The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) has been reported to interact with multiple signaling pathways during prostate development including the androgen receptor. AhR was overexpressed in LNCaP using PLNCX2 retrovirus vector containing AhR cDNA to determine if ectopic overexpression induces castrate resistant phenotype. The highly overexpressed AhR clone illustrated further increase in transcriptional and promotor activity for AhR and AR compared to the moderately overexpressed AhR clone and control. Western blot analysis showed more AhR, AR, cSrc, and pSrc protein expression in clones. AhR overexpression was found to induce several biological properties such as migration, invasion, proliferation, and promotion of G1 to S phase during the cell cycle. Bicalutamide treatment had no effect on AR transcriptional activity in either clone, proving resistance to anti-androgen therapy. Our results confirm that overexpression of AhR induces constitutive activity and stimulates androgen receptor signaling. This suggests a role for AhR in the development of CRPC.

No description available.

Megakaryocyte specification is the process by which discrete hematopoietic subpopulations undergo lineage commitment towards the myeloid compartment, finally specifying as a megakaryocyte erythroid progenitor (MEP) by way of thrombopoietin (TPO) and erythropoietin (EPO) signaling, before becoming a megakaryocyte lineage restricted progenitor that will progressively increase cellular ploidy and compartmentalize its cytoplasm in preparation for platelet production. With the advent of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), a cell type that is experimentally manipulated to function as embryonically derived pluripotent cells, there now exists the ability to analyze signal transduction throughout discrete phases of hematopoiesis, megakaryocyte lineage cell fate, and platelet production. Recent studies have implicated the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) as a transcription factor that plays a critical role in multiple aspects of hematopoiesis. These results inspired the hypothesis that AHR signaling may be functionally relevant in the context of megakaryopoiesis. To test this hypothesis, an iPSC directed differentiation strategy was established in order to create a platform upon which to experimentally manipulate AHR signaling throughout megakaryocyte specification. The results demonstrate: 1) iPSC derived hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) undergo exponential expansion upon AHR agonism; 2) AHR antagonism allows for megakaryocyte lineage bias; 3) Optimization of directed-differentiation allows for the examination of AHR signaling in megakaryocyte lineage-restricted cells; 4) AHR signaling suppresses the expression of MPL, the gene that encodes the thrombopoietin receptor (C-MPL) in iPSC derived megakaryocyte lineage committed cells; 5) AHR activation concomitantly suppresses cell surface expression of C-MPL, which may alter the sensitivity of HPCs to TPO signaling; 6) Multiple gene targets are modulated by AHR activation within megakaryocyte lineage cells, providing evidence of a transcriptional program downstream of AHR signaling that preferentially suppresses megakaryocyte specification; 7) A reporter iPSC line of AHR activity provides evidence of endogenous AHR signaling throughout megakaryocyte specification and shows a sharp decline in AHR activity upon megakaryocyte lineage commitment; 8) In a mouse model of megakaryocyte lineage specific AHR knockout, platelet counts are significantly reduced. These data suggest that the AHR plays a significant role in megakaryocyte specification by modulating the expression of multiple lineage specific gene targets, including MPL, the thrombopoietin receptor. / 2017-05-02T00:00:00Z

[pt] A Baía de Guanabara (BG) serve como estuário para 90 rios e canais, é um ambiente eutrofizado, com intensa produtividade primária e que recebe considerável aporte de nutrientes, principalmente oriundos do despejo de esgotos e drenagem fluvial. Ali se encontra também o segundo maior complexo industrial do Brasil. Devido a esses aspectos geradores de alterações ambientais, o objetivo deste trabalho é caracterizar as variações biogeoquímicas na Baía de Guanabara em ciclos de maré diurna e o fluxo de nutrientes inorgânicos dissolvidos e de hidrocarbonetos alifáticos no material particulado em suspensão (MPS). O estudo inclui, ainda, caracterização da origem da MO particulada, através da utilização de ferramentas como composição elementar (C e N) e isotópica Delta13C e Delta15N. Para tal, foram realizadas duas campanhas: uma no período próximo a entrado do inverno (seca) e outra no período próximo à entrada do verão (chuva) em um ponto fixo próximo à desembocadura da baía. As coletas foram realizadas ao longo de um ciclo completo de maré, a intervalos de 2 horas, totalizando 13 amostragens em 3 profundidades (superfície, meio e fundo) e 39 amostras por campanha. Dados auxiliares de velocidade e direção de correntes, salinidade e T celsius da água foram obtidos com um ADCP e um CTD. A metodologia incluiu análises no campo (medidas de T celsius, pH e OD) e no laboratório. No laboratório foram utilizados métodos colorimétricos e espectrofotométricos para nutrientes (NH4 mais, NO2 menos, NO3 menos e Pinorg), COP, NP, COD, MPS e clorofilas. Após extração em Soxhlet (EPA3540C), os hidrocarbonetos fracionados em coluna foram analisados por GC-FID (alifáticos). As análises de composição elementar e isotópica foram feitas através de combustão a seco e IRMS, respectivamente. Os resultados demonstraram que T celsius e o pH variaram pouco ao longo da coluna d água na C1, já para a C2 ocorreu uma variação mais acentuada de T Celsius. O OD, NH4 mais, NO3 menos e a Chl-b foram mais elevados para a C1, já a Salinidade, MPS, Pinorg, bacterioplâncton, delta 13C, delta 15N e HAT foram maiores para a C2. Os compostos, na sua maioria, alcançaram concentrações mais elevadas em eventos de maré vazante. Os hidrocarbonetos alifáticos originaram, predominantemente, da degradação de óleo por microorganismos, principalmente para a C2. Para a C1 ocorreu mistura de nalcanos com predomínio de origem biogênica terrestre e petrogênica recente. Os traçadores naturais utilizados razão C/N e isotópica delta 13C e delta 15N levaram a identificar às principais fontes de MO evidenciando predomínio de origem marinha em ambas as campanhas. O fluxo de nutrientes inorgânicos dissolvidos foram em média na ordem de 104 para os nitrogenados e hidrocarbonetos alifáticos e de 102 para o fósforo inrgânico diário sendo exportados da BG. Além destes a BG exporta elevada quantidade de material como clorofilas, COP e NP. O COD apresentou fluxo positivo para a BG, entretanto devemos levar em consideração o ponto de coleta sofre forte influência do influxo proveniente do emissário submarino de Icaraí e outros esgotos pontuais próximos a desembocadura. A utilização de ferramentas estatísticas auxiliou na comprovação sobre a diferença significativa entre as campanhas, contribuindo para validar a escolha do critério da sazonalidade. A análise de cluster e a PCA demonstraram uma associação existente entre os parâmetros analisados. / [en] The Guanabara Bay serves as the estuary to 90 rivers and canals, it is considered an eutrophic environment with intense primary productivity and considerable amount of nutrients, mainly coming from the river drainage and sewage dump and owns the second largest industrial complex of Brazil. Because of these aspects, the purpose of this paper is to characterize the biogeochemical aspects of Guanabara Bay on tidal cycles, analyzing the flow of nutrients dissolved inorganic and hydrocarbons in SPM. In addition of that, characterize the source of particulate organic matter through the use of tools such as elemental composition (C and N) and isotopic delta 13C and delta 15N. For this, the samples were collected in the dry and wet seasons in a fixed point near by the entrance of Guanabara Bay. The samples were collected over complete tidal cycle being 13 samples (surface, middle and bottom) totaling 39 sampling. Speed and direction of currents, salinity and water temperature data were obtained with an ADCP and CTD. The methodology consisted of field analysis (T celsius, pH and DO measures) and laboratory. In the lab, were used colorimetric and Spectrophotometric methods for nutrients NH4 more, NO2 less, NO3 less and Pinorg) POC, TOC, DOC, PON, SPM and chlorophylls assays. The extraction of hydrocarbons was held in the Soxhlet apparatus (EPA 3540C), clean-up column and analyzed in GC-FID (aliphatic). The isotopic and elemental composition analyses were made using dry combustion and MS, respectively. The results demonstrated that T celsius degrees and pH varied little throughout the water column in C1, but for C2 a sharper