Browsing by Author "Cabral-Oliveira, Joana"
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- Arsenic accumulation in intertidal macroalgae exposed to sewage dischargesPublication . Cabral-Oliveira, Joana; Coelho, Helena; Pratas, João; MENDES, SUSANA; Pardal, Miguel A.Arsenic is a widely distributed element in marine ecosystems. The main anthropogenic sources of this contaminant are domestic and industrial wastewaters, and since it can be harmful to humans even at low concentrations, it has been ranked as one of the top hazardous substances. Therefore, the analysis of arsenic is an essential task to assess the potential environmental and human health risk associated with sewage discharges. The accumulation of total arsenic on intertidal rocky shore macroalgae exposed to contaminated sewage discharges was measured in five macroalgae species (Asparagopsis armata, Codium sp., Plocamium cartilagineum, Saccorhiza polyschides and Ulva sp.). Differences in the concentrations of arsenic were examined in the seawater and in the macroalgae species. The results showed significantly higher concentrations of arsenic near the sewage discharges in all the species except S. polyschides. Although the information obtained from total arsenic determination is not enough to assess the toxicological risk in the environment, this paper gives an important contribution on contamination risks and helps in choosing potential good biomonitors.
- Trace Elements in Edible Rocky Shore Species: Effect of Sewage Discharges and Human Health Risk ImplicationsPublication . Cabral-Oliveira, Joana; Pratas, João; Mendes, Susana; Pardal, Miguel A.Sewage pollution is a worldwide concern and can result in increasing levels of trace elements in the environment that can pose serious risks both to wildlife and human health. This highlights the importance of studying the role of sewage discharges in the contamination of aquatic systems, especially in rocky shores, since part of our food resources is directly collected from coastal waters. For this purpose, the accumulation of trace elements (Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, Co, Cd, Fe, Mn, and As) by edible molluscs (Mytilus galloprovincialis, Patella ulyssiponensis, and Phorcus lineatus) was compared between one sewage-impacted area and two reference areas. This study suggests that the concentrations of trace elements in the soft tissues of the selected molluscs can be affected by the presence of sewage discharges, and that limpets seem to be the best bioindicator. Moreover, the sewage pollution increased the concentrations of As in the mollusc species, emphasizing its potential damaging effects on natural systems and on edible species.