title: Ecological risks of trace metals in Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: An index analysis approach.
abstract: Total concentrations of Ni, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn were determined in surface sediments from 30 stations in Guanabara Bay in 1999 and 2008. An approach using various environmental indices was used to assess contamination status of metals. This approach allowed the comparison with different coastal areas. Background Enrichment Index, Contamination index and Ecological Risk index (Pollution Load Index; Sediment Quality Guideline Quotient and Ecological Risk Index) were calculated for the metals. Results revealed a great load of organic matter and significant increases in Cu and Pb levels between 1999 and 2008. The concentrations of Cr and Zn were of great concern, surpassing the values of Probable Effect Level reference values. In spite of the differences of each index, results effectively revealed the striking contamination in Guanabara Bay concerning trace metals, and also suggested potential risk to local biota. The contamination of the northwest area was notably higher than the rest of the bay. In comparison with some other coastal bays around the world, Guanabara Bay stood out as a remarkably contaminated environment.
authors.affiliation: Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto de Geociências, Departamento de Geologia e Geofísica Marinha, Avenida General Milton Tavares de Souza, s/n, Niterói, 24210-346 RJ, Brazil. Electronic address: val.lagemar@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Valquiria Maria
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: de Carvalho Aguiar
authors.affiliation: Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto de Geociências, Departamento de Geologia e Geofísica Marinha, Avenida General Milton Tavares de Souza, s/n, Niterói, 24210-346 RJ, Brazil.
authors.forename: Michelle Nunes
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: de Lima
authors.affiliation: Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FFP), Rua Dr. Francisco Portela, 1470 São Gonçalo, 24435-005 RJ, Brazil.
authors.forename: Rodrigo Coutinho
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Abuchacra
authors.affiliation: Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto de Geociências, Departamento de Geografia, Avenida General Milton Tavares de Souza, s/n, Niterói, 24210-346 RJ, Brazil.
authors.forename: Paula Ferreira Falheiro
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Abuchacra
authors.affiliation: Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto de Geociências, Departamento de Geologia e Geofísica Marinha, Avenida General Milton Tavares de Souza, s/n, Niterói, 24210-346 RJ, Brazil.
authors.forename: José Antônio Baptista
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Neto
authors.affiliation: Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto de Geociências, Departamento de Geologia e Geofísica Marinha, Avenida General Milton Tavares de Souza, s/n, Niterói, 24210-346 RJ, Brazil.
authors.forename: Heloísa Vargas
authors.initials: HV
authors.lastname: Borges
authors.affiliation: Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto de Geociências, Departamento de Geografia, Avenida General Milton Tavares de Souza, s/n, Niterói, 24210-346 RJ, Brazil.
authors.forename: Vitor Calôr
authors.initials: VC
authors.lastname: de Oliveira
mesh_terms: D061006:Bays / Q000737:chemistry*; D001938:Brazil; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000737:chemistry*; D008670:Metals / Q000737:chemistry*; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000032:analysis; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D008670:Metals; D014131:Trace Elements; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical
keywords: Ecological index; Guanabara Bay; Pollution index; Sediments; Trace metals