NET FLOW OF METALS IN PARTICULATED MATERIAL IN SUSPENSION: CONTRIBUTION TO MONITORING ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES IN THE DELTA OF RIO PARNAÍBA
Urbanization, Toxicity, Trace Metals, Parnaíba Delta
The determination of metals in particulate matter suspended in estuarine waters comprises valuable information, since this geochemical fraction has a high capacity to adsorb pollutants. In order to quantify the trace metal fluxes associated with MPS in the estuarine system of the Delta do Parnaíba, the concentrations of Copper, Chromium, Cadmium, Nickel, Lead, Zinc, Cobalt and Iron in the particulate matter suspended in its waters were determined. 1 (one) surface and bottom sampling campaign was carried out in the main channel of the estuary (Rio Parnaíba) in September 2019. For analytical determination, the spectrophotometric technique by atomic flame absorption was used. The data generated were analyzed from the point of view of the variation of metals over time and spatially. Hydrochemical measurements (pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, salinity, pressure and electrical conductivity) were carried out in the sampling campaign using multiparametric probes. As a statistical tool, multivaried chemometric analyzes (PCA and HCA) were performed as a way of inferring about the origin and behavior of the polluting elements. In this way we aim to understand the biogeochemical processes at work, distribution and transport of metals in the estuary, as well as to evaluate their bioavailability.