The objective of the research was to ascertain whether, when compared to a system'of standards, the theoretical promise that economic incentives offered as a low cost solution to the abatement problem, would hold in practice. This was done by applying environmental economic theory to the practical problem of controlling the effluent generated by firms in the South African leather industry. It was found that in this instance the theory did indeed hold in practice. Furthermore, it was found that of the incentives discussed by the theory, marketable permits were the most economically efficient. It was however shown that a charge - not discussed in the ., theory - based on a central treatment agency's (CTA) cost of treatment offered the least cost solution to the abatement problem when the CTA could do at least some of the effluent treatment at a lower cost than the firms. - In addition a formula was developed to show the net benefits accruing to an individual firm if it undertook to treat its effluent. It was shown that in order to maximise the total benefits of treatment, a firm should treat until its net benefits of treatment were zero. A number of problem however were found to exist when the theory was applied to a practical situation. The most important was the "stepped" nature of the firms marginal abatement cost curves which meant that the setting of a charge based on a trial and error method would prove to be more difficult than the theory envisaged. Furthermore, it meant that no matter what method of pollution control was used, it would prove i~possible to reduce effluent to an optimal level. It was recommended that greater use be made of economic incentives to control all industrial effluent. It would nonetheless be necessary to do more research in this field as the theory was not tailor made for all practical situations. Further evidence of the viability of economic incentives could however encourage wider use by policy makers.

The problems of waste disposal in the tanning industry are unique in that the effluents are highly saline, have a high organic loading and contain heavy metals. Methods are available for the safe treatment and disposal of the latter two components, but the saline component requires the expensive outlay of evaporation ponds. This study has identified a possible use for the saline effluents, turning a problematic waste product into a potentially valuable by-product. A range of tannery effluents were identified and tested for their suitability for the mass cultivation of Dunaliella salina (bardawil strain). The bardawil strain was preferred over a local isolate because of its higher production of β-carotene. Ponded tannery effluents and combined processes effluent proved unsuitable for realistic propagation of the alga. Anaerobic digestion of combined processes effluent did not improve its suitability significantly. Anaerobic digestion of hide-soak effluent may remove persistent antimicrobial agents which influence algal growth, but its contribution to enhancing algal growth is equivocal. Undigested hide-soak effluent lacking in persistent antimicrobial agents was found to be an ideal culture medium, as no additional nutrients needed to be added. Significantly higher biomass was obtained in this effluent compared to chemically defined media. Induction of β-carotene was achieved in nitrogen-deficient defined media after culture in tannery effluent. This suggests that a two-stage system using hide-soak effluent for cell propagation and nitrogen deficient media for β-carotene induction, could be possible for the mass cultivation of D. salina for β-carotene production.

