE method was applied to 24 basins and 37 species, resulting in five equally parsimonious area diagrams. The strict consensus diagram indicates the existence of two main groups of basins throughout the NMAF ecoregion. These groups were denominated: North Group and Central-South Group. The Central-South Group shows a basal polytomy composed by two Groups (Central Group and South Group) plus the rio Itapemirim basin. The North Group is composed by eight drainages from the rio Sergipe to the rio Paraguaçu, the Central Group by five drainages from the rio Cachoeira to the rio Jequitinhonha, and the South Group by nine drainages from the rio Buranhém to the rio Doce. Comments about the species distribution and the fish fauna shared with adjacent ecoregions are provided. We also present a comparison of the hypothesis of river relationships proposed herein with published phylogenetic hypotheses that include taxa relevant to this study.

A ecorregião Mata Atlântica Nordeste (NMAF) inclui parte das drenagens costeiras do leste do Brasil, tem alto grau de endemismo de peixes e grande significado biogeográfico. Um levantamento taxonômico da ictiofauna de água doce de 25 drenagens da ecorregião NMAF e uma análise biogeográfica utilizando o método de Análise de Parcimônia de Endemismo (PAE) foram realizados. Um total de 192 espécies nativas foi listado. O método PAE foi aplicado a 24 bacias e 37 espécies, resultando em cinco diagramas de áreas igualmente parcimoniosos. O diagrama de consenso estrito indica a existência de dois grupos de bacias principais ao longo da ecorregião NMAF. Estes grupos foram denominados: Grupo Norte e Grupo Centro-Sul. O Grupo Centro-Sul apresenta uma politomia basal composta por dois grupos (Grupo Centro e Grupo Sul) mais a bacia do rio Itapemirim. O Grupo Norte é formado por oito drenagens entre o rio Sergipe e o rio Paraguaçu, o Grupo Centro por cinco drenagens entre o rio Cachoeira e o rio Jequitinhonha e o Grupo Sul por nove drenagens entre o rio Buranhém e rio Doce. Comentários sobre a distribuição das espécies e a fauna compartilhada com ecorregiões adjacentes são fornecidos. Apresentamos também uma comparação da hipótese de relação aqui obtida com filogenias publicadas para alguns táxons relevantes ao presente estudo.

Abundancia, tamaño y estructura poblacional del tiburón punta blanca de arrecife, Triaenodon obesus (Carcharhiniformes: Carcharhinidae), en Bahía Chatham, Parque Nacional Isla del Coco, Costa Rica / Abundance, size and population structure of whitetip reef sharks, Triaenodon obesus (Carcharhiniformes: Carcharhinidae), in Bahía Chatham, Parque Nacional Isla del Coco, Costa Rica

Approximately 12 species of shark inhabit at Coco Island National Park (PNIC); some are migratory, such as the hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini) and whale shark (Rincodon typus), and others are resident, like the whitetip shark (Triaenodon obesus). The whitetip shark is a species related to coral reefs, it inhabits coastal environments and is nocturnal and, it is very common in tropical waters, but there are few studies worldwide. In fact, only short researches have been done about their behavior at PNIC. Therefore, this study aimed to give data about the abundance, size and population structure of the whitetip shark at Chatham Bay in Coco Island National Park, providing baseline information for monitoring its population which is also very vulnerable to climate change. In order to accomplish this aim, a mark-recapture method was used, as well as underwater visual counts to determine their relative abundance and visual recaptures at Chatham Bay. The most effective hours for tagging were between 18:00 and 22:00 (sunset), when the whitetip sharks were more active probably related to foraging behavior. In addition, the depth was a relevant factor for tagging, sharks were caught in shallow water (10.9±1.9m). This species prefers to feed in shallow water and this behavior is probably related to the distribution and occurrence of rock and coral reefs in Chatham Bay. Based on the results, whitetip shark do not have a defined spatial ontogenic segregation, since in the same sites both juveniles and adults were found. The study confirmed that whitetip shark use specific residence sites: during the tagging trips, different individuals were recaptured; and during the underwater counts, at least 32.76% of tagged sharks were observed. The average length of the tagged sharks was 101.8±12.1cm (130.0cm maximum and 71.0cm minimum). The relative abundance of the whitetip shark in Chatham Bay observed was estimated on 49.5±10.4 sharks/hour. Furthermore, using the recapture data obtained during the night tagging expeditions, a population of 408 (IC = 181-1050) sharks was estimated.

