Eutrophication and bacterial pollution caused by industrial and domestic wastes at the Baixada Santista estuarine system - Brazil

Water samples were collected at different locations within the Baixada Santista estuarine system in Brazil, and eutrophication and bacterial pollution were assessed. The system is impacted seriously by industrial and domestic wastes. Dissolved nutrients were observed at high concentrations in the natural channels, with highest total nitrate concentrations found in the inner estuary near factories that produce steel and manure. Phosphorus levels, although not as dramatic as nitrogen, were still problematic. Silicates in the system showed terrigenous inputs, with concentrations varying in accordance with other nutrient salts. In the artificial channels, the presence of dissolved organic matter associated with decomposition activities and the absence of intense movement of the inner water were responsible for the low DO values. Total and fecal coliform values were very high, sometimes as high as 1000 times the regulated limits.