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Evaluation of surface water quality using an ecotoxicological approach: a case study of the Piracicaba River (São Paulo, Brazil)

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Abstract

A long-term study was conducted to evaluate Piracicaba River water (São Paulo state, Brazil) using different methodologies and organisms. During 1 year (February 2011 to January 2012), water samples were collected monthly at six different locations and exposed under laboratory conditions to the microcrustaceans Ceriodaphnia dubia and Ceriodaphnia silvestrii for 7 days and to the fish Danio rerio for 4 days to evaluate effects on reproduction and on gill morphology, respectively. Physical–chemical parameters of the water were also measured. Physical–chemical characteristics demonstrated decreasing water quality from upstream to downstream of the river. Effects on the reproduction of C. dubia and C. silvestrii were observed in 3 months (February and March 2011 and January 2012) and occurred in samples collected close to industrialized cities like Americana and Piracicaba. Evaluation of the gills showed normal function of the organ during all months, except in February, September, and October for some locations.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo-FAPESP (proc. 2010/04756-4 and 2010/18895-6). The authors are thankful to the Laboratory of Histopathology and Structural Biology of Plants of the Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura (CENA/USP) for use of the microtome and Morgan Willming for reviewing the English language.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratório de Ecotoxicologia Aquática, Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura, Universidade de São Paulo-CENA/USP, Avenida Centenário, 303, 13416-000, São Dimas, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil

    R. G. Botelho, L. A. Maranho & V. L. Tornisielo

  2. Laboratório de Histopatologia e Biologia Estrutural de Plantas, Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura, Universidade de São Paulo-CENA/USP, Avenida Centenário, 303, 13416-000, São Dimas, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil

    M. L. Rossi

  3. Departamento de Estatística, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba-UEPB, Campus I-Centro de Ciências e Tecnologia, Avenida das Baraúnas, 351, 58101-001, Bodocongó, Campina Grande, PB, Brazil

    R. A. Olinda

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  1. R. G. Botelho
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  2. M. L. Rossi
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  3. L. A. Maranho
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  4. R. A. Olinda
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  5. V. L. Tornisielo
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Correspondence to R. G. Botelho.

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Botelho, R.G., Rossi, M.L., Maranho, L.A. et al. Evaluation of surface water quality using an ecotoxicological approach: a case study of the Piracicaba River (São Paulo, Brazil). Environ Sci Pollut Res 20, 4382–4395 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-013-1613-1

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