Heavy-metal pollution assessment in the coastal lagoons of Jacarepaguá, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

• Published in: Environmental pollution (1987) 1994, Vol.85 (3), p.259-264
• Main Authors: Fernandes, Horst Monken, Bidone, Edison Dausacker, Veiga, Lene Holanda Sadler, Patchineelam, Sambasiva Rao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Brackish; Exact sciences and technology; Marine; Natural water pollution; Pollution; Seawaters, estuaries; Water treatment and pollution
• ISSN: 0269-7491; 1873-6424
• DOI: 10.1016/0269-7491(94)90046-9

The Jacarepaguá lagoon receives the waste from 239 industries and domestic sewage. Bottom sediment analysis revealed that metal pollution is not spread over the lagoons but restricted to the discharge areas of the main metal-carrier rivers. Metal concentrations in superficial water showed the following concentrations values in ng/ml: Zn, 9·63 ± 3·59; Pb, 0·61 ± 0·43; Cu, 0·94 ± 0·45; Mn, 12·7 ± 8·0. Metal concentration in fish (average of seven different species) presented the following results, in mg/kg wet weight: Cr, 0·08 ± 0·01; Cu, 0·4 ± 0·15; Zn, 4·6 ± 3·4; Fe, 2·4 ± 1·3; Mn, 0·4 ± 0·3. These results imply, considering fish consumption rate and the RfD (USEPA Reference Dose), that the local population is not exposed to undue health risks. Metal concentrations in the water may, however, increase due to their dissolution induced by pH and redox changes in the sediments.