Anthropic Occupation Research Articles

Conservation status of Brazilian snakes inhabiting the Atlantic Forest of Northeastern Brazil

Due to the high level of disturbance in natural ecosystems and the progressive loss of habitats resulting from anthropic occupation, biodiversity conservation represents one of the greatest challenges today. Red lists of threatened species are essential tools for identifying species at risk of extinction and guiding conservation efforts. In this study, we assessed the vulnerability to extinction of 55 snake species that occur in the Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil in Paraíba state. We developed vulnerability indices based on 12 factors known to influence the survival of snake populations. To analyze the threat profiles and relative risk levels within the snake community, we employed principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis. Additionally, we compared our findings with existing red lists of threatened species. Our results reveal that only 18% of the snake fauna in this region is free of any threat. The aquatic species Helicops angulatus and Oxyrhopus trigeminus were the snakes that presented the lowest risk of extinction, while Caaeteboia gaeli and Crotalus durissus presented the highest risk of extinction. Two groups of species were considered non-threatened and five groups were considered threatened. Our study provides the first overview on the conservation status of snake species in the northern portion of the Atlantic Forest and contributes to a better evaluation of conservation planning for this group in the region.

Taguatagua 3: A new late Pleistocene settlement in a highly suitable lacustrine habitat in central Chile (34°S).

We present the results of the excavations and analyses of the diverse and exceptional archaeological assemblage of Taguatagua 3, a new late Pleistocene site located in the ancient Tagua Tagua lake in Central Chile (34°S). The anthropogenic context is constrained in a coherently dated stratigraphic deposit which adds new information about the mobility, subsistence strategies, and settlement of the early hunter-gatherers of southern South America. The age model constructed, as well as radiocarbon dates obtained directly from a combustion structure, indicate that the human occupation occurred over a brief time span around 12,440-12,550 cal yr BP. Considering taphonomic, geoarchaeological, lithic, archaeobotanical, and zooarchaeological evidence, as well as the spatial distribution combined with ethnographic data, we interpret Taguatagua 3 as a logistic and temporary camp associated mainly with gomphothere hunting and butchering. Nevertheless, several other activities were carried out here as well, such as hide and/or bone preparation, small vertebrate and plant processing and consumption, and red ochre grinding. Botanical and eggshell remains suggest that the anthropic occupation occurred during the dry season. Considering the contemporaneous sites recorded in the basin, we conclude that the ancient Tagua Tagua lake was a key location along the region's early hunter-gatherer mobility circuits. In this context, it acted as a recurrent hunting/scavenging place during the Late Pleistocene due to its abundant, diverse, and predictable resources.

Historical Floods and Territorial Planning: Lessons Learned and Opportunities Lost after the Santa Teresa Flood (1879) in the Segura Basin (Spain)

Historical cartography is one of the principal tools used in correct flood adaptation and management based on territorial planning. In fact, Directive 2007/60/EC on the assessment and management of flood risks includes the analysis and inventory of historical floods in a river basin for assessing the flood hazard and risk existing in a geographical space. This study seeks to analyse the largest flood registered in the Segura basin, occurring on 14–15 October 1879, which attracted enormous interest on a national and international level. The methodology applied is based on the consultation of historical sources and historical cartography, and the elaboration of maps using GIS, enabling comparisons to be made with current flood zones. The results show that the Santa Teresa flood was very similar to the Spanish National Cartographic Systems for Flood Areas (SNCZI) map for a 500-year return period. Furthermore, it allows the identification of the sensitive points along the course of the river or those prone to burst banks or overflowing, which practically coincide with the current maps and modelling conducted by the official bodies. Furthermore, the buildings in the floodable area in the historical cartography have been counted and reconstructed on a GIS map and the SNCZI. Massive anthropic occupation through the construction of settlements and infrastructures (hospitals, schools, centers for the elderly, roads and railways) in the Guadalentín valley and the Segura River increases the risk of flooding in the study area, despite the numerous control and regulation works carried out in the Segura River basin.

Coast Change: Understanding Sensitivity to Beach Loss for Coastal Tourism in the Colombian Caribbean

Beach and sun tourism in the Colombian Caribbean is an extremely important activity that leads to social practices that generate recreational and economic activities directly impacting the environment. The research focuses on assessing the sensitivity to the loss of beaches as tourist resources in four locations within the Colombian Caribbean (Santa Verónica, Salinas del Rey, Bocatocino, and Las Arenas). The sensitivity indicator was developed using GIS to process variables such as the width of the usable beach, the presence of dunes, and rates of coastal erosion spanning from 2003 to 2019. Additionally, anthropic occupation was examined through satellite images. The results allowed for identifying vulnerability indices and recognizing the critical role of dunes in beach preservation. The study revealed that the analyzed beaches exhibited varying degrees of sensitivity. Notably, historical erosion rates and dunes were the most influential variables affecting sensitivity. In conclusion, understanding the sensitivity state concerning the loss of beach areas as tourist resources helps delineate stable sectors and those more susceptible to erosion processes. This knowledge proves invaluable in prioritizing the design and implementation of protective measures in areas requiring urgent attention.

Conservation and Education in Spanish Geoparks: Exploratory Analysis of Land Stewardship Experiences and Valuation Proposal through Outdoor Education

Advances in research on environmental problems and public awareness of them have led to renewed concern about the need to establish mechanisms and figures to protect and manage sites so that geoecological processes remain outside the dynamics of anthropic occupation. This research has been approached from an inductive and qualitative perspective based on case studies to examine the articulation of the Spanish geoparks, their dynamics, and the experiences of private valorization in them. Geological heritage is seen as a lever for the promotion of the territory. In all cases, although the geological–geomorphological–paleontological–environmental resources must be significant, this designation aims to enhance the value of all assets, both natural and cultural, conceiving the geopark not as a figure of environmental protection but as a “figure to promote local development”. A total of 48 land stewardship initiatives were identified in 11 of the 15 Spanish geoparks. The most significant presence of initiatives was found in the geoparks of Catalonia, followed by the Lanzarote Geopark. No nature-based schools are located within geoparks, except for Wild Me in Central Catalonia. However, the presence of nature-based schools in biosphere reserves (BRs) seems to be more common. Framing alternative proposals, such as nature-based schools in these areas and using land stewardship in their operation, can become an opportunity to protect a region’s geological and cultural heritage and improve local communities’ quality of life through sustainable and responsible economic and tourism activities. Early-years education in the natural environment facilitates the acquisition of long-term pro-environmental skills, competencies, and behaviors that last into adulthood and act as multipliers for others.

Occurrence of contaminants of emerging concern and their risks to the Pantanal Sul-Mato-Grossense aquatic biota, Brazil

The Aquidauana River is an important ecological corridor in the Pantanal biome. However, the growth of agricultural and urban areas along its banks has contributed to the deterioration of its water quality, consequently putting the aquatic biota at risk. Our objectives were to evaluate: 1) the composition of the landscape around six sampling sites located in the Aquidauana River middle section; and 2) the quality of its water by determining limnological parameters, concentrations of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), and the risks to native aquatic biota. Water samples were collected in November 2020. We observed the conversion of native riparian vegetation to extensive pasture areas and anthropic occupation around the sampling sites. We observed that the chlorophyll and total ammoniacal nitrogen values were above the standards established by Brazilian legislation in all samples. Studies focused on the quantification of CECs in the Pantanal waters are scarce, and to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that investigated the presence of pharmaceuticals in the Aquidauana River. All 30 CECs analyzed were detected in at least one water sample. Eleven CECs were quantified with eight pesticides (atrazine, diuron, hexazinone, tebuthiuron, azoxystrobin, carbendazim, tebuconazole, and fipronil) and one atrazine degradation product (atrazine-2-hydroxy), caffeine, and bisphenol A. The concentrations of atrazine herbicide observed in the water samples pose risks for protecting aquatic biota (RQs >1). Therefore, the native biota of the Pantanal biome is vulnerable to several types of toxic contaminants observed in the water, which can cause the disappearance of native and endemic species in this region. Establishing a monitoring program, improving sanitation infrastructure, and intensifying good agricultural practices are essential for reducing and controlling the entry of CECs into the Aquidauana River and the Pantanal water system.

