As Cartas de Sensibilidade Ambiental para Derramamentos de óleo (Cartas SAO) constituem um componente essencial e fonte de informação primária para o planejamento de contingência, balizamento das ações de resposta e avaliação de danos em casos de derramamento de óleo. Este trabalho teve como objetivo geral, elaborar um mapa de sensibilidade ambiental a vazamentos de óleo para os ambientes insulares do município de Ubatuba, Litoral Norte do Estado de São Paulo; os objetivos específicos visaram realizar a caracterização e o diagnóstico ambiental da região. A metodologia adotada para o presente trabalho está baseada na proposta elaborada pelo Ministério do Meio Ambiente nas Especificações e Normas Técnicas para Elaboração das Cartas de Sensibilidade Ambiental a Derramamentos de Óleo (Cartas SAO), e seus Anexos (MMA, 2004). Contemplou uma etapa prévia de levantamento de dados, uma etapa de trabalho de campo, realizada no verão e no inverno de 2007, a elaboração da base cartográfica georreferenciada e por fim a migração dos dados obtidos em campo para a base gerada e para o banco de dados. Como resultado obteve-se a caracterização das 34 unidades insulares do município de Ubatuba (16 ilhas, 7 ilhotes e 11 lajes) nos seguintes aspectos: físico (clima, geologia, geomorfologia e oceanografia); ambiental (fauna e flora presentes e os ecossistemas costeiros) e socioeconômico (atividades antrópicas, usos do ambiente, estruturas e os impactos gerados), e ainda, a determinação da sensibilidade ambiental dos ecossistemas insulares presentes. Foram identificadas 11 praias, localizadas em 6 ilhas, com características geomorfológicas e topográficas distintas. As praias foram classificadas com índice de sensibilidade 4, pelo fato de estarem abrigadas das ações das ondas e correntes. A maior parte dos ambientes mapeados (44,8%) foi classificada com índice de sensibilidade 8, indicando o alto grau de sensibilidade das regiões insulares. Os impactos gerados por derrame de óleo em ambientes costeiros podem ser significativamente minimizados durante as ações emergenciais, quando há um conhecimento prévio dos ecossistemas que integram a área atingida e especialmente se o ambiente está mapeado e com suas características registradas e disponíveis em bancos de dados. O mapeamento de sensibilidade ambiental é um importante instrumento de gestão e manejo, principalmente em se tratando de áreas sensíveis e carentes de instrumentos de gestão, como os ambientes insulares da região de Ubatuba. / The Environmental Sensitivity Maps for Oil Spills (SAO Charts) constitute an essential component and source of basic information for emergency planning, response decision support and damage evaluation in case of oil spills. This study had as a goal the elaboration of a sensitivity map for oil spills at Ubatuba islands, north coast of the State of São Paulo; the specific objectives were the characterization and the environmental diagnosis of the study area. The adopted methodology is based on the method proposed by the Brazilian Federal Ministry of Environment defined as Technical Specifications for the creation of Environmental Sensitivity Maps for oil spills (SAO charts) and its Appendices (MMA, 2004). The study had a previous information compilation followed by the field work carried out in summer and winter of 2007; the elaboration of the cartographic base (geographic data) and finally the migration of the data to a GIS (Geographic Information System). As a result it was registered and mapped the physical (geology, geomorphology, oceanography, climatology), biological (fauna, flora, coastal environments) and socioeconomic (anthropic influence, human use, artificial structures and impacts) aspects of Ubatuba coastal islands. The oil spill impacts on coastal environments can be significantly minimized during the contingency actions, if it is available a GIS structure, showing a previous knowledge of the ecosystems that compose the islands environment, with easy-to-use maps and databanks. The environmental sensitivity mapping is an important instrument of management, especially when dealing with sensible and poorly studied areas like the islands of Ubatuba.