Doce especies de tiburones habitan las aguas del Parque Nacional Isla del Coco (PNIC) y uno de los más abundantes es el tiburón punta blanca de arrecife, Triaenodon obesus. El presente estudio determinó la abundancia, tallas y estructura de la población de esta especie en la zona de Bahía Chatham, PNIC. Se utilizó el método de marcaje y recaptura y se realizaron conteos subacuáticos visuales, con el fin de determinar su abundancia relativa y contabilizar recapturas visuales. Los tiburones punta blanca de Bahía Chatham no presentan segregación ontogénica espacial definida; pero si una alta fidelidad a los a sitios de residencia dentro de esta bahía. La longitud total promedio de los tiburones marcados fue de 101.8±12.1cm, con una longitud total máxima de 130.0cm y una mínima de 71.0cm. La mediana de las longitudes totales de los tiburones machos (103.5±21.33cm) y hembras (100.1±11.2cm) no difirieron significativamente (H = 1.78; p=0.1818). La abundancia relativa en Bahía Chatham, PNIC fue de 49.5±10.4 tiburones/h. El tamaño estimado de la población usando el método de de captura-recaptura fue de 408 (IC=181-1050).

A new species of the Neoplecostomine catfish Pareiorhaphis (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the Coastal basins of Espírito Santo, eastern Brazil

Pareiorhaphis ruschii, new species, is the first neoplecostomine catfish of the genus Pareiorhaphis described based on material from tributaries to the rio Piraquê-Açu and rio Reis Magos, both small coastal drainages in the State of Espírito Santo, eastern Brazil. The new species is promptly diagnosed from all its congeners by features related to the morphology of the lower lip margin, number of preadipose azygous plates, size and shape of the pectoral-fin spine, and caudal-fin skeleton. Additionally, sexual dimorphism of the new species is marked by hypertrophied odontodes on the lateral margins of head slightly directed forward in adult males.

Pareiorhaphis ruschii, espécie nova, é o primeiro cascudo neoplecostomíneo do gênero Pareiorhaphis descrito de afluentes dos rios Piraquê-Açu e Reis Magos, ambos pequenas bacias costeiras do estado do Espírito Santo, leste do Brasil. A espécie nova é prontamente diagnosticada de todas as demais congêneres por caracteres relacionados à morfologia da margem do lábio inferior, número de placas ázigas pré-adiposas, forma e tamanho do raio não ramificado das nadadeiras peitorais e forma do esqueleto da nadadeira caudal. O dimorfismo sexual da espécie nova é marcado pelos odontódeos hipertrofiados na margem lateral da cabeça que são ligeiramente orientados anteriormente em machos adultos.

The structure of rocky reef fish assemblages across a nearshore to coastal islands' gradient in Southeastern Brazil

Local assemblages of fishes associated with reefs are influenced by interactions among the availability of larvae and survival of recruits with subsequent biotic and abiotic forcing, as well as by periodic and episodic disturbances of varying natures and magnitudes. Therefore, besides being structurally heterogeneous and patchily distributed, reef systems are strongly context-dependent due to the influence of a broad array of ecological processes. In order to assess interactions of local factors that influence the distribution and abundance of reef fishes within a coastal mosaic of rocky reefs, we tested the null hypothesis of no significant variation in fish assemblage structure, by comparing 33 sites along the northern coast of the São Paulo State, Southeastern Brazil. Replicated stationary visual census samples (n = 396) were obtained at different distances from the coast, depths and wave exposures, including the mainland, three relatively small coastal islands, and the two margins of a wide channel between the mainland and the large São Sebastião Island (~350 km²), totaling 225 h of SCUBA diving. The regional rocky shore fish fauna comprised 106 species (41 families), with preponderance of diurnal mobile-invertebrate feeders. Samples from the outer margin of the São Sebastião Island, together with those from Alcatrazes, Búzios, and Vitória islands were significantly dissimilar from samples from the coastal sites at the São Sebastião Channel. Species richness tended to increase in a gradient from the coast to the more offshore islands. Local conditions such as depth and other habitat characteristics also influenced fish assemblages' structure. Distance from coast and depth were the main predictors for fish assemblages, followed by water transparency, temperature and benthic cover. This study represents the first regional-scale assessment of fish assemblages associated with rocky reefs in the São Paulo State coast, filling a major geographic knowledge gap in the South Atlantic. As the study region is experiencing fast coastal development and growing threats from seaport expansion, oil and gas exploitation, as well as increasing fishing and tourism pressure, the understanding of the underlying factors that influence the distribution and abundance of the reef-associated biota comprises a relevant baseline for monitoring, conservation planning and management.

