Effect of lead in the aerobic decomposition of Myriophyllum aquaticum (Vell.) Verdec

• Grant number: 17/20722-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2018
• End date: December 31, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Ecology - Applied Ecology
• Principal Investigator: Irineu Bianchini Júnior
• Grantee: Beatriz Segnini Soares
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Lead is a toxic element that has been used by man since ancient times and is still used today in several industrial processes such as the production of batteries, welding, and pigments, among others. If its residues are not disposed of correctly, they cause serious environmental impacts and can contaminate the atmosphere, soil and aquatic environments. Its toxic effect is due to interactions with proteins, its similarity with calcium, its capacity for bioaccumulation and biomagnification and its performance as an endocrine disrupter. In this context, this study aims to evaluate the effect of lead in the cycling rate of organic matter in aquatic environment, through the aerobic decomposition of Myriophyllum aquaticum (Vell.) Verdec, analyzing dissolved oxygen consumption in different concentrations of lead. In principle, it is assumed that lead toxicity will prejudice decomposition because of its interference in biochemical routes of microorganisms. According to the proposed experimental procedures, this negative effect should be explained by the decrease in oxygen consumption coefficients due to the inhibition of the enzymes Cytochrome Oxidase and Succinate Dehydrogenase. (AU)