Intratidal variability and transport of petroleum aromatic hydrocarbons in an anthropized tropical estuarine system: the Suape estuary (8.4S 35W)

Author(s)

Zanardi-Lamardo, Eliete ; Franca Schettini, Carlos Augusto ; Vieira-Campos, Amanda Alves ; Cabral, Carolina Barbosa ; Silva, Marilia S.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Brazilian Journal of Oceanography; v. 66, n. 1, p. 11-pg., 2018-01-01.

Abstract

The Suape Estuary encompasses the Suape Industrial Port Complex (SIPC), a major industrial development in Brazil's Northeast region, which, in order to be implanted, caused drastic environmental changes in this system. This study presents the first physical characterization of the Suape estuarine system, focusing on the local hydrodynamics, material transport and its influence on some specific properties. Physical properties were also associated to dissolved dispersed petroleum hydrocarbons (DDPHs). A study was undertaken during a complete semi-diurnal tidal cycle (13 hr), during which water level, water flow, current velocity and direction, water properties (salinity, temperature, suspended particulate matter - SPM -, chlorophyll and dissolved oxygen) were recorded using ADCP and CTD systems. The DDPHs were investigated in surface and bottom waters, by spectrofluorescence, using Carmopolis oil and chrysene as analytical standards. Results showed a well-mixed vertical structure, a semi-diurnal tide regime and a diurnal thermal pattern. There was no statistical difference between DDPH concentrations at surface and bottom, due to the tide acting as an important homogenizer. DDPHs were low and the main contribution seems to be that from SIPC, as the residual transport of DDPHs, chlorophyll and dissolved oxygen, was towards the Massangana estuary. An opposite pattern was observed for salinity and SPM, whose residual transport was towards the lagoon. The results pointed local hydrodynamics as an essential tool for understanding material transport and exchanges among the estuarine segments. A longer time series should be studied in order to obtain more robust conclusions. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/50582-0 - Balance study of the carbon cycle in the coastal region and its potential ocean transportation: with emphasis on the coast of Pernambuco (Carecos)
• Grantee: Elisabete de Santis Braga da Graça Saraiva
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants