The analysis reveals the concentration of 17 types of highly toxic hydrocarbons.
(CYTA-Instituto Leloir Agency) .- The estuary of Bahia Blanca, a very unique ecosystem within the extensive coastline of Argentina, located on the southwest coast of the province of Buenos Aires, "presents some areas defined as 'hot spots' for high levels of contamination by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, "said Dr. Andres Arias, a postdoctoral fellow of CONICET, the Argentine Institute of Oceanography (IADO).
A study published in the journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment revealed the results of the analysis of concentration levels of 17 kinds of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH, according to its acronym in English) which make up the group of priority organic pollutants in their monitoring and control at the global level.
"They are natural constituents of crude oil and make up a fraction of up to 20% of total hydrocarbons. They are also produced by incomplete combustion processes at high temperatures of various types of organic matter. Among all hydrocarbons, this family of compounds is considered potentially more toxic. PAHs are highly resistant compounds in the environment, "said Arias, one of the authors work.
work IADO by researchers from the Universidad Nacional del Sur and the Autonomous University of Mexico, indicates that although the average level of PAH (naphthalene, acenaphthene, phenanthrene, anthracene, benzoapireno, etc.) found on the inner zone of Bahía Blanca estuary located in the coastal marine system in the range of low to moderate levels of contamination, the results show that there are areas with high levels.
"To give an example, in one of the sampling sites, the sum of PAH concentrations analyzed was the order of 10,000 parts per billion (nanograms per gram of pollutant dry sediment), a figure that well above the maximum levels for soil regulated as industrial use in many laws in force in other countries, "said Arias.
worrying signs
The study indicates that these concentrations greatly exceed the maximum limits found, for example, Gironde estuary and Arcachon Bay (France), Daya Bay (China) and in the estuary of the Río de la Plata. They are, however, in the order of those found in Veracruz, in the central Gulf of Mexico oil , and the port of Barcelona, \u200b\u200bSpain.
The paper also reveals that the maximum concentrations found in the area closest to the industry. "In the northern part of the estuary sits one of the largest petrochemical centers in South America, two active ports, a naval base, a small-scale fishing fleet, its namesake city and satellite cities which collectively more than 350,000 inhabitants. This scenario poses a growing environmental concerns about the exposure, impact and accumulation of pollutant compounds, "said Arias.
According to the authors, the results showed a clear predominance of PAH caused by processes generated by human activities related to combustion and pyrolysis of organic matter, such as burning, fireplaces, the vehicle fleet, among others, on purely petrogenic PAH origin, such as direct discharges of oil.
PAHs have different effects on living organisms "begin with biochemical changes, affecting various enzymes and detoxifying damaging your system, such as the liver. Then alter the immune and reproductive system and, therefore, cause a gradual reduction number of individuals. inmany fish Visible signs include skin ulcerations and putrefaction of fins, but perhaps the worst of these is the damage to genetic material, in addition to giving rise to carcinogenesis, can propagate changes future generations. "legal vacuum
A government program to monitor different environmental matrices implemented by the Municipality of Bahía Blanca years, and from 2008 began to analyze sediment samples from the estuary to determine concentrations of PAHs.
"The program is very complete and satisfactory, since it covers the comprehensive study of the estuary, including multiple pollutants, which are implemented gradually. The IADO participates as advisor to the program and assists in the tuning of the method of analysis of PAH, to begin monitoring. "
From another angle, Arias said:" As for the legal framework, Unlike other countries, the regulation of PAH levels to coastal ecosystems in Argentina is scarce and incomplete. PAH levels found in coastal sediments seem not currently covered by national laws. The results of this study reflect the need to extend the legislation on these systems. "
Moreover, Arias maintains that it is necessary to lay the foundations of systematic monitoring programs on the effects of PAH contaminants in flora and fauna .
Source: Diario La Nacion
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