BaselineEutrophication and hypoxia in four streams discharging in Guanabara Bay, RJ, Brazil, a case study

Four streams in the city of São Gonçalo, were sampled to evaluate their potential as sources of nutrients to Guanabara Bay aiming to contribute with the government program to decrease the levels of pollution in this area. Imbuaçu, Guaxindiba, Marimbondo and Brandoas streams were sampled in 2007, 2008 and 2009. The streams revealed to be hipereutrophic with severe limitation of primary production by nitrogen, as shown by the N/P molar ratio. Phosphate levels were abnormally high varying between 4.35 and 130.82 μM, whereas nitrate and nitrite ranged from 0.06 to 54.05 μM and from 0.28 to 19.23 μM, respectively. The streams also presented severe hypoxia and anoxia, with oxygen values varying from non-detected to 3.72 ml l−1. Heavy loads of particulate suspended material were recorded in the studied streams, ranging between 6.00 and 400.00 mg l−1. The streams were considered inexorable sources of nutrients, enhancing the severe eutrophication process in Guanabara Bay.

► Four streams were sampled to check the contents of nutrients. ► Levels of phosphate nitrate nitrite were abnormally high. ► Hypoxia and anoxia were recorded in the streams. ► Streams proved to be sources of heavy loads of nutrients to Guanabara Bay.