Assembleias locais de peixes associados a recifes são influenciadas pela interação entre a disponibilidade de larvas e recrutas e as forças bióticas e abióticas que operam após o recrutamento, assim como por perturbações periódicas e episódicas de diversos tipos e magnitudes. Dessa forma, além de serem estruturalmente heterogêneos e irregularmente distribuídos, os sistemas recifais são altamente dependentes do contexto em que se inserem. Com o objetivo de compreender interações de fatores locais que influenciam a distribuição e abundância de peixes recifais em um mosaico costeiro de recifes rochosos, testamos a hipótese nula de inexistência de variação significativa na estrutura dessas assembleias através da comparação de 33 sítios da costa norte do Estado de São Paulo, Sudeste do Brasil. Foram obtidas amostras replicadas de censos visuais (n = 396) em diferentes distâncias da costa, profundidades e exposições ao batimento de ondas, incluindo o continente, as duas margens do Canal de São Sebastião, a Ilha de São Sebastião (~350 km²) e três ilhas costeiras menores e mais afastadas da costa, totalizando 225 h de amostragens subaquáticas. Foram registradas 106 espécies (41 famílias) de peixes recifais, com preponderância de invertívoros diurnos. Amostras da margem externa da Ilha de São Sebastião, juntamente com as das ilhas de Alcatrazes, Búzios e Vitória foram significativamente diferentes das da costa e do Canal, com uma clara tendência de aumento na riqueza de espécies do continente para as ilhas. A distância da costa e a profundidade foram as variáveis com maior influência sobre as assembleias de peixes, seguidas pela transparência da água, temperatura e cobertura bentônica. Este é o primeiro levantamento das assembleias de peixes associados a recifes rochosos no Estado de São Paulo, preenchendo uma grande lacuna geográfica no conhecimento sobre peixes recifais no Atlântico Sul. Além disso, como a região estudada está sob ampliação da infra-estrutura portuária e de exploração de petróleo e gás, bem como sob forte pressão de pesca comercial e recreativa, a compreensão dos fatores que influenciam a distribuição e abundância de organismos recifais é essencial para o planejamento de ações de monitoramento, conservação e gestão costeira.

Distribution of Vibrio alginolyticus-like species in Shenzhen coastal waters, China

We investigated the distribution of vibrios in Shenzhen coastal waters in order to obtain valuable information for the aquaculture industry and a health warning system. Quantities of vibrios from surface waters ranged from 0 to 4.40×10(4) CFUs mL-1 in April (spring), while from 0 to 2.57×10³ CFUs mL-1 in September (autumn); the abundance of V. alginolyticus-like species from surface water ranged from 0 to 6.72×10³ CFUs mL-1 in April (spring) and from 0 to 1.28×10³ CFUs mL-1 in September (autumn); higher counts were observed in spring. The V. alginolyticus-like species was dominant in Shenzhen coastal waters, with the highest abundance in the clean region (stations YMK001 and GDN064) in April, suggesting that Vibrio spp. were naturally occurring bacteria in marine environments. The correlation between the abundance of vibrios (including V. alginolyticus-like species) and environmental factors varied in different regions and different seasons. There were no vibrios detected when the salinity was less than 11.15ë in the Zhujiang River estuary, which indicated that salinity played a key role in the distribution of vibrios and V. alginolyticus-like species.

Control microbiano de agua de mar mediante microfiltración / Microbial control of seawater by microfiltration

El agua de mar refinada aparece en la literatura científica reciente como una potencial ayuda terapéutica en el tratamiento de varias enfermedades en humanos y animales por su contenido de minerales y oligoelementos. En Colombia, Nicaragua y España se utiliza de forma natural por recogida de la orilla e ingesta; sin embargo, esto puede representar un riesgo para la salud por los problemas de contaminación microbiológica y química. Los tratamientos de control microbiano del agua de mar permiten mejorar su calidad microbiológica. Objetivo: comparar la eficiencia de tres métodos de control microbiano: microfiltración, exposición solar y cuarentena. Metodología: se recolectaron 30 muestras de agua de mar en recipientes de polietileno de alta densidad con capacidad de 20 litros, en tres lugares diferentes de la costa atlántica colombiana. Resultados: de 30 muestras recolectadas, 15 resultaron con en- terobacterias como E. coli y bacterias halófilas como Vibrio y Aeromonas. La microfiltración a través de cerámica de 0,5 μm produce una desinfección de 100% de las muestras, mientras que la cuarentena por cinco meses y la desinfección solar son efectivas en 66 y 21% respectivamente. Esta última requiere de ciertas condiciones climáticas para alcanzar la desinfección y solo permite el manejo de pequeños volúmenes. Discusión: Respecto de la contaminación química en ciertos lugares, que no es controlable por los métodos de desinfección, se recomienda recoger el agua en altamar, en lugares limpios, y realizar la microfiltración.

Recent scientific literature presents seawater as a potential aid to solve a variety of health diseases in animals and human beings because by means of its mineral and trace elements content. In Colombia, Nicaragua and Spain it is collected in a natural way from de shore and drunk; however, this can represent a health risk because of the problems related to chemical and microbiological contamination. Microbial control of seawater allows the improvement of its microbiological quality. Objective: to compare the efficiency of three microbial control methods: microfiltration, solar exposition and quarantine. Methodology: 30 samples were collected in 20-liter high density polyethylene containers in three different places in the Colombian Atlantic coast. Results: 15 samples out of 30 showed the presence of bacteria such as E. coli and halophiles bacteria like Vibrio and Aeromonas. Microfiltration through ceramic filters of 0.5 μm produces disinfection in 100% of the samples but the quarantine for five months and solar disinfection are effective in 66 and 21% respectively. The latter requires certain weather conditions to achieve disinfection and it only allows managing small quantities of water. Dicussion: Considering chemical contamination in some places which cannot be controlled through disinfection methods, the collection of water offshore in clean places is suggested and then microfiltration treatment should be performed.

Estudo comparativo das concentrações de mercúrio total em pinguins-de-magalhães (Spheniscus magellanicus) arribados na costa brasileira entre 2006-2008 / Comparative study of total mercury concentrations in magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus), borne away on the Brazilian coast between 2006-2008

O presente trabalho propõe um estudo comparativo entre as concentrações de mercúrio total em aves marinhas, especificamente o pinguin- e-magalhães (Spheniscus magellanicus) arribados na costa brasileira entre 2006 e 2008. Foram estudados três grupos de S.magellanicus coletados ao longo do litoral brasileiro no ano de 2008: 14 espécimes do Rio Grande do Sul, 22 do Rio de Janeiro e 12 do litoral Sergipano e comparados os resultados das concentrações com pinguins- e-magalhães arribados em 2006: 35 espécimes provenientes da Região dos Lagos no Rio de Janeiro e 12 do litoral norte do Rio Grande do Sul. As concentrações de Hg total foram analisadas em fígado e músculo peitoral entre os grupos através do método de espectrometria de absorção atômica. Foram realizados dois tipos de análises: análise espacial das concentrações de Hg entre os grupos do Rio Grande do Sul, Rio de Janeiro e Sergipe e uma análise de comparação entre as concentrações nos anos de 2006 e 2008. (...) Fatores como a idade reprodutiva, os hábitos alimentares, rotas migratórias e história de vida influenciam na determinação da concentração do mercúrio nestes indivíduos. Novos estudos com aves marinhas como o S. magellanicus, são importantes na construção de parâmetros e possíveis políticas de monitoramento da qualidade do meio ambiente.

