This study aims to evaluate sedimentation rates in the Paraíba do Sul estuary and its shelf regions. These sedimentation rates were correlated with strong erosion occurring in Atafona, Rio de Janeiro. The results were based on four transects, from which 14 sediment cores with approximately 540 sediment samples were collected in January 2010 and February 2011. At sampling points south of the Paraíba do Sul River (PSR) mouth, 210Pb inventories were higher than those at the northern and central sampling locations, suggesting that sediment is transported southward by the alongshore current. The 210Pb dating results were validated based on the elemental concentration variation throughout two of the sediment cores. Heavy metal concentrations, such as Cd and Zn, increased significantly in 1982 and reached maximum values (0.5 mg kg-1 and 139 mg kg-1, respectively) in 1984. These maxima correspond to the Cia Paraibuna de Metais industry accident, which occurred in 1982.
210Pb dating; sedimentation rate; sediments; heavy metals; Paraíba do Sul River; Brazil
