DNA damage in an estuarine fish inhabiting the vicinity of a major Brazilian port.

The Itaqui Port Complex (northeastern Brazil) is one of the largest Brazilian port facilities, whose effluents and waste are dumped directly into the estuarine waters. Although environmental monitoring has been a concern around this site, there has been no toxicogenetics study on organisms living in this environment. Thus, we assessed the toxicogenetics potential of the estuarine waters surrounding Itaqui, using the native catfish Sciades herzbergii as a biomonitor. We found a significantly higher frequency of genetic damage and mutations in the animals collected near to Itaqui in both seasons compared to the reference site (distant from Itaqui with no port activities). We also quantified chemical elements in the surface water and sediments near the port and found that clorine, phosphorus, zinc, and boron were above the limits set by the Brazilian legislation. We suggest that such contaminants are involved in the origin of DNA damage. Moreover, we recommend including toxicogenetics assays in the environmental monitoring of pollutants, as well as in the definition of their allowable limits, as they could be used as law enforcement tools and help to predict large-scale contamination events associated with port activities.

Genotoxic and mutagenic effects of chlorothalonil on the estuarine fish Micropogonias furnieri (Desmarest, 1823).

Chlorothalonil is a fungicide widely used in agriculture as well as an active ingredient in antifouling paints. Although it causes toxic effects on non-target organisms and can accumulate in fish tissues, little is known about its sublethal effects. Thus, genotoxic and mutagenic effects of intraperitoneal injected chlorothalonil in Micropogonias furnieri, an estuarine fish of frequent human consumption and a promising test-organism for ecotoxicological assays, were assessed. Chlorothalonil showed to be genotoxic (DNA damage by comet assay) and mutagenic (micronuclei, nuclear buds, apoptotic fragments, and bilobed cells) even at the lowest dose tested (0.35 µg g-1) and in a dose-dependent manner (0.35 and 3.5 µg g-1) for micronuclei, apoptotic fragments, and bilobed cells. As genomic instability may lead to carcinogenesis, the present evidence can assist decision-makers in banning this compound since any benefit toward food production is outweighed by the hazard to aquatic ecosystems and human health.

Using a toxicity test with Ruppia maritima (Linnaeus) to assess the effects of Roundup.

Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto's broad-spectrum herbicide Roundup, consists of one of the most used pesticides worldwide, but its effects on the marine flora are still not well understood. Were examined Roundup toxic effects on Ruppia maritima specimens collected from Jansen Lagoon (São Luís, MA, Brazil) and acclimatized under laboratory conditions. The numbers of new and dead leaves, the root and leaf length, the chlorophyll a content, and the weight of R. maritima branches were determined before and after exposure to different Roundup concentrations for seven days. High concentrations caused a significant lethal effect. In addition, significant changes were observed in the wet and dry weights, the number and length of the leaves, and the chlorophyll a content. Leaf elongation was observed in the branches exposed to low concentrations, and this change was likely activated as a compensatory mechanism. The results indicate that high concentrations of this herbicide may compromise estuarine flora.

Microbiological condition of the catfish Sciades herzbergii from Bacanga Lagoon, northeastern Brazil / Qualidade microbiológica do bagre Sciades herzbergii capturado na Laguna do Bacanga, nordeste do Brasil

Fishing in Bacanga Lagoon supplements the income or even guarantees the survival of several families that live in this river basin on Maranhão Island (São Luís), which is densely populated and shows signs of water pollution. The present study aimed to assess the quality of recently captured catfish Sciades herzbergii, through microbiological analyses of muscles. In general, the samples of Bacanga Lagoon showed higher coliform values than those observed in fish collected in the control area (Pau Deitado, Paço do Lumiar, state of Maranhão). Samples collected in January showed a high content of total coliforms and coliforms at 45oC, which suggests a relationship between microbial contamination and the rainy season. Escherichia coli was the most abundant bacteria species in the samples from Bacanga Lagoon. The results showed poor sanitary conditions of the Bacanga Lagoon and demonstrated fecal contamination of the fish captured due to the high amount of untreated efluents discharged in the lagoon.

A pesca na laguna do Bacanga é uma atividade que garante o sustento e complementação de renda para diversas famílias que habitam nessa bacia hidrográfica da Ilha do Maranhão (São Luís) densamente ocupada e com sinais de poluição de suas águas. O trabalho objetivou avaliar a qualidade do bagre Sciades herzbergii através de análises microbiológicas do músculo de peixes recém-capturados. No geral, as amostras do Bacanga apresentaram valores de coliformes significativamente maiores que os observados nos peixes coletados na área controle (Pau Deitado, Paço do Lumiar, MA). Amostras coletadas nos meses de janeiro apresentaram elevada quantidade de coliformes totais e coliformes a 45oC sugerindo relação da contaminação microbiana com o período de chuvas, sendo que Escherichia coli foi a espécie mais abundante nas amostras do Bacanga. Os resultados indicaram as péssimas condições sanitárias da laguna do Bacanga e demostraram a contaminação de origem fecal nos peixes capturados em função do elevado volume de efluentes lançados sem tratamento na laguna.