variation occurred for Tcelsius. DO, NH4 more, NO3 less and Chl-b were higher for the C1. The Salinidade, SPM, Pinorg, bacterioplakcton, delta 13C, delta 15N and TAH were higher for the C2. The majority of compounds obtained higher concentrations in events of ebb tide. The aliphatic hydrocarbons were originated, predominantly, of oil degradation by microorganisms, primarily for the C2. For the C1, n-alkanes occurred mixed with predominance of terrestrial biogenic and petrogenic origin. The natural tracers C/N ratio, delta 13C and delta 15N isotope used to identify the major sources of OM evidenced a dominance of marine source of MO for both campaigns. Dissolved inorganic nutrients flow were on average in the order of 104 for nitrogenous and aliphatic hydrocarbons in SPM and 102 for the inorganic phosphorus daily being exported from GB. Besides, GB exports a large amount of material as chlorophylls, POC and PN. The COD presented positive flow for GB, however we must take into consideration the sampling point receives a strong influence of the outfall of Icaraí sewage and other sewages near the mouth. The use of statistical tools helped to proof the significant difference between the campaigns, it could help to validated the choice of seasonality criteria. Cluster analysis and PCA demonstrated an association between parameters analyzed.

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-dependent transcription factor, plays a crucial role in regulation of xenobiotic metabolism. AhR is also involved in dioxin-induced metabolic disorders and alteration of circadian rhythm. Furthermore, circadian clock disruption and metabolic dysfunction are integrally associated with each other. This study was designed to understand the mechanisms by which AhR contributes to regulation of circadian clocks, fat metabolism and glucose homeostasis. In the first aim, I have tested whether AhR interacts with the core clock gene, brain and muscle AhR nuclear translocator like-1(BMAL1), disrupting circadian locomotor output cycle kaput (CLOCK)/BMAL1 complex activity, and leading to the suppression of period1 gene (Per1) expression rhythm. My studies indicate that AhR activation by its agonists 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and beta-naphoflavone (BNF) disrupts the rhythm and inhibits the expression of Per1 in mouse liver and hepatoma cell lines, respectively. Mechanistically, the disruption of the rhythm and the inhibition of Per1 expression occur secondary to the interaction between AhR and BMAL1, which attenuates transcriptional activity of the core clock complex CLOCK/BMAL1. These results suggest alteration of the circadian clock as a novel signaling event downstream of AhR activation. The integral relationship between the clock and metabolic function further suggest that AhR activation may cause metabolic dysfunction. In the second aim, I have tested whether AhR activation inhibits Per1 gene induction and influences circadian clock resetting through activation of JNK pathway. AhR activation by it agonists TCDD and BNF decreases light-induced phase shifts in the early night and inhibits light-induced Per1 expression in both suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and liver. Inhibition of Per1 induction results from increased phospho-JNK induced by AhR activation. Taken together, activation of AhR disrupts circadian clock resetting which also could cause metabolic dysfunction. In the third aim, I have tested whether AhR deficiency regulates nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor a; (PPARa) and alters glucose homeostasis. PPARa, a clock-controlled gene (CCG) that acts as a fat metabolism sensor, is important for lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis. AhR knockout (AhRKO or AhR-/-) mice exhibit enhanced insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, accompanied by decreased expression of PPARa, key gluconeogenic genes, glucose-6 phosphatase (G6Pase) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and key fatty acid oxidation enzymes, carnitine palmitoyl transferase1b (CPT1b) and acyl-CoA oxidase (ACO). Conversely, AhR agonists increase PPARa; expression in a BMAL1-dependent manner. In addition, AhRKO mice display altered rhythm for clock genes, clock-controlled genes (CCGs) and physiological blood glucose. These data suggest that AhR may modulate the glucose homeostasis through regulation of CCGs such as PPARa and that PPARa may be an important link between the circadian clock and metabolism. In the fourth aim, I have tested the effects of AhR ablation or attenuation in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity, insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in mice. Recent studies suggest that PPARα expression is elevated with HFD feeding as an adaptive response to attenuate hepatic steatosis, and PPARa deficiency protects against HFD-induced insulin resistance. AhR-/- as well as AhR heterozygous (AhR+/-) mice are protected from the HFD-induced obesity, insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis and show reduced inflammatory cytokine expression. In addition, AhR-/- and AhR+/- mice display protected insulin signaling, a higher adiponectin and a lower leptin and insulin in serum. Food intake and physical activity are not significantly different among WT, AhR-/- and AhR+/- mice with HFD feeding. Indirect calorimetry has demonstrated that the AhR+/- mice have higher oxygen consumption, CO2 production and heat production. In addition, Real-time PCR data show that uncoupling protein 1(Ucp1) is higher in brown adipose tissue which supports the higher heat production; moreover, the muscle gene profile reveals that the fatty acid beta-oxidation genes and mitochondrial respiratory genes are higher in AHR+/- mice which further support higher energy expenditure in these mice. Collectively, these data suggest that AhR signaling could be a potential target for treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes, and AhR antagonist may be developed into a drug for these metabolic diseases.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a presença e a distribuição de hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos (HPAs) em mexilhões coletados em 23 estações, divididas em três regiões: (i) cultivos localizados no Estado do Rio de Janeiro (7 estações) e em Ubatuba/SP (1 estação); (ii) áreas costeiras no Estado do Rio de Janeiro (7 estações) e (iii) na Baía de Guanabara/RJ (8 estações). Os HPAs foram determinados em triplicata de cada estação, sendo cada réplica formada por uma média de 10 indivíduos, através de cromatografia em fase gasosa acoplada a espectrometria de massas (GC/MS), totalizando 38 compostos entre parentais e alquilados. A concentração média do total de HPAs nos cultivos, excluindo o cultivo de Mombaça (Ilha Grande), foi de 24,7 22,3 ng g-1, para as áreas costeiras foi de 89,7 25,8 ng g-1 e para a Baía de Guanabara, 760,9 456,3 ng g-1. Esses resultados indicam que os cultivos (exceto Mombaça) e as áreas costeiras selecionadas apresentam baixos níveis de contaminação. Já na Baía de Guanabara, os resultados foram comparáveis a dados pretéritos e confirmam o estado de degradação ambiental da baía. Na amostra coletada no cultivo de Mombaça, a alta concentração do total de HPAs (584 ng g-1) e a predominância de compostos alquilados sobre parentais sugerem contaminação relativamente alta por hidrocarbonetos petrogênicos. A análise de agrupamento, considerando o total de HPAs, confirmou a separação entre as três áreas coletadas, mas com algumas exceções: (i) o cultivo de Mombaça assemelha-se ao grupo da Baía de Guanabara; (ii) a estação da Praia Vermelha, na saída da Baía de Guanabara, se assemelha com áreas costeiras fora da baía; (iii) as estações Ilha Redonda, Ilha Comprida e Pontal, distantes mais de 5 km da costa, se agruparam com os cultivos. Somente nas amostras da Baía de Guanabara foi possível avaliar a origem dos HPAs através da análise de componentes principais (PCA). A maioria das amostras da baía apresenta contaminação por fontes mistas de hidrocarbonetos, e apenas na praia Vermelha o aporte pirolítico é mais significativo. Por fim, ressalta-se que os níveis de HPAs nos mexilhões das três áreas ficaram abaixo de valores de referência exigidos internacionalmente para o consumo humano. No entanto, é necessário uma análise de risco específica para melhor compreender a qualidade do mexilhão para consumo humano, particularmente os da Baía de Guanabara. / The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence and distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in mussels collected from 23 stations, divided into three regions: (i) mussel crops in the State of Rio de Janeiro (7 sampling stations) and Ubatuba/SP (1 sampling station), (ii) coastal areas of the State of Rio de Janeiro (7 sampling stations) and (iii) Guanabara