Water quality and analysis of metals in mangrove leaves in the APA Tinharé-Boipeba (BA)

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to investigate the surface waters and leaf levels of trace elements (Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) of the Avicennia schaueriana in the Tinharé-Boipeba Environmental Protection Area (APA), South Coast of Bahia, with emphasis to the relationship between environmental quality and coastal management. Physical-chemical variables were measured in situ in surface waters and aliquots were taken for microbiological analysis. Also, leaves of mangrove trees were collected at nine sampling stations. The trace element reading was performed by F-AAS. Physical-chemical and microbiological analyzes of surface water, although preliminary, indicated that there is a loss of quality and challenges to sanitation, which deserve the attention of sanitary authorities, and of public health, and consultation with the community to elaborate technical solutions compatible with the uses of nature and traditional lifestyles in APA. Leaf metal levels were normal and nontoxic, being lower than in impacted coastal areas. Mangrove forests are in good state of conservation and serve as a reference area, recommending the monitoring of trace elements in mangrove leaves or sediments and water quality. This research has relevance to the conservation of mangroves, cultural uses of nature and coastal management.

Keywords:
sanitation; thermotolerant coliforms; Avicennia; trace elements; use of nature