Water toxicity assessment in the Suape estuarine complex (PE-Brazil)

The Suape estuarine complex (PE, Brazil) is located close to an industrial port complex of Suape which has been responsible for altering the geomorphologic and hydrological conditions of the area. As the industrial port of Suape represents a possible source of pollution through the use and transport of chemical substances, the present research aimed to evaluate if the surface water of the estuarine complex in Suape shows chronic toxicity based on the embryo larval development of the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus. Six sampling points were established between the estuaries of the rivers Massangana and Tatuoca. Samples of surface water from the area were collected on May, August, October and December of 2007. Chronic toxicity was observed in the six points and it varied depending on the month. The highest level of toxicity was on October when it was detected at all six points. The results showed that the water of the river Massangana was the most probable source of pollution in the area studied during this period.