Bay/RJ (8 sampling stations). The PAHs were determined in triplicate for each station, with each replica composed of an average of 10 individuals, by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS), totaling 38 compounds between parental and alkylated PAH. The mean total PAH concentration in the crops, with the exception of Mombaça (at Ilha Grande), was of 24.7 22.3 ng g-1, while the mean for the coastal areas was of 89.7 25.8 ng g-1, and of 760.9 456.3 ng g-1 for the Guanabara Bay. These results indicate that the mussel crops (with the exception of Mombaça) and the selected coastal areas present low contamination levels. Guanabara Bay, on the other hand, showed results comparable to past data, confirming the state of environmental degradation of the bay. In samples collected at the Mombaça mussel crop, the high concentration of total PAHs (584 ng g-1) and the predominance of alkylated compounds over parent compounds suggest the presence of relatively high contamination by petrogenic hydrocarbons. The cluster analysis, considering total PAHs, confirmed the separation between the three sampled areas, although some exceptions were noted: (i) the Mombaça crop resembles the Guanabara Bay group, (ii) the Praia Vermelha station, at the Guanabara Bay exit, resembles coastal areas outside the bay, (iii) the Ilha Redonda, Ilha Comprida and Pontal stations, over 5 km distant from the coast, were grouped with the other mussel crops. Only in samples from the Guanabara Bay was it possible to evaluate PAH origin by use of the principal component analysis (PCA). Most samples of the bay show mixed hydrocarbon contamination sources, and pyrolytic contribution was more significant only at the Praia Vermelha station. Finally, we emphasize that the PAH levels in mussels from the three areas were below the international reference values for human consumption. However, a specific risk analysis is necessary in order to better understand the quality of mussels for human consumption, particularly those from the Guanabara Bay.

Magister Scientiae - MSc (Earth Science) / The Orange basin is relatively underexplored with 1 well per every 4000km2 with only the Ububhesi gas field discovery. Block 1 is largely underexplored with only 3 wells drilled in the entire block and only well A?F1 inside the 1500km2 3?D seismic data cube, acquired in 2009. This study is a reservoir characterization of well A?F1, utilising the acquired 3?D seismic data and re?analysing and up scaling the well logs to create a static model to display petrophysical properties essential for reservoir characterization. For horizon 14Ht1, four reservoir zones were identified, petro?physically characterized and modelled using the up scaled logs. The overall reservoir displayed average volume of shale at 24%, good porosity values between 9.8% to 15.3% and permeability between 2.3mD to 9.5mD. However, high water saturation overall which exceeds 50% as per the water saturation model, results in water saturated sandstones with minor hydrocarbon shows and an uneconomical reservoir.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:26:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2004-05-06Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:54:13Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 yamada_dt_me_rcla.pdf: 3797741 bytes, checksum: 92ca0cd17d0393f06efc00d866f21934 (MD5) / A pesquisa tem como tema a caracterização geológica e geotécnica da área urbana de Rio Claro (SP), com ênfase à instalação de postos de combustíveis. Vazamentos de postos de combustíveis levaram à criação de legislações específicas para controlar a instalação e prevenir acidentes desta natureza. Estes estudos especificam a caracterização do meio físico como um dos principais fatores a serem considerados. O objetivo da pesquisa foi: a partir da definição, caracterização e análise das unidades geológico-geotécnicas, avaliar cada uma dessas unidades, orientando assim a instalação de postos de combustíveis em Rio Claro. Para isso, foram identificados os processos atuantes no meio físico, que exercem influência no o tanque de armazenamento subterrâneo, induzindo danos estruturais e possíveis vazamentos. Também foram estudadas as características e propriedades do meio físico que regem a migração do contaminante vazado. Para a área de Rio Claro, foram definidas quatro unidades de análise: Formação Corumbataí, Diabásio, Formação Rio Claro e Aluviões, onde foram