Microbiological condition of the catfish Sciades herzbergii from Bacanga Lagoon, northeastern Brazil / Qualidade microbiológica do bagre Sciades herzbergii capturado na Laguna do Bacanga, nordeste do Brasil

Fishing in Bacanga Lagoon supplements the income or even guarantees the survival of several families that live in this river basin on Maranhão Island (São Luís), which is densely populated and shows signs of water pollution. The present study aimed to assess the quality of recently captured catfish Sciades herzbergii, through microbiological analyses of muscles. In general, the samples of Bacanga Lagoon showed higher coliform values than those observed in fish collected in the control area (Pau Deitado, Paço do Lumiar, state of Maranhão). Samples collected in January showed a high content of total coliforms and coliforms at 45oC, which suggests a relationship between microbial contamination and the rainy season. Escherichia coli was the most abundant bacteria species in the samples from Bacanga Lagoon. The results showed poor sanitary conditions of the Bacanga Lagoon and demonstrated fecal contamination of the fish captured due to the high amount of untreated efluents discharged in the lagoon.(AU)

A pesca na laguna do Bacanga é uma atividade que garante o sustento e complementação de renda para diversas famílias que habitam nessa bacia hidrográfica da Ilha do Maranhão (São Luís) densamente ocupada e com sinais de poluição de suas águas. O trabalho objetivou avaliar a qualidade do bagre Sciades herzbergii através de análises microbiológicas do músculo de peixes recém-capturados. No geral, as amostras do Bacanga apresentaram valores de coliformes significativamente maiores que os observados nos peixes coletados na área controle (Pau Deitado, Paço do Lumiar, MA). Amostras coletadas nos meses de janeiro apresentaram elevada quantidade de coliformes totais e coliformes a 45oC sugerindo relação da contaminação microbiana com o período de chuvas, sendo que Escherichia coli foi a espécie mais abundante nas amostras do Bacanga. Os resultados indicaram as péssimas condições sanitárias da laguna do Bacanga e demostraram a contaminação de origem fecal nos peixes capturados em função do elevado volume de efluentes lançados sem tratamento na laguna.(AU)

Analysis of diflubenzuron in tilapia filet by HPLC-DAD.

A simple and efficient new procedure is presented for the analysis of diflubenzuron (DFB) accumulation in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) filet. A liquid-chromatography (LC) with diode array detection method with C(18) solid-phase extraction clean-up was employed. The methods exhibit no significant matrix effect as verified by the recovery efficiency. The limits of detection and quantification were 32 microg/kg and 110 microg/kg, respectively. LC-tandem mass spectrometry analysis confirmed the presence of DFB in filet of tilapia exposed to this pesticide. The method was successfully applied for the analyses of fish captured in three different fee-fishing farms during two seasons and for the analyses of fish from an experimental pond (subjected to Dimilin exposition) and depuration tank during different time intervals.

The use of pesticides in fish farms and fee fishing enterprises from Mogi-Guaçu catchement / O uso de praguicidas nas pisciculturas e pesqueiros situados na bacia do rio Mogi-Guaçu

The use of pesticides has been the main strategy to prevent ectoparasites that threaten aquaculture productivity. The no regulated use of such chemicals may lead to damage in aquatic ecosystems that receive the ponds effluents, compromising environmental and consumers health. With the aim of evaluate the use of pesticides in aquacultural practices developed in Mogi-Guaçu catchment, fish farm and fee fishing owners were interviewed. Eighty-nine enterprises were visited, and was verified that about 40% uses pesticide during management practices in recent years. The diflubenzuron, methyl parathion, trichlorfon and triflumuron were the pesticides most used. In addition to the interviews, samples were taken in 3 enterprises localized in Socorro, SP (Peixe River sub-catchment) which had a pesticide usage history. It was not detected residues of the pesticides diflubenzuron, methyl parathion and dichlorvos in any water, sediments nor fishes samples from two distinct seasons (lower and high fishing seasons). On fact, non-detected pesticides residues corroborate with the fish farmers statement to deny recently pesticide usage during management practices. Nevertheless, the lack of chemotherapeutics usage criteria and the potential hazardous due to these practices were discussed.