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento CientÃfico e TecnolÃgico / Acidentes por derrames de petrÃleo no mar causam danos irreversÃveis para o meio ambiente, para melhor tratar e prever os acidentes desde as Ãltimas dÃcadas diversos paÃses adotaram planos de contingÃncia, avaliaÃÃo de risco e de vigilÃncia marinha no combate à poluiÃÃo por petrÃleo. Inicialmente, esses planos eram baseados apenas em observaÃÃes, coletas de dados in situ, e experimentos laboratoriais. Em 1976, foi criado um Ãndice de sensibilidade ao impacto por Ãleo atravÃs do quais os diferentes ecossistemas costeiros foram mapeados e hierarquizados em uma escala de sensibilidade relativa denominada de Carta de Sensibilidade Ambiental ao Derrame de Ãleo (Cartas SAO), (NOAA, 1997). Para a elaboraÃÃo da Carta de Sensibilidade Ambiental ao Derramamento do Ãleo da Ãrea foi adotada uma metodologia baseada nas especificaÃÃes e normas tÃcnicas descritas pelo NOOA Coastal Sevice, adaptadas pelo MinistÃrio de Meio Ambiente (MMA 2002) para a costa brasileira. Para a elaboraÃÃo das Cartas SAO de SÃo Tomà utilizou-se estudos sobre composiÃÃo litolÃgica, tipos de morfologia praial, parÃmetros hidrolÃgicos, composiÃÃo do substrato, recursos naturais e atividades desenvolvidas em cada setor do litoral, que foram determinantes na classificaÃÃo e caracterizaÃÃo do grau de risco ambiental dos compartimentos costeiros, relativos aos variados Ãndices de sensibilidade ambiental. A regiÃo litorÃnea de SÃo Tomà caracteriza-se por apresentar substratos arenosos, rochosos, lamosos e regiÃes com desenvolvimento de recifes coralÃneos. Nas Ãreas foram caracterizados os Ãndices de Sensibilidade 1 (ISL1) evidenciado nas praias da Cidade de Neves norte do paÃs que apresenta estruturas artificiais, no terminal de descarga de combustÃvel. Caso ocorra derrame de Ãleo a permanÃncia serà de pequena duraÃÃo e a remoÃÃo de modo natural. Ãndice 2 (ISL2) caracterizado por praias que apresentam costÃes rochosos e rochas aflorantes no estirÃncio, o substrato impermeÃvel impede a penetraÃÃo de Ãleo e a fina camada de sedimentos que, por vezes, se acumula na base da escarpa, à removida pelas ondas de tempestades. Ãndice 3 (ISL3) que apresenta substratos semipermeÃveis, baixa penetraÃÃo/ soterramento de petrÃleo, caracterÃstico de praias dissipativas com areia grossa, mÃdia e fina remobilizadas pela aÃÃo das ondas. Ãndice 4 (ISL4) caracterizado por substratos de mÃdia permeabilidade; moderada penetraÃÃo/soterramento de petrÃleo, que ocorre em praias dissipativas de areia grossa, sendo encontrado na praia Largato.A penetraÃÃo do Ãleo à cerca de 25 cm de profundidade, a mobilidade do sedimento tende ao soterramento exigindo o manuseio de grande volume de sedimentos. O impactos sobre as comunidades biÃticas inter-marÃs podem ser severos. Ãndice 6 (ISL 6) apresenta substratos de elevada permeabilidade; alta penetraÃÃo/soterramento de petrÃleo, que corre na praia de cascalho (seixos e calhaus), nesse caso, a percolaÃÃo do Ãleo à cerca de 100 cm, e as praias de cascalho tÃm o nÃvel mais elevado de impacto, devido à facilidade e profundidade de percolaÃÃo do Ãleo e consequentes dificuldades de remoÃÃo. A limpeza pode ser difÃcil, devido à grande profundidade de penetraÃÃo do Ãleo e baixa trafegabilidade, o jateamento com Ãgua pode ser uma soluÃÃo parcial em enrocamentos. Ãndice 8 (ISL8) apresenta substratos impermeÃveis e moderadamente permeÃveis, abrigados, com epifauna abundante, ocorrendo enrocamentos "rip-rap" e outras estruturas artificiais nÃo lisas. Ãndice 10 (ISL10) encontrada nas zonas pantanosas com vegetaÃÃo acima dâÃgua, ocorre nos manguezais de Malanza na regiÃo sul da ilha. A identificaÃÃo dos Ãndices de sensibilidade e a elaboraÃÃo das cartas indicaram a presenÃa de Ãrea com abaixo indices e Ãreas com alto Ãndice suscetÃveis ao derramamento de Ãleo na regiÃo costeira do paÃs. / Accidental oil spills at sea cause irreversible damage to the environment, to better predict and treat casualties in the last decades many countries have contingency plans, risk assessment and surveillance in combating marine oil pollution. Initially, these plans were based only on observation, data collection in situ and laboratory experiments. In 1976 an index of sensitivity was created to determine the impact of oil through which the different coastal ecosystems were mapped and ranked on a scale of relative sensitivity known as Letter of Environmental Sensitivity to Oil Spill (Letters ARE), (NOAA,1997).For drafting the Charter of Environmental Sensitivity to Oil Spill in the area was adopted a methodology based on technical specifications and standards set by the Coastal NOOA Sevice, adapted by the Ministry of Environment (MMA 2002) for the Brazilian coast. For the development of SAO Letters of Sao Tome it was used the studies on lithological composition, types of beach morphology, hydrological parameters, substrate composition, natural resources and activities in each sector of the coast, who were instrumental in the classification and characterization of the degree of Environmental risk coastal compartiments, relative to various indices of environmental sensitivity.The coastal region of Sao Tome is characterized by having sandy bottoms, rocky, muddy areas and areas with development of coral reefs. Areas were characterized as a sensitivity index (ISL1) shown on the beaches of the city of Neves in the north of the country with artificial structures, the terminal discharge of fuel. In the event of spillage of oil to stay will be of short term duration and the removal of natural way. Index 2 (ISL2) characterized by beaches and rocky shores that have rocks outcropping in estirÃncio, waterproof substrate prevents the penetration of oil and the thin layer of sediment that sometimes accumulates at the base of the escarpment, is removed by stormy waves.Index 3 (ISL3) submitting semi-permeable substrates, low penetration / burial of oil, typical of dissipative beaches with coarse sand, medium and fine remobilized by wave action. Index 4 (ISL4) characterized by substrates of medium permeability, moderate penetration / burial of oil, which occurs in dissipative beaches of coarse sand, found on the beach Largato.The penetration of oil is about 25 cm deep, the mobility of sediment tends to landfill by requiring the handling of large volumes of sediment. The impacts on intertidal biota can be severe. Index ISL 6 6 presents high permeability substrates, high penetration / burial of oil, which occurs in the shingle beach (pebbles and boulders in this case, the percolation of oil is about 100 cm, and gravel beaches have the highest level high impact due to the ease and depth of percolation of oil and the consequent difficulty of removal. Cleaning can be difficult due to the large penetration depth of the oil and low traffic, blasting with water can be a partial solution in rockfill. Index 8 (ISL8) features waterproof and moderately permeable substrates, sheltered, with abundant epifaunal occurring rockfill (â rip-rapâ and other artificial structures not smooth. Index 10 (ISL10) found in wetlands whit vegetation above water, accurs in malanza mangroves in the south of the island. The identification of rates of sensitivity and the drafting of the letters indicated the presence of area below and areas with high susceptibility to oil spills in the coastal region of the country.

Oil from the Deepwater Horizon blowout reached the Gulf of Mexico coast in the summer of 2010 and potentially exposed species living in those areas to toxic chemicals. The purpose of this study is to examine otoliths from Red Drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) for evidence of oil exposure that could be related to reduced growth rates. Because otolith growth and somatic growth are directly related, differences in annulus measurements can indicate differences in annual somatic growth, which is a good indicator of overall fish condition, and translates into changes in survival and lifetime reproductive potential. This study assessed variation in otolith elemental composition in years before, during, and after the oil spill using laser-ablation inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry, with emphasis on trace metals previously found in MC252 oil. Relative annual growth rates were estimated by calculating mean increment measurements for each age, and calculating a percentile for each observation. Growth was then compared with otolith elemental profiles. These two analyses were used to investigate associations between any observed growth variation and the temporal profiles of oil-indicator and stress-indicator elements. Otoliths obtained from Florida archaeological sites were used as a baseline for pre-industrial elemental compositions. Fish taken from 12 sampling sites in Florida and Louisiana with varying degrees of oil intrusion were analyzed for otolith element composition. Individual measurements were classified using Similarity Profile Analysis (SIMPROF, Clarke et al. 2008) and resulting SIMPROF groups were plotted on a seriated heat map to visualize elemental abundance groups. The largest group with the lowest elemental abundances was used as a reference group. This group was compared to higher-element abundance groups and to fossil otoliths found in Native American middens on Weedon Island, FL using nonparametric multivariate analysis of variance (NP-MANOVA) and Canonical Analysis of Principal Coordinates (CAP) to determine similarities of modern fish groups and an ancient baseline. Growth rates were then compared to the microchemistry groups to determine if there are any correlations with growth rates and otolith trace metal compositions. This study did not find any correlation between the Deepwater Horizon oil spill event and either Red Drum otolith microchemistry or growth. Otolith oil-metal concentrations did not vary significantly among study years, and there was no relationship between microchemistry and otolith-based growth rate. While there was decreased growth in 2010, the decreased growth appeared to be due to unusually cold winters during that year. Oil metal concentrations measured in the otoliths indicated continuous metal exposure rather than exposure to an episodic oil-spill event. This study also verified the use of archaeological otoliths as a viable microchemical baseline for pre-industrial otoliths. Preserved otolith material had very low hydrocarbon-associated metal concentrations, which is expected in otoliths that were formed before the period of heavy anthropogenic influence on coastal waters. This study represents a novel effort to compare pre-industrial-age microchemistry to the microchemistry of fish collected from impacted areas following a large oil spill.

On April 20, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil platform exploded after a series of issues with the Macondo oil well, around the Louisiana coast, in the Gulf of Mexico, causing the death of 11 workers and wounding 17 others. On April 22, the rig sank into the ocean. Large quantities of oil have then poured into the Gulf waters for almost 3 months, causing the most serious oil spill in history. The event is critically examined in relation to the State-corporate crime integrated theoretical model by Michalowski and Kramer (2006), in particular using the institutional level (the relationship between politics and economics) and the operationality of control catalyst (the presence or absence of social control). The results are presented with a deductive strategy. Furthermore, part of the long-term consequences on the environment will be presented, using a deductive thematic strategy. I believe, in order to comprehend the importance of this study field and the relevance of my work, it is necessary to fully analyze the long-term consequences of the DWH (Deepwater Horizon) oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The analysis is developed within a case study, based on a literature review. Results show that not only the long-term consequences of the oil spill on the environment are devastating on almost all the elements studied, but that the role of the State in the accident was decisive, especially for the work culture which developed during the years, that led to the accident.

In a forensic investigation involving oil, a comparative analysis named oil spill fingerprinting between a source and an oil spill is normally performed. It is based on detecting a certain selection of biomarkers with gas chromatography (GC) coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) which are later divided into diagnostic ratios (DRs). An international guideline formed by European Committee for Standardization (CEN) denoted CEN/TR 15522-2:2012 describes the process of conducting oil spill fingerprinting. This method is currently being inspected and adjusted for standardization into EN 15522-2:2022. One section of the upcoming standard describes sample clean-up which is important to inhibit possible matrix effect that could either enhance or reduce peak intensity in the chromatogram. There is yet no conclusive SPE (Solid Phase Extraction) protocol in the current draft version of EN 15522-2:2022. The aim with this study was to develop such a protocol. Development included comparative testing of the recommended stationary phases silica and Florisil®. Additionally, the effect of both elution solvent and elution volume were investigated. The protocol must pass validation criteria to be implemented at National Forensic Centre (NFC) and possibly be used in the final version of EN 15522-2:2022. A successful method for Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO), diesel and lubricating oil was achieved with activated Florisil® as stationary phase, eluted with 6 ml dichloromethane (DCM). If the evidence material is suspected to contain FAMEs (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters), then 2 % acetone should be added to the DCM. The final SPE column was packed with 0.5 glass wool, 4 cm Florisil® and 0.5 cm sodium sulfate. Based on successful validation result, the SPE protocol should be considered for the final version of EN 15522-2:2022 as well as for implementation at NFC.

After Deepwater Horizon oil reached the Florida coast, oil was buried in Pensacola Beach (PB) sands to ~ 70 cm depth, resulting in Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) concentrations up to ~ 2 kg per meter of beach. This study followed the decomposition of the buried oil and the factors influencing its degradation. The abundance of bacteria in oiled sand increased by 2 orders of magnitude within one week after oil burial, while diversity decreased by ~ 50%. Half-lives of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons reached 25 and 22 days, respectively. Aerobic microbial oil decomposition, promoted by tidal pumping, and human cleaning activities effectively removed oil from the beach. After one year, concentrations of GC-amenable hydrocarbons at PB were similar to those in the uncontaminated reference beach at St. George Island/FL, and microbial populations that disappeared after the oil contamination had reestablished. Yet, oxihydrocarbons can be found at PB to the present day.

Rodents have been reported to play a significant role as reservoirs of over 22 rodent-associated Bartonella species. In this study, we contrast prevalence and diversity of Bartonella infections in 377 small mammals, representative of three terrestrial rodent genera, namely Aethomys, Gerbilliscus and Rhabdomys and one subterranean mole-rat species (Bathyergus suillus). The latter was sampled in close proximity to an informal human settlement, whereas the afore-mentioned murid rodent genera were sampled across a range of landscapes inclusive of natural, agricultural, urban, peri-urban and rural settings, from three provinces (Free State, Gauteng and Western Cape) in South Africa. Molecular estimates of Bartonella infection rates were determined through multi-gene screening of DNA extracted from clinical samples, primarily heart and spleen. PCR assays targeting the citrate synthase (gltA) and NADH dehydrogenase gamma subunit (nuoG) and/or beta subunit of bacterial RNA polymerase (rpoB) genes were used to ensure enhanced molecular estimates of Bartonella prevalence. Aethomys had the highest infection rate (86.7%), whereas Rhabdomys had the lowest (15%). Nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analyses revealed that the different primers sets used for Bartonella screening have different affinities to the different strains present in rodents from South Africa. Furthermore, the presence of Bartonella co-infections, confirmed through the presence of multiple peaks at 15% of the nucleotide sequences sites, ranged from 33.8% (in Aethomys) to 42.9% (in Gerbilliscus species) for the gltA gene region. For Aethomys ineptus, of the discrete Bartonella lineages recovered, one was closely related to zoonotic B. elizabethae. The latter species, which is associated with Rattus hosts worldwide and has been linked to cases of human endocarditis, suggests spillover from invasive to indigenous rodents. This is supported by previous studies indicating that indigenous Micaelamys namaquensis, a highly adaptable species, which like Aethomys is capable of utilizing natural and modified landscapes also hosts B. elizabethae-related lineages. Of potential public health importance, Bathyergus suillus were shown to be infected with a zoonotic Bartonella species, B. rochalimae. Our results further indicate that the level of anthropogenic transformation is significantly correlated with Bartonella prevalence, with Rhabdomys sampled from rural settings in the Western Cape Province having infection