realizadas a análise e caracterização geotécnica. Esta pesquisa mostra que as diferentes unidades necessitam de ensaios e análises específicos, que dependem das propriedades e dos processos atuantes. Atributos específicos de cada unidade de análise podem ser destacados como: argilas expansivas (unidade 1), fraturamento estrutural (unidade 2), solo colapsível (unidade 3) e a presença de camadas de turfa compressíveis (unidade 4). Vale ressaltar que, para todas as unidades, a profundidade do nível d água subterrâneo é um atributo determinante, influenciando tanto na instalação do tanque de armazenamento subterrâneo quanto ocasionando processos corrosivos, além de estar susceptível a contaminações... / This research is based on the geological and geotechnical characterizations of Rio Claro (SP) urban area, a medium size town of the state of São Paulo, Brazil, with emphasis in the installation of gas stations. Gas station leaks caused the creation and emulation of specific legislation to control the installation and prevent accidents of this nature. These studies specify the characterization of the physical factors as one of the major parameters to be considered. The objective of this research was: definition, characterization, analysis and evaluation of the geologic-geotechnical units, therefore orienting the installation of fuel stations in Rio Claro. For this issue, those procedures active in the area, that influence on the underground storage tanks possibly causing structural damages and leaks were identified as well as the characteristics and properties of the surrounding fields that demand the migration of the leaked contaminant. For the Rio Claro area, four units of analysis were identified: Corumbataí Formation, Diabase, Rio Claro Formation and Alluvial Deposits, where the analysis and geotechnical characterization were conducted. This research shows that the different units need tests and analysis specific, which depend on the acting properties and processes. Specific attributes of each analysis unit can be presented as: expansive clay (unit 1), structural fracturing (unit 2) collapsible soil (unit 3) and the presence of compressible turf layers (unit 4). It is also worth mentioning that, for all units, the depth of the water table is a determinant attribute, influencing both on the installation of the underground storage tank as well as causing corrosive processes, aside from being susceptible to contamination. The definition of different units of analysis proved the necessity of distinct procedures for evaluation of each area...(Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:26:14Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2012-04-20Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T18:47:38Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 benvenutti_cf_me_rcla.pdf: 5702564 bytes, checksum: 3468aeafad128f8380c10b5ae674509f (MD5) / A presente pesquisa conta com uma área de estudo de 7.737 km2 na porção ojJshore da Bacia do Benin, localizada na Província do Golfo da Guiné, Margem Equatorial Africana, onde a lâmina da água varia de 100 a mais de 3.200 m, cobrindo basicamente o talude. Dados ísmicos 3D e 2D foram disponibilizados pela Compagnie Béninoise des Hydrocarbures(CBH SARL) para interpretação dos mesmos com o objetivo de caracterizar o arcabouço estrutural e estratigráfico da região, assim como avaliar o potencial do armazenamento de hidrocarboneto. Foi necessário o mapeamento dos horizontes sísmicos, a elaboração de mapas de contorno estrutural, de atributos sísmicos e de isópacas. A Bacia do Benin encontra-se entre as zonas de fratura de Romanche e Chain, correlata à Bacia do Ceará na Margem Equatorial Brasileira. Sua evolução tectono-sedimentar está condicionada à ruptura do Gondwana no Cretáceo Inferior, predominando estruturas da fase rifte relacionadas à distensão e transcorrência, a influência da transpressão é muito significativa no Cretáceo Superior. Destaca-se também uma tectônica gravitacional marcada por falhamentos dos níveis estratigráficos cenozóicos. A coluna sedimentar é representada por uma seção rifte continental limitada pela discordância do Meso-Albiano e outra pós-rifte marinha, do Albiano Superior ao Recente; sendo esta subdividida pela discordância do Oligoceno relacionada a uma queda eustática. A sedimentação está controlada pelo strends NE-SW e ENE-WSW, incluindo os canais submarinos. Os principais altos estruturais desta