O uso de praguicidas vem sendo a principal forma de combater os ectoparasitas que ameaçam a produtividade aquícola. O uso indiscriminado destas substâncias pode ocasionar danos aos ecossistemas aquáticos que recebem os efluentes dos tanques, comprometendo a qualidade ambiental, além de representar risco aos consumidores. Com o objetivo de avaliar o uso de praguicidas nas atividades aquícolas inseridas na bacia hidrográfica do Rio Mogi Guaçu, uma série de entrevistas foram realizadas junto aos proprietários de pesqueiros e/ou pisciculturas. De um total de 89 empreendimentos, cerca de 40% admitiram ter usado praguicidas durante as práticas de manejo nos últimos anos, sendo que os mais utilizados foram os inseticidas diflubenzuron, paration metílico, triclorfon e triflumuron. Além das entrevistas, foram realizadas coletas em três empreendimentos localizados no Município de Socorro, SP (sub-bacia do Rio do Peixe), cujos responsáveis admitiram ter usado praguicidas nos tanques. Não foram detectados resíduos dos inseticidas diflubenzuron, paration metílico e diclorvós em nenhuma das amostras de água, sedimentos e peixes coletadas em duas épocas distintas do ano (baixa e alta temporada de pesca). O fato de não terem sido detectados resíduos dos principais inseticidas nestas amostras corrobora a afirmação dos proprietários de que não têm utilizado praguicidas recentemente nas práticas

Lipids as energy source during salinity acclimation in the euryhaline crab Chasmagnathus granulata dana, 1851 (crustacea-grapsidae).

Lipids seem to be the major energy store in crustaceans. Moreover, they are extremely important in maintaining structural and physiological integrity of cellular and sub cellular membranes. During salinity adaptation, energy-demanding mechanisms for hemolymph osmotic and ionic regulation are activated. Thus, the main goal of this work was to verify the possible involvement of lipids as an energy source in the osmotic adaptation process. The estuarine crab Chasmagnathus granulata was captured and acclimated to salt water at 20 per thousand salinity and 20 +/- 2 degrees C, for 30 days. After acclimation, crabs were divided into groups of ten and transferred to fresh water (0 per thousand ), salt water at 40 per thousand salinity, or maintained in salt water at 20 per thousand salinity (control group), without feeding. Before and seven days after the salinity change, wet weight and lipid concentration in gills, muscle, hepatopancreas, and hemolymph were determined according to the colorimetric assay of sulphophosphovanilin. Results show that hepatopancreas lipids were not mobilized during osmotic stress regulation. Gill and muscle lipids were significantly lower in crabs subjected to hypo-osmotic stress than those subjected to the hyper-osmotic stress or maintained at the control salinity. Our results point to the occurrence of lipid mobilization and involvement of these compounds in the osmotic acclimation process in C. granulata, but with differences between tissues and the osmotic shock (hypo or hyper) considered.

The use of pesticides in fish farms and fee fishing enterprises from Mogi-Guaçu catchement / O uso de praguicidas nas pisciculturas e pesqueiros situados na bacia do rio Mogi-Guaçu

The use of pesticides has been the main strategy to prevent ectoparasites that threaten aquaculture productivity. The no regulated use of such chemicals may lead to damage in aquatic ecosystems that receive the ponds effluents, compromising environmental and consumers health. With the aim of evaluate the use of pesticides in aquacultural practices developed in Mogi-Guaçu catchment, fish farm and fee fishing owners were interviewed. Eighty-nine enterprises were visited, and was verified that about 40% uses pesticide during management practices in recent years. The diflubenzuron, methyl parathion, trichlorfon and triflumuron were the pesticides most used. In addition to the interviews, samples were taken in 3 enterprises localized in Socorro, SP (Peixe River sub-catchment) which had a pesticide usage history. It was not detected residues of the pesticides diflubenzuron, methyl parathion and dichlorvos in any water, sediments nor fishes samples from two distinct seasons (lower and high fishing seasons). On fact, non-detected pesticides residues corroborate with the fish farmers statement to deny recently pesticide usage during management practices. Nevertheless, the lack of chemotherapeutics usage criteria and the potential hazardous due to these practices were discussed.

O uso de praguicidas vem sendo a principal forma de combater os ectoparasitas que ameaçam a produtividade aquícola. O uso indiscriminado destas substâncias pode ocasionar danos aos ecossistemas aquáticos que recebem os efluentes dos tanques, comprometendo a qualidade ambiental, além de representar risco aos consumidores. Com o objetivo de avaliar o uso de praguicidas nas atividades aquícolas inseridas na bacia hidrográfica do Rio Mogi Guaçu, uma série de entrevistas foram realizadas junto aos proprietários de pesqueiros e/ou pisciculturas. De um total de 89 empreendimentos, cerca de 40% admitiram ter usado praguicidas durante as práticas de manejo nos últimos anos, sendo que os mais utilizados foram os inseticidas diflubenzuron, paration metílico, triclorfon e triflumuron. Além das entrevistas, foram realizadas coletas em três empreendimentos localizados no Município de Socorro, SP (sub-bacia do Rio do Peixe), cujos responsáveis admitiram ter usado praguicidas nos tanques. Não foram detectados resíduos dos inseticidas diflubenzuron, paration metílico e diclorvós em nenhuma das amostras de água, sedimentos e peixes coletadas em duas épocas distintas do ano (baixa e alta temporada de pesca). O fato de não terem sido detectados resíduos dos principais inseticidas nestas amostras corrobora a afirmação dos proprietários de que não têm utilizado praguicidas recentemente nas práticas