Abstract
The submarine sewage outfall of Santos (SSOS) is a significant source of contaminants to the marine ecosystems of Santos Bay. The present study aimed at assessing the influence of SSOS on the sediment quality of Santos Bay. To achieve that sediments were collected at 5 sampling sites located around the SSOS diffusers, then sets of chemical analyses and toxicity tests were conducted. The results indicated that, at the disposal site, sediments tended to be finer, organically richer and exhibited higher levels of surfactants and metals, sometimes exceeding Threshold Effect Level values. The SSOS influence was more evident toward the East, where the sediments exhibited higher levels of TOC, total S and metals. Chronic toxicity occurred in all samples, whereas acute toxicities were more evident in the sediments from station 4 (West). Toxicities correlated to Hg, ammonia, detergents, total N, total S and % mud. Results evidenced that sediments around SSOS are affected by effluent discharges, and that the combined use of sets toxicity tests together with chemical analyses may provide a better overview of the sediment quality.
Published Version
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