Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T12:49:17Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T14:01:43Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 10193.pdf: 8402979 bytes, checksum: 4460386cc762b5bc467885be0500df49 (MD5) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Dissertacao (Mestrado) / IPEN/D / Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares, IPEN/CNEN-SP / FAPESP:02/00356-5

Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T12:35:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T14:04:01Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / O presente estudo avaliou os efeitos letais e subletais de dipirona sódica e paracetamol para organismos de água doce. O efeito letal foi determinado pela realização de ensaios agudos com D. similis, C. dubia, C. silvestrii e D. rerio. A influência da temperatura, tipo de água de diluição e fotoperíodo na ecotoxicidade aguda foram avaliadas. Os efeitos subletais foram determinados por meio de ensaios de embrioxicidade com D. similis (20°C), crônicos individuais e populacionais com D. similis, C. dubia e C. silvestrii. A influência da temperatura na ecotoxicidade crônica individual e populacional foi determinada. Os critérios para aceitabilidade para o controle (número de neonatas) nos ensaios populacionais com D. simlis (20 e 25°C) e C. dubia, foram estabelecidos. Nos ensaios de ecotoxicidade aguda, D. similis (20°C) foi mais sensível a dipirona sódica que a 25°C e, para paracetamol, D. similis (25°C) foi mais sensível. A água de diluição influenciou na ecotoxicidade aguda apenas do paracetamol e o fotoperíodo não influenciou na ecotoxicidade aguda de ambos os fármacos. Os valores de CL(I);96H obtidos para D. rerio foram 3670 e 590mg.L-1 para dipirona sódica e paracetamol, respectivamente. Dipirona sódica e paracetamol induziram malformações nas neonatas e embriões de D. similis e os valores de CI50 obtidos foram 21,1 e 94,00mg.L-1, respectivamente. Os valores de CI50 nos ensaios crônicos individuais com dipirona sódica para D. similis (20°C e 25°C) foram 7,53mg.L e 8,08mg.L-1, respectivamente. Para C. dubia e C. silvestrii a CI50 para ensaios crônicos individuais com dipirona sódica foram 5,38 e 3,57mg.L-1, respectivamente. Nos ensaios crônicos individuais com paracetamol, a CI50 para D. similis (20°C) foi 21,84mg.L-1 e 10,72mg.L-1 para D. similis (25°C). Para C. dubia e C. silvestrii a CI50 nos ensaios crônicos individuais com paracetamol foram 7,24 e 4,15mg.L-1, respectivamente. Como critérios de aceitabilidade para os ensaios crônicos populacionais estabeleceu-se para o controle de D. similis (20 e 25°C) e C. dubia 137, 143 e 80 neonatas, respectivamente. Os valores de CI50 nos ensaios populacionais com D. similis (20 e 25°C), C. dubia e C. silvestrii para dipirona sódica foram 8,84, 10,82, 4,68 e 2,81mg.L-1, respectivamente. Para os ensaios populacionais com paracetamol os valores de CI50 para D. similis (20 e 25°C), C. dubia e C. silvestrii foram 9,57, 10,1, 6,48 e 4,26mg.L-1, respectivamente. Os valores das concentrações que causaram ecotoxicidade aguda e crônica não são superiores as concentrações destes compostos no ambiente porém, de acordo com a classificação baseada na Diretiva Européia 93/67/EEC, estes compostos são classificados como nocivos para o ambiente. / Tese (Doutoramento) / IPEN/T / Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares - IPEN-CNEN/SP

Ph.D. / This study consisted of a two-tiered approach to assessment of the effects of EDCs on aquatic organisms, and heavy metal accumulation in the aquatic environment, by integrating field work and laboratory-based experiments. In the last three decades a considerable portion of research in aquatic health and aquatic toxicology has been largely focused on endocrine disruptors, aiming to establish how certain chemicals discharged into the environment, especially organochlorine pesticides (OCs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), surfactants and plasticisers, can mimic endogenous hormones and thereby induce reproductive abnormalities. The rationale behind the present study was the growing interest in the study of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) internationally and the aspects of this field of research that are relevant to South Africa’s aquatic environment and its endemic aquatic organisms. The field work was carried out in the Rietvlei Wetland System and consisted of a combination of plant root analysis and application of the South African Scoring System 5 (SASS5) macroinvertebrate index. Three characteristic wetland macrophytes used in the study were Typha capensis, Phragmites australis and Persicaria lapathifolia. Samples of plants, sediment and water were taken from predetermined locations along the wetland system in the Rietvlei Nature Reserve and analyzed for heavy metals by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The heavy metals analyzed in this study; lead, arsenic and cadmium, have also been implicated as endocrine disruptors. The results of heavy metal accumulation in the plant roots reflected a pollution trend along the wetland, suggesting that plant roots are useful bioindicators of contamination in freshwater systems.

Le travail de thèse présenté dans ce manuscrit porte sur la caractérisation de l’exposition des organismes aquatiques à un produit pharmaceutique (PP) et sur l’étude des perturbations métaboliques associées. Un PP récemment inclus dans la liste de vigilance de la directive cadre sur l’eau européenne (2015/495/EC), le DCF, et un organisme du milieu marin, Mytilus galloprovincialis, ont été choisis comme modèles de travail. L’approche méthodologique développée est une combinaison de l’analyse ciblée et non-ciblée des métabolites endogènes et exogènes (l’endo- et le xéno-métabolome) présents chez l’organisme d’étude suite à une exposition au DCF. L’évaluation des effets du DCF chez la moule par approche ciblée a été conduite sur la base de son mode d’action connu chez l’Homme : la modulation de la synthèse des prostaglandines (PG). Les PGs sont impliquées dans diverses fonctions, telles que la reproduction et l’osmorégulation chez les organismes aquatiques, et d’autres voies métaboliques sont susceptibles d’être impactées. Les résultats obtenus ont permis de mettre en évidence une sous-modulation de la synthèse de la PGE2 chez les moules exposées au DCF. Par ailleurs, peu d’informations sont disponibles concernant la métabolisation du DCF chez les invertébrés. Pour étudier la biotransformation et les effets du DCF chez la moule, l’application d’une approche non-ciblée nous semblait prometteuse. L’étude du xéno-métabolome m’a permis de mettre en évidence la formation de 13 métabolites, dont 3 de phase I et 10 de phase II. Parmi ces métabolites, 5 sont référencés pour la première fois dans la littérature. Par la suite, l’étude de l’endo-métabolome a permis de révéler la modulation de deux voies métaboliques : le métabolisme de la tyrosine et le métabolisme du tryptophane. Les catécholamines et la sérotonine ressortent comme particulièrement impactées dans ces deux voies métaboliques. Chez la moule, ces métabolites sont impliqués dans des fonctions biologiques importantes : l’osmorégulation et la reproduction et sont en accord avec les études menées chez d’autres organismes aquatiques. Le travail effectué a permis de mettre en évidence que l’application de l’approche métabolomique à des questions environnementales est pertinente et performante pour étudier la biotransformation et les effets non-documentés (différent du mécanisme d’action connu) d’un produit pharmaceutique chez des organismes non-cibles, sans hypothèse a priori. / This PhD thesis describes an investigation of the metabolomic approach performances to characterize the pharmaceuticals environmental exposure and effects in non target organisms. The studied pharmaceutical was diclofenac (DCF), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug recently included in the first watch list of the European Water Framework Directive (2015/495/EC), and the model organism was the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. The methodological approach combines target and non-targeted analysis of endogenous and exogenous metabolites in mussel, the endo- and the xeno-metabolome. DCF effects in mussel were investigated considering its known mode of action in human: the prostaglandins (PG) synthesis modulation. In aquatic organisms, PGs are involved in various biological functions, such as reproduction or osmoregulation. This targeted analysis allowed us to determine a PGE2 synthesis disruption with DCF exposure. Otherwise, little information is available about DCF biotransformation in invertebrates. To study DCF biotransformation in mussel, the application of a non-targeted approach seemed promising. This study allows the reveal 13 DCF metabolites formation of which 3 were phase I metabolites and 10 were phase II metabolites. Among them, 5 were described for the first time. Subsequently, the mussel’s endo-metabolome study showed the modulation of two pathways: the tyrosine and the tryptophan metabolism. Inside these pathways, the catecholamines and serotonin appeared as particularly impacted. In mussels, these compounds are involved in important biological functions: the osmoregulation and the reproduction. Such DCF effects are in accordance with those reported in other study conducted on aquatic organisms. The work conducted highlighted the relevance and pertinence of the metabolomic approach as a tool for environmental studies without a priori hypothesis, such as studying the biotransformation and unexpected effects of pharmaceuticals in non-target organisms.

