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Fast environmental impact assessment through ICP-MS: application to bivalves from a tropical estuary (Pina Bay, Recife, Brazil)

FAST ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT THROUGH ICP-MS: APPLICATION TO BIVALVES FROM A TROPICAL ESTUARY (PINA BAY, RECIFE, BRAZIL)

EDMILSON S. LIMA1, MONICA F. COSTA2, AGUSTIN PASTOR3 AND MIGUEL DE-LA-GUARDIA3

1Geology Department.

2Oceanography Department, Federal University of Pernambuco, 50730-540 Recife, PE, Brazil.

3Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Valencia, 50 Dr. Moliner St, 46100, Burjasot, Valencia, Spain.

Presented by ALCIDES N. SIAL

The use of the semi-quantitative analysis in environmental impact assessment studies was evaluated through a comparative study using quantitative and semi-quantitative operational modes in ICP-MS. Twenty one elements, namely, 7Li, 11B, 27Al, 48Ti, 51V, 52Cr, 55Mn, 58Ni, 59Co, 63Cu, 64Zn, 69Ga, 88Sr, 90Zr, 93Nb, 98Mo, 114Cd, 181Ta, 137Ba, 205Tl and 208Pb were analyzed in both methods. Sample digestion was performed in closed microwave Teflon vessel using nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide. The semi-quantitative analyses were performed using Rh as an internal standard and a solution containing Be, Ge, In and Re was used to calibrate the instrument. Accuracy studies for CRM samples, using the semi-quantitative mode analyses, evidenced that all the elements considered were within the certified range except for Cu and Pb that gave higher values than both certified values and quantitative mode analysis. In order to verify the applicability of the semi-quantitative method to environmental assessment studies, mollusk samples from a tropical estuary (Pina Bay, Pernambuco, Brazil) were analyzed. The results show that some species concentrate some element relative to others, probably as a consequence of each species feeding habit. Even though there is no specific legislation regarding metal concentration in seafood in Brazil, the results show that metal concentrations do not exceed international limits, except for V, which exceeded the EPA risk level. Pina Bay is highly impacted by sewage discharges but the metal concentration in the mollusk populations do not seems to cause a threat to human consumption. The results also suggest that the semi-quantitative method could be used as a screening method in environmental impact assessment studies. — (May 24, 2002) .

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    09 Oct 2002
  • Date of issue
    Sept 2002
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