rates of 36% versus 0% in a nearby urban setting. This study also uncovered high levels of strain diversity in members of the Gerbilliscus cryptic species complex, sampled from an agricultural setting. The overall Bartonella PCR-positivity rate was 67.5 % and the gltA gene phylogeny confirmed the presence of six discrete Bartonella gerbil-specific lineages (I-VI). Lineages I and II clustered with Bartonella strains identified previously in G. leucogaster sampled from Sandveld nature reserves in the Free State Province South Africa, whereas lineages III-VI comprised of lineages that were restricted to either G. leucogaster or to G. brantsii, indicative of host-specificity. From the findings of this study, it is clear that the public health importance of the Bartonella species present in indigenous rodents warrants further investigation as at least two species, with known zoonotic potential (B. elizabethae and B. rochalimae) were shown to be present in rodents sampled in close proximity to human settlements. / Thesis (PhD (Zoology))--University of Pretoria, 2019. / This research was made possible through the financial support from the (AZD-IRT), CDC Co-Ag 5 NU2GGH001874-02-00 and through the NRF incentive and SARChI PI funding awarded to ADSB. / Zoology and Entomology / PhD (Zoology) / Unrestricted

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This study compares two wood materials, cross-laminated timber (CLT) and traditional wood studs, for small house construction. The aim of this degree project is to assess their specific properties and differences in terms of sustainability and safety. The method for the study employs semi-structured interviews, development of wall elements using Revit and an extensive literature review to arrive at conclusions. CLT is examined as an innovative construction material known for its high strength and stability, while wood studs are analyzed for their energy efficiency and compliance with modern building standards. The findings are supported by previous research comparing different wood construction methods. Through a comprehensive analysis, this study provides valuable insights into the advantages and disadvantages of CLT and traditional wood studs for small house construction. The results from this work were that CLT used more material and had more waste than traditional wood. The interviews indicated differences and challenges related to fire risks associated with adhesive use in cross-laminated timber. Both PUR adhesive and MUF adhesive have their advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to follow the safety protocols and increase industry knowledge for improving fire safety in cross-laminated timber. The conclusion of the study was that cross-laminated timber is affected by the adhesive when considering the reuse of wall elements and fire challenges. It also requires more material, making traditional timber studs a better choice.

Floods are one of the most common types of natural disasters. They annually affect vast amounts of people and cause severe economic losses. While fluvial, coastal, and flash floods are well studied, pluvial floods (rain related) have received modest attention from researchers and decision-makers in comparison. There are several reasons for this, one is that it has been considered a fixed problem with infrastructure and other engineered solutions and another is that they are generally undramatic and small-scale. However, as cities expand, the environment’s ability to retain and dispose of excess water is inhibited and as the frequency of extreme weather events is expected to increase due to climate change, the risk associated with pluvial floods has become increasingly recognized. Commercial and open-source Urban pluvial flood models tend to require advanced modelling expertise, considerable computational power, large amounts of input data and are often expensive. Consequently, there is less knowledge of flood inundation caused by pluvial floods compared to other types. This thesis investigates the Bluespot model, which aims to provide an approachable tool to generate an overview of the effects of pluvial floods in urban areas. The model requires few input data and is relatively simple to perform. Results from the model are compared to the August 2021 flood event in Gävle, Sweden.The study finds that results ranged from accurate to over- and underestimated. Slope and incoming water were found to affect the outcome most. Blue spots without the influence of streams or other waterways, with a distinct slope were mapped with accuracy and showed consistency with coarser resolutions. Consequently, underpasses in the road network were mapped with especially good consistency. Further, blue spots within close distance to large flow accumulation were underestimated and the accuracy tended to decrease with a coarser resolution. The model cannot account for water outside blue spots, thus, when large volumes of water accumulate and spread beyond these boarders it generates poor results. These areas were found to be efficiently indicated by generating a heatmap from high-flow accumulation points. Thus, indicating low confidence and where a hydraulic flood model should be performed. Depending on the scope a 1-3m resolution is recommended for investigating effects on property etc and a 5-10m resolution is sufficient for investigating underpasses, however, a finer resolution will generate more accurate results.