CNPq / O processamento industrial do couro é um setor com elevado potencial de poluição das águas, do ar e do solo. As águas residuárias se caracterizam por conter uma miscelânea de substâncias, tornando complexo o seu tratamento. Quanto ao nitrogênio, pelos elevados valores de pH e concentração, o atendimento dos padrões de lançamento previstos em legislação podem ser comprometidos, além de se tornar um tornar inibidor nos processos biológicos de tratamento, intensivamente empregados pelo setor. Esta pesquisa buscou segregar o efluente da etapa de descalcinação, maior fonte de nitrogênio do processo, e promover a sua remoção por arraste com ar (air stripping) e posterior recuperação em lavadores de gases. A torre de air stripping foi construída com tubos de policloreto de vinila (PVC) de 150 mm e operada em batelada (5 L de água residuária) sob condições controladas de temperatura, vazão de ar (Qar) e pH inicial (pHo). Na primeira etapa foram testadas duas configurações de material recheio (GE e ECR), com o objetivo de determinar sua influência na remoção de nitrogênio amoniacal (NAT) e estimar o coeficiente de transferência de massa (KLa) em diferentes Qar. Os resultados mostraram que os recheios utilizados apresentaram similaridade quanto a remoção de NAT nas condições estudas (pH=12,2 e temperatura de 25°C). Para GE e ECR, a elevação da Qar de 10 L min-1 para 25 L min-1 resultou aumento das eficiências de remoção de 23,1% e 24,7% para 66,1% e 66,5 % após 12 horas de experimento, e valores de KLa de 0,1053 h-1 e 0,1131 h-1, respectivamente. Foi observada correlação entre a remoção de N-NH3 com o decréscimo da alcalinidade, com valor médio de 4 mgCaCO3mgN-NH3-1. Na segunda etapa pretendeu-se estudar a influência da temperatura, Qar e pHo na remoção de NAT e avaliar o sistema de absorção de amônia no frasco lavador de gás preenchido com ácido sulfúrico 0,2 M. Foram realizados 20 ensaios utilizado o planejamento estatístico Delineamento Composto Central Rotacional (DCCR). Após 12 horas de experimento, foi alcançada eficiência de 83,7 % com Qar de 41 L min-1, pHo de 12,2 e temperatura de 31°C. De maneira geral as menores eficiências foram observadas com pHo abaixo de 10. Foi possível propor modelos matemáticos que representam as condições operacionais testadas, com nível de confiança de 95%. O lavador de gás foi eficaz na recuperação da amônia (próximo a 100 %), com a formação do sulfato de amônia. / Industrial processing of leather is a sector with high potential of water, air and soil pollution. The wastewater is characterized by a mix of substances, making treatment complex. As for nitrogen, by the high values of pH and concentration, attendance patterns of release in legislation can be compromised, and become a returning inhibitor in biological treatment processes, intensively used by the industry. This research aimed to segregate deliming effluent removing substances stage, the largest source of nitrogen in the process, and promote their removal by air stripping and subsequent recovery in scrubbers. The air stripping tower was built with 150 mm diameter polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and operated in batch (5 L of wastewater) under controlled conditions of temperature, air flow (Qar) and initial pH (pHo). In the first stage were tested two configurations of filling material (GE and ECR), with the objective of determining their influence the removal of nitrogen ammonia (NAT) and estimating the mass transfer coefficient (KLA) in different Qar. The results showed that the fillings used showed similarity on the removal of the conditions studied NAT (pH = 12.2 and 25 ° C). For GE and ECR, the elevation of Qar 10 L min-1 for 25 L min-1 resulted increased removal efficiencies of 23.1% and 24.7% to 66.1% and 66.5% after 12 hours of experiment and KLA values of 0.1053 h-1 and 0.1131 h-1, respectively. There was a correlation between the removal of N-NH3 with decreasing alkalinity, with average value of 4 mgCaCO3mg N-NH3-1. In the second stage it was intended to study the influence of temperature, Pho and Qar in removing NAT and evaluate the system to absorb ammonia in the gas washing bottle filled with sulfuric acid 0.2 M. To the 20 trials was applied Rotational Central Composite Delineation (DCCR). After 12-hour-experiment, efficiency was achieved 83.7% at Qar 41L min-1, pHo 12.2 and temperature of 31 ° C. So, generally smaller efficiencies were observed with pHo below 10. It was possible to propose mathematical models that represent operating conditions tested, with a confidence level of 95%. The scrubber was effective in the recovery of ammonia (near to 100%), with the formation of ammonium sulfate.