Three nontaxonomic indices; ATP/Chlorophyll <u>a</u>(ATP/Chla), ATP/ADP, and Chlorophyll <u>a</u>/Pheopigment (Chla/Pheo) were compared to the taxonomic measures of species diversity (d) and species richness as indicators of stress in aquatic environments. Field and laboratory microcosm responses of indigenous microbial communities exposed to municipal sewage treatment plant (STP) effluent were monitored. The STP effluent produced increased adenylate concentrations, ATP/ADP and ATP/Chla ratios, and decreased Chla, Chla/Pheo, d, and species richness relative to upstream reference communities. Nontaxonomic responses were consistent in four separate field tests. Significant differences in responses were discernible in 3 d when communities were transferred from reference to polluted sites. Chla/Pheo decreased more rapidly than other measurements. The predictive capability of laboratory flow through microcosm tests was examined by simultaneously transferring communities from upstream reference sites to downstream field sites and to various dilutions of field effluent in the laboratory. / Master of Science

by Tsui Tsz Ki, Martin. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 119-138). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Acknowledgements --- p.I / Abstract --- p.III / Table of Contents --- p.VII / List of Tables --- p.XII / List of Figures --- p.XIV / Abbreviations --- p.XVI / Chapter Chapter 1 --- General Introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- Research Background --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- General description of glyphosate --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Physical and chemical properties of glyphosate --- p.2 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- Commercial formulations based on glyphosate --- p.3 / Chapter 1.1.4 --- Overview of ecotoxicological studies of glyphosate-based formulations --- p.4 / Chapter 1.1.4.1 --- Aquatic toxicity of glyphosate-based formulations --- p.4 / Chapter 1.1.4.2 --- Environmental fate of glyphosate-based formulations in waters --- p.12 / Chapter 1.1.5 --- Interaction of glyphosate and other substances --- p.14 / Chapter 1.2 --- Overview of Aquatic and Sediment Toxicology --- p.16 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Aquatic toxicology --- p.16 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Introduction to sediment toxicology --- p.19 / Chapter 1.3 --- "Significance, Outline and Objectives of the Present Study" --- p.20 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Significance of the research --- p.20 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Thesis outlines and research objectives --- p.22 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Aquatic Toxicity of Glyphosate-based Herbicides to Different Organisms and the Effects of Environmental Factors / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.25 / Chapter 2.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.26 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Test organisms --- p.26 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Test chemicals --- p.27 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Comparison between different organisms --- p.27 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Environmental factors in modifying Roundup® toxicity --- p.30 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Analysis of glyphosate concentration --- p.31 / Chapter 2.2.6 --- Validity of tests and statistical analyses --- p.32 / Chapter 2.3 --- Results --- p.32 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Comparison between different groups of organisms --- p.32 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Environmental factors in modifying Roundup® toxicity to C.dubia --- p.35 / Chapter 2.4 --- Discussion --- p.36 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Toxicity of glyphosate to photo synthetic organisms --- p.36 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- pH-associated toxicity of glyphosate --- p.37 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- High potency of surfactant --- p.38 / Chapter 2.4.4 --- Effects of environmental factors on Roundup® toxicity --- p.38 / Chapter 2.5 --- Conclusions --- p.39 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- "Toxicity of Rodeo®, Roundup® Biactive and Roundup® to Water-column and Benthic Organisms and the Effect of Organic Carbon on Sediment Toxicity" / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.41 / Chapter 3.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.43 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Test chemicals --- p.43 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Test organisms --- p.43 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Toxicities to water-column and benthic organisms --- p.44 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Effect of sediment organic carbon --- p.45 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- Statistical analyses --- p.48 / Chapter 3.3 --- Results --- p.48 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Toxicities to water-column and benthic organisms --- p.48 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Effect of sediment organic carbon --- p.49 / Chapter 3.4 --- Discussion --- p.54 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Different sensitivities between water-column and bethic animals --- p.54 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Relative toxicities of three herbicides --- p.56 / Chapter 3.4.3 --- Route of exposure of herbicides in sediment to organisms --- p.57 / Chapter 3.4.4 --- Sediment toxicity of glyphosate-based formulations --- p.58 / Chapter 3.4.5 --- Effect of organic carbon on partitioning and toxicity --- p.60 / Chapter 3.5 --- Conclusions --- p.61 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Joint Toxicity of Glyphosate and Several Selected Environmental Pollutants to Ceriodaphnia dubia / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.63 / Chapter 4.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.65 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Test organisms and toxicity tests --- p.65 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Test chemicals --- p.66 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Experiment I: Joint acute toxicity of Roundup® and nine toxicants --- p.66 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Experiment II： Effect of IPA salt of glyphosate alone at EEC on toxicities of heavy metals --- p.67 / Chapter 4.2.5 --- Basic water properties and chemical analyses --- p.69 / Chapter 4.2.6 --- Statistical analyses --- p.70 / Chapter 4.3 --- Results --- p.70 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- General conditions and recovery for spiked chemicals --- p.70 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Experiment I: Joint acute toxicity of Roundup® and nine toxicants --- p.71 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Experiment II: Effect of IPA salt of glyphosate alone at EEC on toxicities of heavy metals --- p.73 / Chapter 4.4 --- Discussion --- p.75 / Chapter 4.4.1 --- Interactions of Roundup® and other toxicants --- p.75 / Chapter 4.4.2 --- Joint toxicity of dissimilar chemicals --- p.77 / Chapter 4.4.3 --- Complexation of glyphosate with metals interactions between liquid/solid phases --- p.79 / Chapter 4.5 --- Conclusions --- p.83 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- Environmental Fate of Glyphosate and its Nontarget Impact: a Case Study in Hong Kong / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.85 / Chapter 5.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.87 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Description of study sites --- p.87 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Physicochemical characteristics of different matrices --- p.88 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Continuous weather monitoring --- p.89 / Chapter 5.2.4 --- Herbicide applications --- p.89 / Chapter 5.2.5 --- Experimental designs --- p.90 / Chapter 5.2.5.1 --- Estuarine enclosure experiment --- p.90 / Chapter 5.2.5.2 --- Freshwater pond experiment --- p.92 / Chapter 5.2.6 --- Schedule of sample collection and sample storage --- p.92 / Chapter 5.2.7 --- Sample preparation --- p.94 / Chapter 5.2.7.1 --- Water samples --- p.94 / Chapter 5.2.7.2 --- Sediment samples --- p.94 / Chapter 5.2.8 --- Sample determination --- p.95 / Chapter 5.2.8.1 --- Pre-column derivatization --- p.95 / Chapter 5.2.8.2 --- High performance liquid chromatography analyses --- p.95 / Chapter 5.2.8.3 --- Calibration of glyphosate and AMPA --- p.95 / Chapter 5.2.8.4 --- Recovery of glyphosate in spiked samples --- p.96 / Chapter 5.2.9 --- Statistical analyses --- p.96 / Chapter 5.3 --- Results --- p.96 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- Site characteristics --- p.96 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- Weather conditions during herbicide application --- p.99 / Chapter 5.3.3 --- Chemical analyses --- p.100 / Chapter 5.3.4 --- In-situ toxicity tests --- p.104 / Chapter 5.4 --- Discussion --- p.106 / Chapter 5.4.1 --- Site-specific factor affecting the environmental fate --- p.106 / Chapter 5.4.1 --- Site-specific factor affecting the environmental fate of glyphosate --- p.106 / Chapter 5.4.2 --- Glyphosate in water and sediment --- p.106 / Chapter 5.4.3 --- Homogeneity of glyphosate in surface water and sediment --- p.109 / Chapter 5.4.4 --- Effect of weather conditions on environmental fate of glyphosate --- p.109 / Chapter 5.4.5 --- Biological impact of Roundup® --- p.110 / Chapter 5.5 --- Conclusions --- p.112 / Chapter Chapter 6 --- General Conclusions --- p.113 / References --- p.119

Three suspended solids types containing a range of physicochemical characteristics were used to determine the effect of suspended solids on the bioavailability of acenaphthene, 1,2,4,5-tetrachlorobenzene, zinc, and chlordane to Daphnia magna and Pimephales promelas. Generally, the bioavailability of zinc and chlordane decreased due to interactions with all suspended solids types while bioavailability of acenaphthene and 1,2,4,5-tetrachlorobenzene were not clearly reduced. Partition coefficients and slope of dose-response curves related chemical characteristics and organism sensitivity, respectively, to experimentally determined results. It is believed that the biologically available form of these chemicals to Daphnia magna and Pimephales promelas resides in the aqueous phase.

Multi-walled carbon nanotube aggregates can be suspended in the aqueous phase by natural organic matter. These aggregates are ingested by filter feeding zooplankton. Ingested aggregates result in decreased growth and decreased reproduction. These effects may be caused by reduction in energy input from normal feeding behavior. pH alters natural organic matter structure through changes in electrostatic repulsion. Altered natural organic matter structure changes multi-walled carbon nanotube aggregate size. This size variation with variation in pH is significant, but not large enough a change in size to alter toxicity, as the aggregate size range remains well within the particle size selection of the organisms.

O monitoramento de corpos hídricos receptores de efluentes pode ajudar na manutenção e conservação desses locais, pois os poluentes podem alterar o equilíbrio, a estrutura e o funcionamento do ecossistema. Neste aspecto, o estudo em sedimentos é importante ao permitir uma avaliação mais abrangente do ecossistema aquático, onde diferentes contaminantes podem estar associados ao sedimento em concentrações superiores às das águas, podendo resultar em impactos negativos à biota aquática, a depender da biodisponibilidade. A cidade de Cubatão abriga um dos maiores pólos industriais do Brasil, onde a descarga constante de efluentes industriais e domésticos no rio Cubatão e seus afluentes acabou ocasionando um panorama de degradação dos rios. A Bacia do Rio Cubatão esta localizada entre a Grande São Paulo e a Baixada Santista, com área de 177 km2, aproximadamente. O rio Cubatão é o principal rio da região, abastecendo as cidades de Cubatão, Santos, São Vicente e parte dos municípios de Praia Grande e Guarujá. Além do abastecimento de água para a população, o rio também abastece o pólo industrial de Cubatão. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar efeitos agudos e crônicos de amostras de água e de sedimento do rio Cubatão e dois de seus afluentes (Perequê e Pilões), por meio de ensaios ecotoxicológicos. Os organismos aquáticos empregados nos ensaios foram Ceriodaphnia dubia e Vibrio fischeri para avaliação de água e Hyalella azteca para avaliação de sedimento integral. A análise de crescimento corpóreo destes últimos também foi realizada. Além disso, foram realizadas Análises Químicas Instrumentais e Análise por Ativação Neutrônica em amostras de sedimentos. O estudo foi realizado entre 2010 e 2011, totalizando quatro campanhas. Foram coletadas amostras de água em nove pontos da Bacia do Rio Cubatão, e amostras de sedimento em seis pontos. Através dos ensaios realizados com V. fischeri pôde ser verificada toxicidade em todos os pontos amostrados com valores de CE(I)50 que variaram entre 31,25% e 71,61%. Os resultados obtidos com exposição de C. dubia não identificaram toxicidade, com base na análise estatística utilizada (Teste t por bioequivalência). Os ensaios de toxicidade para efeitos agudos do sedimento integral em H.azteca resultaram em toxicidade para as amostras de P2 e P5 (2ª e 4ª campanhas), com uma mortalidade superior a 50% dos organismos expostos. A análise de crescimento corpóreo identificou menor crescimento corpóreo nos organismos expostos ao sedimento coletado em P4 e P5. Com relação aos sedimentos coletados no ponto P5, os compostos endrin, dibenzeno(a,h)antraceno e antraceno ultrapassaram os valores recomendados pela Resolução Conama 344/04. Os resultados das Análises por Ativação Neutrônica evidenciaram maior contaminação por metais nos sedimentos originários de P5 e PI. / The monitoring of water quality on rivers where wastewaters are discharged may be important for the general conservation once many pollutants may alter the ecosystem balance, and life functioning. To study sediments contamination is an important tool that allows a more comprehensive assessment of the aquatic ecosystem, since many contaminants can be associated to the sediment in higher concentrations than in water and may result in negative impacts on aquatic biota. The Cubatão district is one of the largest industrial centers of Brazil. The usual discharge of industrial effluents and domestic sewage into Cubatão and its tributaries ended up causing serious waterways degradation. Cubatão River Basin is located between São Paulo and Baixada Santista (coast), covering approximately 177km2 area. Cubatão River as the main water source for the region, suppling water to Cubatão and its industrial area, and also to Santos, São Vicente and partially to Praia Grande and Guarujá municipalities. The objective of this study was to assess the toxicity for aquatic organisms concerning water and sediment sampled at Cubatão and at two tributaries (Perequê and Pilões). Chemical determinations were included in order to try identify the possible relation between biological effecs. Ceriodaphnia dubia and Vibrio fischeri were used for evaluation of water effects while Hyalella azteca were exposed to the sediments. Biometric analysis were performed on Hyalella azteca. Furthermore, chemical identification by Chromatography and Neutron Activation Analysis were carried out in sediment samples. Through V. fischeri toxicity response it could be noted signs of effects once the EC(I)50 ranged from 31.25% up to 71.61%. C. dubia results were negative to the same samples, based on statistical analysis (test \"t\" for bioequivalence).Through acute toxicity responses when H. azteca was exposed to sediments, toxicity was identified in samples from P2 and P5 (2nd and 4th campaigns): mortality exceeding 50% of exposed organisms. The biometric analysis for the H. azteca growth showed lower values for organisms exposed to sediments from P4 and P5. Chemical analysis evidenced endrin, dibenzo(a, h) anthracene and anthracene at sediments from P5, values which are not in accordance with the Conama 344/04; Neutron Activation Analysis showed high concentrations of metals for samples from the sites P5 and PI.

Lodos de duas Estações de Tratamento de Água (ETA) que utilizam cloreto férrico (ETA-Paiol-ETA-1) e sulfato de alumínio (ETA-SAAE-ETA-2) como coagulantes, foram caracterizados físico-quimicamente em duas estações do ano (chuvosa e seca) e submetidos a testes de toxicidade aguda com microcrustáceos (Daphnia similis), quironomídeos (Chironomus xanthus) e peixes (Hyphessobrycon eques) e de toxicidade crônica com microcrustáceos (D. similis). Observou-se ainda os efeitos destes lodos na comunidade bentônica dos corpos d\'água que recebem os lançamentos das ETAs. Os efeitos dos lodos nos testes de toxicidade aguda foram observados em relação a mortalidade, e, quanto aos testes de toxicidade crônica, observou-se os efeitos na reprodução (número de neonatas) e na mortalidade. Em geral, os lodos das duas ETAs não causaram toxicidade aguda aos organismos-teste, ocorrendo apenas indícios de toxicidade. O lodo da ETA que utilizava cloreto férrico causou toxicidade crônica, que foi observada na reprodução (baixo número de neonatas) e na alta taxa de mortalidade, enquanto que o lodo da ETA que utilizava sulfato de alumínio causou toxicidade crônica evidenciada apenas em relação a reprodução. Os lodos causaram efeitos adversos à fauna bentônica, evidenciados pela predominância de Diptera nos pontos de lançamento das ETAs nos corpos receptores. Constatou-se ainda a variação temporal na caracterização dos lodos em relação aos parâmetros: pH, turbidez, série de sólidos, nutrientes (N e P) e metais (AI, Mn e Fe), sendo que estes, juntamente com a DQO, foram identificados como os principais parâmetros que aumentam a degradação dos corpos receptores que recebem os lançamentos dos efluentes das ETAs. Portanto, a disposição \"in natura\" dos efluentes das ETAs prejudica à biota aquática e compromete a qualidade da água e do sedimento dos corpos receptores. / Sludges from two water treatment plants, which use ferric chloride (ETA-Paiol-ETA-1) and alum (ETA-SAAE-ETA-2) as coagulants were characterized physicall y and chemically at two seasons (wet and dry). The sludge was subjected to acute toxicity tests to cladoceran (Daphnis similis), midges (Chironomus xanthus) and fishes (Hyphessobrycon eques) and chronic toxicity tests using clacloceran (D. similis). It also was observed the impact of discharged sludge on benthic communities in surface waters at two water treatment plants. Acute toxicity tests evaluated sludge effects on mortality, while chronic toxicity tests assessed effects on reproduction and mortality. In general, sludges from two water treatment plants did not show acute toxicity on organisms-test, only toxicity traces. Ferric chloride sludge showed chronic toxicity on lower brood production and high mortality rate. Alum sludge showed chronic toxicity only on brood production. Sludges from water treatment plants caused detrimental effects to benthic macroinvertebrate communities. This effect was determined by Diptera predominance at bodies receiving discharge from water treatment plants. The turbidity, solids series, nutrients (N and P) and metals (Al, Mn and Fe) in the sludge vary when experiments are carried out in the dry and wet season. Together with COD, there were the main parameters that cause the increase in degradation of bodies receiving discharge from water treatment plants. Thus the disposal of \"in natura\" effluents from water treatment plants damages aquatic biota and affects receiving bodies water and sediment quality.