THE DISTRIBUTION OF ORGANIC MATTER AND MODERN SEDIMENTARY PROCESSES IN AN URBAN TROPICAL ESTUARINE SYSTEM, BRAZIL

摘要

The aim of this study is evaluates the environmental conditions of the Capibaribe and Beberibe estuarine system and Pina Basin, by means of sedimentary organic matter characteristics associated with sedimentary analysis. The employed parameters for this were C, NT, C/N, δ13C, δ15N, MOT, carbonate, of the 50 surface sediment samples collected in the dry season of 2012 were analyzed; the trophic state of the estuary system was also characterized. The analysis revealed a predominance of the silty sediments, but with a tendency to decrease the size of the particles of sand and silt, and an increase in the clay content, total organic matter (MOT) and the organic carbon (C) throughout the system. However, the total nitrogen values (NT) decreased. The Bio Production Number (BPN) indicates that estuarine system is ranging from eutrophic to hypertrophic. The results indicate a low-energy depositional environment, environmental vulnerability, indicated by high organic contents.