Groundwater Level Variation Analysis Using Hydrogeophysical Methods in an Area of Campo Sujo in Cerrado, Chapada dos Veadeiros Region, Goiás

Cerrado’s campo sujo areas have been one of the main focuses of anthropic occupation in the Chapada dos Veadeiros region, Brazil’s Central Plateau, as they are easily accessible flattened areas with less dense vegetation. They are usually associated with wetlands representing excellent water reservoirs and groundwater recharge zones. The environmental characterization and analysis of water level variation are essential to investigate the impacts of human occupation. Hydrogeophysics represents one of the main subsurface research tools due to its easy application and efficiency in identifying the water level, with emphasis on Ground-penetrating radar (GPR), and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT). An analysis of GPR sections with 200, 400, and 900 MHz frequency antennas associated with the resistivity model was carried out to identify structures, and map the groundwater level. The overlapping data compose a hydrogeophysical model with good correlation to direct measurements of water level in a monitoring well, and soil horizons mapped in a trench. The GPR proved to be efficient in mapping the water level, mainly about to the survey with a 400 MHz antenna, shown as a horizontal reflector associated with attenuation portions of the reflection signal, registering in profile the lowering of the water level from 1.68 m in May to 3.35 m in August. The resistivity model showed a good correlation with the variations between the mapped soil horizons. The analysis shows that constructing a hydrogeophysical model is an excellent alternative for identifying the water level, and characterizing the shallow subsurface by applying non-invasive techniques. The study area represents a preserved area of campo sujo, and the research data can be used for comparison with future surveys, in addition to representing a base hydrogeophysics methodology that showed promising results for the physiographic characteristics of the area, which can be replicated in regions of similar geoenvironmental aspects.

Early anthropic occupation and geomorphological changes in South America: human–environment interactions and OSL data from the Rincão I site, southeastern Brazil

ABSTRACTThis article aims to refine the description of the artefacts and the geomorphological, geological, pedological and chronological (optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) analyses of sedimentary deposits) characterisation of the Rincão I site (southeastern Brazil) to contribute to the understanding of early human–environment interactions. The archaeological site occupation took place on hillslopes truncated by the Mogi‐Guaçu River's lateral (~1200 m) and vertical (~5 m) movements during the Late Quaternary, in an area where in situ bedrock outcrops are uncommon. This geological context favoured human groups simultaneously having access to the resources provided by the alluvial plain and hillslopes. Here we describe how about three hundred lithic artefacts are associated with soils that originated from sandy colluvium with OSL ages between 20.3 and 5.5 thousand years. These ages are consistent with the local palaeopedological and geomorphological contexts of landscape changes, and partly controversial from the perspective of models currently in vogue for the human occupation of southeastern Brazil. The vestiges of past human presence amid the hillslope sandy colluvium deposits include: 1) a set of flakes and formal artefacts (one stemmed point and three convex artefacts) made of sandstone obtained from hillslopes near (<10 km) the site; and 2) predominant detritus and flakes of quartz and flint obtained mostly from the adjacent (<1.5 km) alluvial plain, linked to flaking sequences other than those of the formal artefacts. Only quartz artefacts were found in the lower levels of the site stratigraphy, whereas in the intermediate and upper levels quartz, flint and sandstone artefacts were found, suggesting that there were changes in the raw materials used for flaking over time. The formal artefacts from the site have technological attributes like the ones observed in assemblages associated with a previously known lithic industry (Rioclarense), but a different pattern of choice of raw materials. This suggests that technical standards underwent a process of adaptation to the environmental particularities surrounding the Rincão I site.

Cambios recientes en la estructura paisajística del humedal de batuco, Chile Central

In spite of the copious regulations created in the last years to protect the Batuco wetland, located in Lampa county; at the northeast of the Metropolitan Region, Chile, this ecosystem has not stopped suffering a significant degradation, expressed by the modification of its landscape. In this study we evaluated the temporal change experienced in the last decades by the landscape structure of that wetland as a result of such degradation. To do this, we calculated a set of landscape metrics over their main land use/land covers; interpreted and mapped from an aerial photograph acquired in 2005 and a satellite image acquired in 2021, in order to allow us to measure the magnitude of its temporary variations. The doubling of the urban area within the period of interest was manifested by their continuous and regular sprawl over mainly two natural vegetation land covers of the wetland: wet brackish meadows and open thorn scrublands. Both have great ecological significance for the ecosystem under consideration, being reduced to patches with smaller core area; clear evidence of a fragmentation process confirming the degradation propitiated by the recent anthropic occupation of the wetland’s soils. Through this research it is expect to provide to the scientific community and the competent government agencies, quantitative data contributing to diagnose the degradation of the wetland in question, so that they can more efficiently guide monitoring and management actions for their conservation and restoration.

The influence of urban and mineral expansion on surface temperature variation

This study addresses the variations in surface temperature - Land Surface Temperature (LST) - in the urban network of the municipality of Paracatu, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, which has humid tropical climate of savannah (type Aw), and in the open pit mining activity located near its urban perimeter, between the years 1990 and 2019. The area was chosen because the municipality is the most important of its microregion, being an attractive pole of work due to the presence of several companies, with emphasis on the mining company Kinross Gold Corporation, which is one of the largest open pit mines and gold producers in Brazil. Images of LANDSAT-5 and 8 satellites were used, which underwent a resampling and standardization of pixels to become the same size. The satellite choice and the period of analysis was based on the beginning of mining activity in the municipality, and a year that was able to represent its current state. Subsequently, the LST calculations made available by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) were applied. When comparing the results of both areas of the first and last year of the series, there was an increase in the variation of the mean, minimum and maximum LST, a fact that is related with the suppression of vegetation for the growth of both areas. Such suppression, together with anthropic occupation, is responsible for one of the neighborhoods (28) that present the highest average variation of LST over the years. On the other hand, the neighborhood that presented the smallest variation on this parameter (47) was recently incorporated as a neighborhood in the city’s Master Plan because it is currently being occupied by the construction of an allotment, evidencing that the temporal variability of LST in the municipality occurs in relation to anthropic presence and its magnitude.

Genesis and Distribution of Low Fluvial Terraces Formed by Holocene Climate Pulses in Brazil

Low fluvial terraces present azonal spatialization, encompassing several geomorphological compartments and climate zones in Brazil. Their genesis is directly related to river dynamics. When influenced by allogenic forces, such as Holocene climate pulses, it results in channel incision and posterior abandonment of the floodplain. Relatively plain landforms at different altimetric levels identified between the current floodplain and hillslope (low river terraces) are a result of these processes. Previous works using Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) in low terraces of several rivers in Brazil have indicated morpho-chronologic similarities between depositional events, raising the hypothesis of feedbacks and fluvial adjustments relatively simultaneous to Holocene climate events. Considering these dynamics, this study employed OSL to obtain absolute dating information for 114 samples taken from distinct levels of the low river terraces of 30 rivers in Brazil, integrating the database of the IG-UNICAMP laboratory of Geomorphology and Environmental Analysis. Based on the data and statistical analysis (cluster and correlation analysis), this study aimed to identify relationships between different variables which might have controlled spatial homogenous and heterogeneous feedbacks during distinct paleoenvironmental contexts. The proposed methodology tested a fundamental hypothesis of the regional climatic geomorphology, and the results obtained may contribute to future discussions on the relationship between low river terraces and anthropic occupation.

Caracterización y evolución del sistema playa-duna de la costa mediterránea de Andalucía (España): influencia de procesos naturales y actuaciones antrópicas

En las últimas décadas, los impactos relacionados con la erosión costera en las costas del mundo han aumentado significativamente debido al actual desarrollo costero y a la ocupación turística, así como a los eventos naturales de erosión/inundación acelerados por el cambio climático. Las costas oceánicas son entornos muy dinámicos y cambiantes, ya que muestran una gran variabilidad temporal y espacial en respuesta a la acción de diferentes y complejos procesos costeros. Esta variabilidad a escala temporal interanual está relacionada con las variaciones climáticas estacionales del oleaje, debido a distribuciones temporales y espaciales de tormentas de alta latitud y tormentas/huracanes tropicales, o son resultado de eventos con un gran período de retorno, como el impacto de tormentas y tsunamis muy energéticos, elevación del nivel del mar y variaciones en el suministro de sedimentos de los ríos. Para prevenir y reducir tales impactos, los gestores deben conocer la sensibilidad de los sectores costeros naturales, que está relacionada con la energía de las olas, las características/evolución de las playas y la tendencia del nivel del mar, así como la vulnerabilidad potencial y el valor económico de los sectores urbanizados.Este trabajo muestra la evolución costera y los impactos de las estructuras costeras y la caracterización y evolución de los sistemas dunares a lo largo de la costa mediterránea de Andalucía (España). Para ello, se definieron 47 unidades a lo largo de la costa de estudio, y se cuantificó la evolución de las tasas de evolución (erosión/acreción/estabilidad) para el período 1956-2016, mediante el uso de la extensión DSAS del software ArcGIS. Como resultado, 9 unidades registraron acreción, 19 erosión y 19 estabilidad y, en cuanto al balance de superficie de playa, 17 unidades presentaron balance positivo y 28 negativo con un balance neto de -29.738,4 m2/año. El análisis de la evolución costera evidenció el impacto de las estructuras sólidas: la acreción se observó principalmente aguas arriba de los puertos y espigones y en correspondencia con los rompeolas; la erosión se detectó aguas abajo de los puertos y espigones y en correspondencia con los malecones, revestimientos y deltas de los ríos más largos; la estabilidad se observó en las playas pequeñas y en las áreas costeras estabilizadas localmente por estructuras de protección y obras de sustento. Estos resultados se utilizaron para determinar la distribución de los sectores costeros alineados con la corriente y la deriva y la dirección principal del transporte de sedimentos.En cuanto a la caracterización y evolución de los sistemas dunares, se cartografiaron diferentes tipos de sistemas dunares, así como la posición y fragmentación de la punta de las dunas, y la ocupación y evolución humana desde 1977 hasta 2001 y desde 2001 hasta 2016. En total, se delimitaron 53 sistemas dunares. a lo largo de la costa mediterránea de Andalucía, diferenciando tres tipos: dunas embrionarias y móviles, dunas fijadas por herbáceas y dunas estabilizadas. Se observa un descenso generalizado de la superficie dunar en el periodo 1977-2001 (-7,5 x 106 m2), ligado al aumento de la ocupación antrópica (+2,3 x 106 m2), y fragmentación de las dunas, especialmente en las provincias de Málaga y Almería. Durante el período 2001-2016 se observaron cambios menores en el nivel de fragmentación y en la superficie de las dunas. Solo se observó un aumento de la superficie de dunas en playas estables o en acreción (4 de 53 sistemas de dunas), tanto en áreas naturales como antrópicas (generalmente aguas arriba de los puertos).

Atributos físicos, químicos e caracterização morfológica de solos na cidade de Cáceres - Mato Grosso

As crescentes intervenções no solo em decorrência da ocupação e atividades humanas, tem gerado impactos e alterações nas dinâmicas naturais a partir de processos de degradação ambiental que, potencialmente, podem ser irreversíveis. Nesse sentido, o presente estudo objetivou caracterizar os atributos físicos, químicos e morfológicos de perfis de solo em Cáceres – Mato Grosso tendo em vista importantes transformações em seus sistemas ambientais com a expansão do perímetro urbano e tipologias de uso ao longo dos anos. Para tanto, foram caracterizados nove perfis distribuídos nas áreas central, intermediárias e periféricas do perímetro urbano bem como a coleta de amostras de seus respectivos horizontes e/ou camadas. Foram realizadas análises laboratoriais dos aspectos químicos e físicos e a descrição morfológica de acordo com a Embrapa e o Sistema Brasileiro de Classificação de Solos. Os solos analisados são pertencentes as classes dos Latossolos, Gleissolos e Plintossolos. Contudo, ressalta-se a presença de materiais exógenos e notáveis alterações em alguns perfis, fruto da ocupação antrópica associado a remobilização de materiais e a expansão urbana. Na maioria dos perfis estudados foi possível verificar as diferenciações entre as camadas de origem antrópica e os horizontes dos solos a quais estas estão dispostas. Dessa forma, considera-se a efetiva participação do homem nos processos ambientais com impactos na pedogênese local. O presente estudo possibilitou discussões iniciais a respeito dos solos urbanos considerando que a mesma ainda é escassa no estado de Mato Grosso, ao revelar uma carência desse tipo de abordagem. Portanto, destaca-se a necessidade de conhecer minunciosamente a distribuição e os atributos físicos, químicos e morfológicos dos solos urbanos juntamente com os possíveis efeitos das dinâmicas ambientais e sociais sobre o ambiente e na organização das cidades no que diz respeito a infraestrutura, expansão e tipologias de uso.Palavras-chave: Classificação de solos, Solos Urbanos, Intervenções, Alterações. Physical-chemical attributes of soils in the city of Cáceres - Mato Grosso A B S T R A C TIncreasing soil interventions due to occupation have generated impacts and changes leading to changes in the natural profile of soils. This research aims to identify and analyze the physical, chemical and morphological attributes in the city of Cáceres – Mato Grosso. The study was conducted in the urban perimeter of the city, where samples were collected in nine representative profiles distributed in the central, intermediate and peripheral areas of the center. Laboratory analyzes of chemical and physical aspects and morphological description were performed according to Embrapa and the Brazilian Soil Classification System. The soils found belong to the classes of Latossolos, Gleissolos and Plintossolos. We highlight the presence of exogenous materials and notable alterations resulting from anthropic occupation.Keywords: Soil Classification, Urban Soils, Interventions and Alterations.

Mapping the anthropic occupation of the territory. Tracing dynamics of human settlement from archaeological records and historic cartographies

ABSTRACT The dynamics of anthropic occupation of a territory over time play a central role in shaping the cultural landscape we see today. This paper presents a methodology for visually representing this phenomenon. The method consists of transforming data from archaeological records and historic cartography into a series of maps that allow historic settlement patterns to be interpreted and the historic depth of contemporary urban areas to be revealed. To create these maps, a series of geospatial analyses were carried out, including density analysis and weighted overlay. The methodology was applied to the peri-urban area of Seville in southern Spain, although it may be extrapolated to other regions.

Jackfruit trees as seed attractors and nurses of early recruitment of native plant species in a secondary forest in Brazil

The Atlantic Forest is one of the most threatened tropical forests in the world, being drastically reduced, fragmented, and disturbed. The drastic process of anthropic occupation and exploitation of this biome has, in many cases, led to the introduction of exotic species, such as the jackfruits (Artocarpus heterophyllus). However, studies on the influence of jackfruits on the native biota are still scarce. Here we investigated the influence of fruit trees on the seed rain and early recruitment of seedlings in native remnants, comparing these patterns with those observed for a native species tapirira (Tapirira guianensis), which similarly to jackfruits, produces many fruits throughout the year, attracting a variety of frugivore species. Seed rain and seedlings observed under the jackfruits were both more abundant and equally rich to the assemblages reported under the native tapirira trees. In both species, co-specifics comprise a large part of the number of seeds (> 70%) and seedlings (> 45%) individuals and, although they attract similar seed assemblages, seedling composition diverge, particularly when co-specifics are excluded. We reported that jackfruits can attract a diverse seed and seedling assemblages, and we find no evidence that the presence of jackfruits negatively affects the arrival and initial recruitment of native plant species in the study area. These results should be analyzed with caution but considered when evaluating costs and benefits of management options to control exotic species.

Metal contamination in omnivores, carnivores and detritivores fish along the Tramandaí River Basin, RS, Brazil

Heavy metals are different from other toxic agents because they are not metabolized, destroyed and excreted. They reach water resources mainly through anthropic action, be it agricultural, industrial, occupational, among others. Fish, often exposed to such contamination, are an important source of food in the Tramandaí River Basin (TRB) and stand out for their commercial importance. Increased action and anthropic occupation in this region, and studies that demonstrate the contamination of water and sediments in the coastal lagoons of the region, it is important to quantify these metals in fish of different trophic levels. Thus, the study was carried out in nine lagoons of the TRB with monthly sampling between May 2011 and April 2012, using waiting nets of 5 to 9 mm to collect juvenile specimens of Geophagus brasiliensis, Oligosarcus spp., Hoplias malabaricus and Loricariichthys anus. Heavy metals were transported in the suppliers' liver by AAS obtaining distribution with non-normal distribution, with medians for cadmium, chromium, mercury and lead of 0.356; 0.752; 0.437; 0.000 µg/g, respectively. There was no correlation between the indications of metals from different sources. The correlation between eating habits and differentiated metals differed only for cadmium, greater among detritivores. Based on Anvisa, 100% exceeded the limits for cadmium and chromium, 40% for mercury and 3% for lead. The accumulated mean was higher in detritivore and lower in carnivore. The average accumulation prevailed in freshwater fish, however with no significant difference between sub-basins, which is unrelated to the population issue.The results showed regional fish with heavy metal accumulation exceeding the established limits and unrelated to biomagnification by trophic levels, as well as a preferential accumulation in fish of the freshwater systems.

Anthropic expansion of Paraty in Serra da Bocaina National Park, Mata Atlântica Biome

Abstract This paper analyzed the anthropic expansion of the municipality of Paraty-RJ in relation to the Serra da Bocaina National Park. In addition to the bibliographic and documentary revision of the Municipal Master Plan and the Park Management Plan, geoprocessing tools were used for chronological analyzes of land use and occupation change in 2001, 2006 and 2018, using images from the satellite Landsat 5 and Landsat 8. It was verified the growth of the anthropic occupation in a diffuse way in relation to the Park, without respect to the municipal planning, reflecting in the decrease of the native vegetation cover. Both the Master and Management Plans have been inefficient in terms of their objectives, justifying the need for improvements in Paraty and Park management through the responsible agencies.

