Research of Geochemical Parameters in the São Paulo River, Todos Os Santos Bay, Bahia, Brazil.

Abstract

Contamination of coastal environments is a significant environmental problem, affecting several regions around the world, especially in areas close to industries and urban centres. Some elements, when present in high concentrations, pose a strong threat to the environment due to its ecotoxicity, persistence and the ability to bioaccumulate and can affect humans. In the vicinity of São Paulo River, located in Todos os Santos Bay, Bahia, Brazil, there are communities and industries that carry out activities which can cause environmental impacts. Over the last years, problems related to the preservation of ecosystems, as well as concern for improving the quality of life of populations have been addressed more seriously. Therefore, it is important to know environmental characteristics of an area at a given moment, so that the sources of contamination are identified and measures for preservation and recovery are taken in a coherent and responsible manner. Thus, the following parameters were analyzed with the objective of evaluating environmental quality of the area. Assimilable phosphorus, nitrite, nitrate, ammonia, chlorophyll a, particulate organic carbon (POC), metals and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs).