US EPA

2483693 

Journal Article 

Impact of anthropogenic activity on the Hg concentrations in the Piracicaba river basin (Sao Paulo State, Brazil) 

Fostier, AH; Falotico, MB; Ferraz, ESB; Tomazelli, AC; Salomao, MSMB; Martinelli, LA; Victoria, RL 

2005 

1 

Water, Air, and Soil Pollution
ISSN: 0049-6979
EISSN: 1573-2932 

Springer Nature 

DORDRECHT 

166 

1-4 

381-402 

English 

10.1007/s11270-005-6911-x 

WOS:000231808100024 

A sampling and analysis program has been completed between 1995 and 1998 in order to determine mercury concentrations in water, sediments, soils and fish in the Piracicaba river basin, one of the most populated and industrialized regions in Brazil. In sediment, the average Hg concentrations varied between 33 +/- 17 ng g(-1) and 106 +/- 78 ng g(-1), in samples collected during the rainy and dry season, respectively. The same averages were also found for soil samples (35 +/- 14 and 109 +/- 61 ng g(-1)). In water, the total Hg concentration varied between < 1.1 and 24.0 ng L-1. In piscivore fish, up to 943 mu g Hg kg(-1)supercript stop was found. Our results show that all compartments undergo Hg contamination, in view of the levels found in pristine environments. Water contamination seems to be due mainly to diffuse processes of soil erosion and suspension of river bed sediment during the rainy season. Also untreated wastewaters generated by industrial activities and from domestic sewage appear to be potential non-point sources in the most industrialized and populated part of the basin. On the other hand, atmospheric transport of mercury originating from the Campinas Metropolitan Region could be another source of mercury contamination, especially in the basin headwaters. 

mercury; river; fish; sediment; soil 

WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION