Abstract
Harbours are located in major urban centres around the world and are of great economic importance to the cities in their surroundings. However, the intense traffic of boats and ships can generate environmental impacts that can directly affect the local biota as well as the population that lives in surrounding areas. Therefore, this work aimed to analyse the surface sediment of the Niterói Harbour using chemical, biological and micropalaeontological tools to investigate the environmental condition of this important harbour in Rio de Janeiro State. The pseudototal trace metal data analysed in the surface samples showed values far above those of the greater Guanabara Bay background. These data were corroborated by a high mortality rate of Artemia sp. and elevated presence of the bacterium Vibrio fischeri, indicating a high rate of local pollution. Dinoflagellate cysts also showed a direct response to high values of pseudototal trace metals. The data obtained in this study emphasize a need for greater monitoring of ports since the experience gained through this study in a Brazilian harbour can serve as an example for the management of other harbours located in large urban centres around the world.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