região já foram perfurados sem sucesso comercial, porém o potencial de acumulação de hidrocarbonetos é promissor, pelo menos dois grandes canais foram identificados no estudo em uma região cuja profundidade do fundo do mar é cerca de 2.200 m. Oportunidades... / The present research has a study area of 7.737 km2 located in the offshore portion of Benin Basin in the Gulf of Guinea Province, African Equatorial Margin. The water depth ranges from 100 to more than 3.200 m, basically covering the slope. The Compagnie Béninoise des Hydrocarbures (CBH SARL) provided 3D and 2D seismic data in order to interpret and characterize the stratigraphic and structural frarnework, as well as to evaluate the petroleum exploration potential. To achieve the desired results, it was performed seismic horizons mapping, elaboration of structural outline, isopach and seismic attribute maps. Benin Basin is limited by Romanche and Chain fracture zones and is correlated to Ceará Basin in Brazilian Equatorial Margin. Its tectono-stratigraphic evolution was conditioned by the Gondwana break-up in the Lower Cretaceous and shows rift structures related to extension trike-slip tectonics. The transpression influence is very significant in the Upper Cretaceous. It is also highlighted a gravitational tectonic marked by normal faults in the Cenozoic level. The sedimentary package is represented by a continental rift section limited by a Mid-Albian unconformity and other marine post-rift sequence from Upper Albian to Recent; the last one can still be divided by the Oligocene unconformity. The sedimentation is controlled by NE-SW and ENE- WSW trends, including submarine channels in the Upper Cretaceous. The main structural traps weredrilled in the study area without commercial success. At least two great channels were identified in a region where the water depth is around 2.200 m. Roll-overs and minor channels opportunities in Paleogene and Neogene should also be considered. The pre-rift sequences of the study area are poorly recognized, the absence of well information in this interval and the low resolution of seismic data... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Resumo: As contaminações do solo e de águas subterrâneas por vazamentos em postos de combustíveis têm sido alvo de inúmeras pesquisas, devido à complexidade dos fenômenos de interação com o solo e o grande número de contaminações. Entre as dificuldades para a proteção ambiental estão as avaliações da extensão, da dinâmica e da concentração das contaminações provocadas por estes vazamentos, oriundas das deficiências de infra-estrutura, manutenção e desgastes nas instalações e a falta de fiscalização de tanques e equipamentos. Entender a dinâmica dos hidrocarbonetos derivados de petróleo, gasolina e óleo diesel, e seu comportamento em solo, é um passo importante no esforço para o entendimento da migração e transporte destes contaminantes para as águas subterrâneas. Esta dissertação apresentou uma análise das plumas de contaminação e dos procedimentos adotados para a delimitação das mesmas. Para tanto, foram analisados dois estudos de caso de vazamentos de postos de combustíveis na região do Médio Vale do Paraíba. / Abstract: The contaminations of the soil and of groundwaters for leaks in put of fuels have been objective of countless researches due to complexity of the interaction phenomena with the soil and the great number of contaminations. One of the difficulties in the activities gone back to the environmental protection it consists of the evaluation of the extension, dynamics and concentration of the contaminations provoked by these leaks, originating from of the infrastructure deficiencies, maintenance and wastes in the facilities, as well as lack of fiscalization of tanks and equipments. To understand the dynamics of the derived of petroleum hydrocarbon, gasoline and diesel oil, and your behavior in soil, it is an important step in the effort for the understanding of the migration and transport of these pollutants in the groundwater. The dissertation presented an analysis of the feathers of contamination and of the procedure for limitation of the same ones. For so much, two studies of case of leaks of positions of fuels were analyzed in the area of the Medium Valley of Paraíba. / Orientador: Luiz Roberto Carrocci / Coorientador: Silvio Jorge Coelho Simões / Banca: Isabel Cristina de Barros Trannin / Banca: Helcio José Izário Filho / Mestre