Evaluation of availability of metals and phosphorus in water and sediment samples from the Cuiabá River and some of the lakes Pantanal of Mato Grosso

• Grant number: 11/18444-7
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: November 01, 2011
• End date: October 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: André Henrique Rosa
• Grantee: André Henrique Rosa
• Host Institution: Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus Experimental de Sorocaba. Sorocaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The contribution of metal species and phosphorus (P) from agricultural and urban areas surrounding the Pantanal, one of the richest environments in terms of biodiversity, designated by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site, may in the long term, cause irreparable damage to this environment. Thus, this study aims to determine the inventory and the availability of metals and P in surface water and sediments of the armpit of the Cuiabá and some lowland bays in order to understand and quantify the level of these species resulting from additions agricultural and urban activities in the region. To do this, campaigns will be made quarterly, in periods of flood and ebb, to collect water and sediment profiles (up to 50 cm) at different sampling points along the armpit of the Cuiabá and three lakes in the marsh plain. At the time of collection will be analyzed in situ some parameters such as pH, conductivity, salinity, temperature and dissolved oxygen from water, and metals from water and sediment samples made in the laboratory. For the analysis of total P and forms of P, the profiles of sediments are sectioned every 5 cm, dried in an oven air circulation (50 ° C for 2 hours), macerated in a mortar and finally sieved in a 1 mm mesh . Measurements of P in the extracts will be made in UV-Vis spectrophotometer, after formation of the phosphomolybdic complex. After acid digestion of sediments, metals are analyzed by ICP-OES diagnostic impact in the region for metal species. Sequential extraction will also be made to check the different possible forms and bioavailability of metals to the water column. The results of this project will also enable the provision of subsidies for public policies associated with the management and preservation of the Pantanal, from the influence of diagnostic use and land use on water quality and sediments in the region. (AU)