The present work proposes a comparative study among the concentrations of total mercury in sea birds, specifically the Magellanic Penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus)dead in the Brazilian coast between 2006 and 2008. They were studied three groups of S.magellanicus collected along the Brazilian coast in the year of 2008: 14 specimens of Rio Grande do Sul, 22 of Rio de Janeiro and 12 of the Sergipe coast and compared themercury concentrations with Magellanic Penguin collected in 2006: 35 from the Região dos Lagos in Rio de Janeiro and 12 of the north coast of Rio Grande do Sul. The concentrations of Hg total were analyzed in pectoral muscle and liver of the groups by atomic spectometry techniques. Two types of analyses were accomplished: space analysis of the concentrations of Hg among the groups of Rio Grande do Sul, Rio de Janeiro and Sergipe and a comparison analysis among the concentrations in the years of2006 and 2008. The average of Hg concentration in liver was higher than the average concentration muscle in PRS ([Hg] - liver: 2,3!g/g, muscle: 0,5!g /g), PRJ ([Hg] - liver: 3,3!g/g, muscle: 0,7!g /g) and PSE ([Hg] - liver: 2,5!g/g, muscle: 0,6!g/g). Comparingthe values between the years, the 2006 group had the lowest average of mercury concentration ([Hg] - liver: 1,6 g /g, muscle: 0,4!g/g) than 2008 group ([Hg] - liver: 2,3!g/g, muscle: 0,7 g /g) in both areas. The age, the diet, broken migratory and life history influences in the determination of the concentration of the mercury in these individuals. Further studies with seabirds as the S magellanicus are important buildingparameters and possible policies for monitoring the environment health.

Modelo empírico para previsión de la temperatura superficial del mar peruano / Empirical model for forecast the Peruvian sea surface temperature

En el presente trabajo se estudia un modelo empírico basado en el volumen de agua cálida en el Pacífico ecuatorial que se aplica para hacer previsiones de temperatura superficial del mar frente a Perú, lo cual sirve como una herramienta de alerta temprana de los efectos de El Niño. La relación del volumen de agua cálida con la profundidad de la isoterma de 20 °C es mayor en el Pacífico central en la latitud cero. Los cambios de este volumen afectan después varios meses la temperatura superficial del mar frente a Perú, particularmente cuando este volumen presenta anomalías positivas. El modelo logra estimar el momento en que se inicia el aumento de temperatura superficial del mar asociado a los efectos de El Niño en la Región Niño 1 costera, el momento de ocurrencia del pico de los eventos, y las tendencias a mediano plazo.

In the present work an empirical model based on the warm water volume in the Equatorial Pacific Ocean is studied as a tool to forecast variations of sea surface temperature off the coast of Perú, which will be useful as a tool for giving early warnings of El Niño effects. The relation between the warm water volume and the depth of the 20°C isotherm is greater in the Central Pacific along latitude 0°. Several months later the changes of this volume affect the sea surface temperature off Perú particularly when its anomalies are positive. The model estimates the time when sea surface temperature begins to rise associated with El Niño effects in the coastal Niño 1 Region, the time when the event peaks, and the medium term trends.

Rio de La Plata como territorio

El libro abarca varias áreas temáticas. En el primer gruo de temas nos relatan l historia de la región, desde aquellos dias primigenios del supercontinente de gondwana hasta el momento actual, pasando por la gran penetración marina y los enormes y larguisimos procesos que fueron constituyendo la arquitectura geologica e hidrica de la cuenca. Se caracteriza la climatologia de la cuenca y se ocupan del Delta, tambien se trabaja sobre la vegetación y fauna silvestre. Un segundo grupo recorre la historia de nuestra Ribera. El tercer grupo se ocupa de la navegacion comercial y de los puertos. Un cuarto rupo incluye la visión de los navegantes, con la visión desde el puente a lo largo de una vida de practicaje en el Rio. Tambié se tratan sobre el deporte en el Rio, el de la vela y el del remo y sobre la arquitectura ribereña. Dos trabjos versan sbre l relion agua-hombre. Un grupo nutrido de aprtes se refiere a grandes obras que se propone realizar sobre el Rio. Por último, la recopilación se cierra con tres visiones desde Brasil sobre la cuenca

Rio de La Plata como territorio

El libro abarca varias áreas temáticas. En el primer gruo de temas nos relatan l historia de la región, desde aquellos dias primigenios del supercontinente de gondwana hasta el momento actual, pasando por la gran penetración marina y los enormes y larguisimos procesos que fueron constituyendo la arquitectura geologica e hidrica de la cuenca. Se caracteriza la climatologia de la cuenca y se ocupan del Delta, tambien se trabaja sobre la vegetación y fauna silvestre. Un segundo grupo recorre la historia de nuestra Ribera. El tercer grupo se ocupa de la navegacion comercial y de los puertos. Un cuarto rupo incluye la visión de los navegantes, con la visión desde el puente a lo largo de una vida de practicaje en el Rio. Tambié se tratan sobre el deporte en el Rio, el de la vela y el del remo y sobre la arquitectura ribereña. Dos trabjos versan sbre l relion agua-hombre. Un grupo nutrido de aprtes se refiere a grandes obras que se propone realizar sobre el Rio. Por último, la recopilación se cierra con tres visiones desde Brasil sobre la cuenca

Diversity and ecological significance of deep-burrowing macrocrustaceans in coastal tropical waters of the Americas (decapoda: thalassinidea)

Los camarones talasínidos, comúnmente conocidos como camarones de lodo o camarones duende, son excavadores de madrigueras que dominan los substratos muebles y los procesos bentónicos en muchos ambientes marino-costeros. Entre los géneros más frecuentes en las zonas intermareales y someras submareales tropicales se cuenta con Lepidophthalmus y Callichirus, los cuales se asocian con estuarios fangosos y playas arenosas de cuarcita, respectivamente, y el menos conocido laomédido Axianasa, que se encuentra asociado con el mangle rojo. Estudios recientes sobre estos géneros excavadores y otros emparentados sugieren que el recambio de sedimento y la facilitación del flujo de nutrientes por la ventilación de la madriguera pueden ser de gran importancia para los autótrofos asociados, y pueden llagar a dominar los procesos bentónicos en algunas comunidades. Las perturbaciones del hábitat, la contaminación y las alteraciones hidrológicas pueden llevar a que poblaciones de estos excavadores obligados sean vulnerables a mortandades masivas, que son particularmente preocupantes en aquellas especies que han alcanzado un status endémico regional. Bajo otras circunstancias, el enriquecimiento orgánico de los substratos del hábitat, particularmente en parcelas de acuicultura, puede indicar crecimiento poblacionales explosivos. Cualquiera de estas dinámicas podría producir impactos negativos sobre la calidad del agua y la productividad y contribuir a la declinación de las comunidades asociadas de plantas y animales. La conservación de estas comunidades de camarones excavadores requiere una compresión completa de sus biohistorias, dependencia del habitat, relaciones simbióticas, y respuestas poblacionales a las perturbaciones ambientales

An experimental study of nanoflagellate bacterivory

Heterotrophic nanoflagellate "Pseudobodo tremulans" (4.8 to 7.0 (micro)m) and heterotrophic bacteria, isolated from coastal waters in Ubatuba, SP, Brazil, were used in experiments to analyze quantitatively the relationships between bacteria and nanoflagellates. The meaning of these results for the role of heterotrophic nanoflagellates in the Ubatuba coastal ecosystem is discussed

Water quality of Ocho Rios Bay and Dunn's River area beaches

This study looked at the quality of beaches in the Ocho Rios Bay and Dunn's River area of St. Ann. It was found that most of the beaches were within the acceptable standards set by USEPA/WHO, except for the Sailor's Hole Beach with consistently higher coliform count compared to USEPA standards. The Biological Oxygen Demand and Nitrate were normal for all beaches. Monitoring agencies like the NRCA, Ministry of Health and the National Water Commission continue to play a major role in sewage treatment and monitoring of coastal waters. This is reflected in this study where most beaches met the expectation of these agencies with the exception of Sailor's Hole Beach. However, more detailed studies and search for sources of pollution of the Sailor's Hole Beach, needs to be carried out especially for the two rivers - Sailor's Hole and Turtle Rivers which feed into this beach. Also continuous monitoring of the beaches is essential as monitoring was not consistent and potential sources of pollution could be missed if sustained supervision is unavailable. Shipping activities and enforcement of appropriate legislations were areas observed to be needing further attention.(Au)