Evaluation of Potentially Toxic Elements in Mundaú Lagoon (Maceió, AL-Brazil): Systematic Environmental Monitoring of Water and Food Quality

The Mundaú lagoon (Maceió, AL), besides being relevant socially, economically, and culturally, also in its surroundings, presents an intense anthropic occupation, characterized by a large population and the industrial activities presence. In this systematic environmental monitoring study (from 2017 to 2019), concentrations of Al, As, Bi, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, V, and Zn in surface waters, and total Hg content in the bivalve Mytella charruana (sururu) were recorded, using cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry (or hydride generation) (HG/CV AFS), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and chronopotentiometry. In the water samples, the following elements presented concentrations above the values recommended by the National Council for the Environment (CONAMA), in μg L-1: Al (24.4 -2008), Cu (1.88‑13.03), Fe (84.9‑4107), Hg (< 0.0069-2.92), Mn (10.65-200), Pb (192-1443) and Zn (121‑997), and therefore, the water was classified following the water pollution index (WPI), as highly impure and polluted. The Hg content in sururu, the main food in Mundaú lagoon, ranged from 0.036‑0.63 mg kg-1 (dry weight). Further, the chemometric evaluation of the data based on the principal component and correlation analysis suggested a chemical-defined profile at the different sampling points.

Análise da Energia do Relevo e do Uso e Cobertura da Terra na Bacia Hidrográfica do córrego Acôgo, MS

The Acôgo stream watershed is located in the Miranda Depression. Thus, the basin is located in the transition between the Pantanal Plain and the Maracajú-Campo Grande Plateau, presenting social, cultural, and environmental dynamics typical of the region marked by the existence of large rural properties that carry out extensive livestock. The native vegetation suppression of Brazilian Cerrado for implantation of exotic pastures is facilitated by the flattened relief. This paper aims to analyze the dynamics of land use and coverage correlating it with the geomorphometric dynamics (Relief Energy) of this watershed. The Relief Energy map expresses a mathematical measurement of the relief, and originates from the synthesis between the Letters of Interfluvial Amplitude, Altimetric Amplitude and Declivity. Although the basin presents geomorphometric potential for morphodynamic stability, it is unbalanced when climatic, pedological, geological, and anthropic factors are analyzed, and geomorphometric stability proved to be a facilitator of anthropic occupation for the use of pastures. Its implementation led to a sharp deforestation, with only 24.82% of forest remnants left in the basin to 73.76% of pastures. The analysis and environmental planning of the basin should be based on the observance of the various elements involved, seeking to address anthropic and natural issues, aiming to contribute to its dynamic balance. Thus, it is indicated the need to adoption conservation practices of vegetation and improvement of existing pastures, which can meet the needs of economic activity without the continuity of the removal of forest remnants.

Dune Systems’ Characterization and Evolution in the Andalusia Mediterranean Coast (Spain)

This paper deals with the characterization and evolution of dune systems along the Mediterranean coast of Andalusia, in the South of Spain, a first step to assess their relevant value in coastal flood protection and in the determination of sound management strategies to protect such valuable ecological systems. Different dune types were mapped as well as dune toe position and fragmentation, which favors dune sensitivity to storms’ impacts, and human occupation and evolution from 1977 to 2001 and from 2001 to 2016. Within a GIS (Geographic Information System) project, 53 dune systems were mapped that summed a total length of ca. 106 km in 1977, differentiating three dune environments: (i) Embryo and mobile dunes (Type I), (ii) grass-fixed dunes (Type II) and (iii) stabilized dunes (Type III). A general decrease in dunes’ surfaces was recorded in the 1977–2001 period (−7.5 × 106 m2), especially in Málaga and Almería provinces, and linked to dunes’ fragmentation and the increase of anthropic occupation (+2.3 × 106 m2). During the 2001–2016 period, smaller changes in the level of fragmentation and in dunes’ surfaces were observed. An increase of dunes’ surfaces was only observed on stable or accreting beaches, both in natural and anthropic areas (usually updrift of ports).