CNPq / O processamento industrial do couro é um setor com elevado potencial de poluição das águas, do ar e do solo. As águas residuárias se caracterizam por conter uma miscelânea de substâncias, tornando complexo o seu tratamento. Quanto ao nitrogênio, pelos elevados valores de pH e concentração, o atendimento dos padrões de lançamento previstos em legislação podem ser comprometidos, além de se tornar um tornar inibidor nos processos biológicos de tratamento, intensivamente empregados pelo setor. Esta pesquisa buscou segregar o efluente da etapa de descalcinação, maior fonte de nitrogênio do processo, e promover a sua remoção por arraste com ar (air stripping) e posterior recuperação em lavadores de gases. A torre de air stripping foi construída com tubos de policloreto de vinila (PVC) de 150 mm e operada em batelada (5 L de água residuária) sob condições controladas de temperatura, vazão de ar (Qar) e pH inicial (pHo). Na primeira etapa foram testadas duas configurações de material recheio (GE e ECR), com o objetivo de determinar sua influência na remoção de nitrogênio amoniacal (NAT) e estimar o coeficiente de transferência de massa (KLa) em diferentes Qar. Os resultados mostraram que os recheios utilizados apresentaram similaridade quanto a remoção de NAT nas condições estudas (pH=12,2 e temperatura de 25°C). Para GE e ECR, a elevação da Qar de 10 L min-1 para 25 L min-1 resultou aumento das eficiências de remoção de 23,1% e 24,7% para 66,1% e 66,5 % após 12 horas de experimento, e valores de KLa de 0,1053 h-1 e 0,1131 h-1, respectivamente. Foi observada correlação entre a remoção de N-NH3 com o decréscimo da alcalinidade, com valor médio de 4 mgCaCO3mgN-NH3-1. Na segunda etapa pretendeu-se estudar a influência da temperatura, Qar e pHo na remoção de NAT e avaliar o sistema de absorção de amônia no frasco lavador de gás preenchido com ácido sulfúrico 0,2 M. Foram realizados 20 ensaios utilizado o planejamento estatístico Delineamento Composto Central Rotacional (DCCR). Após 12 horas de experimento, foi alcançada eficiência de 83,7 % com Qar de 41 L min-1, pHo de 12,2 e temperatura de 31°C. De maneira geral as menores eficiências foram observadas com pHo abaixo de 10. Foi possível propor modelos matemáticos que representam as condições operacionais testadas, com nível de confiança de 95%. O lavador de gás foi eficaz na recuperação da amônia (próximo a 100 %), com a formação do sulfato de amônia. / Industrial processing of leather is a sector with high potential of water, air and soil pollution. The wastewater is characterized by a mix of substances, making treatment complex. As for nitrogen, by the high values of pH and concentration, attendance patterns of release in legislation can be compromised, and become a returning inhibitor in biological treatment processes, intensively used by the industry. This research aimed to segregate deliming effluent removing substances stage, the largest source of nitrogen in the process, and promote their removal by air stripping and subsequent recovery in scrubbers. The air stripping tower was built with 150 mm diameter polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and operated in batch (5 L of wastewater) under controlled conditions of temperature, air flow (Qar) and initial pH (pHo). In the first stage were tested two configurations of filling material (GE and ECR), with the objective of determining their influence the removal of nitrogen ammonia (NAT) and estimating the mass transfer coefficient (KLA) in different Qar. The results showed that the fillings used showed similarity on the removal of the conditions studied NAT (pH = 12.2 and 25 ° C). For GE and ECR, the elevation of Qar 10 L min-1 for 25 L min-1 resulted increased removal efficiencies of 23.1% and 24.7% to 66.1% and 66.5% after 12 hours of experiment and KLA values of 0.1053 h-1 and 0.1131 h-1, respectively. There was a correlation between the removal of N-NH3 with decreasing alkalinity, with average value of 4 mgCaCO3mg N-NH3-1. In the second stage it was intended to study the influence of temperature, Pho and Qar in removing NAT and evaluate the system to absorb ammonia in the gas washing bottle filled with sulfuric acid 0.2 M. To the 20 trials was applied Rotational Central Composite Delineation (DCCR). After 12-hour-experiment, efficiency was achieved 83.7% at Qar 41L min-1, pHo 12.2 and temperature of 31 ° C. So, generally smaller efficiencies were observed with pHo below 10. It was possible to propose mathematical models that represent operating conditions tested, with a confidence level of 95%. The scrubber was effective in the recovery of ammonia (near to 100%), with the formation of ammonium sulfate.

The leather tanning industry of the mid-19th to early 20th Century plays an important role in our social and economic evolution. An abundance of information on the industry can be obtained from historical documentation. However, leather tanning is not well represented in the archaeological record. In order to grasp its cultural implications, the historic tanning industry must be studied within an archaeological context. Interpretations derived from the material culture gained from archaeological excavations can augment the known history of the industry. However, given the current lack of archaeological information, it is difficult to anticipate the types of features that are likely to be encountered on tannery sites. This thesis paper will present a synthesis of historical accounts with what we know from past archaeological investigations resulting in predictive model for future tannery excavations. The model will facilitate the recognition and interpretation of tannery related features. / Department of Anthropology

O Brasil é o país que possui o maior rebanho bovino comercial do mundo, e o balanço de exportações de couro vem demonstrando ascensão no número de metros quadrados de couros exportados. No processo produtivo, a etapa de curtimento é de extrema importância para transformar a pele bovina em couros, tornando-a resistente ao ataque de microorganismos, além de conferir enchimento e garantir maior estabilidade hidrotérmica do material. O crescente apelo ambiental pela utilização de materiais renováveis na indústria levou aos taninos vegetais desempenharem papéis importantes como compostos curtentes na indústria coureira. Os taninos são estruturas fenólicas complexas, existindo uma quantidade considerável de parâmetros químicos que podem ser mensurados através de diversas técnicas analíticas. Por outro lado, para os couros, também existem ensaios empregados no produto final, cujo desempenho pode depender do material curtente utilizado. No presente estudo, foram empregados cinco tipos de taninos de maior uso na indústria coureira para avaliação de parâmetros químicos e posterior associação com propriedades nos couros: tanino de acácia, quebracho, castanheiro, mirabolano e tara. Inicialmente, foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica, a fim de determinar propriedades químicas de maior relevância a serem mensuradas nos taninos no contexto de sua utilização como agentes curtentes. Nesse sentido, elencaram-se os ensaios de determinação de tanantes totais, não-tanantes, sólidos insolúveis, sólidos solúveis, sólidos totais, fenóis totais e massa molecular média para os taninos. Os parâmetros de percentual de sólidos insolúveis, sólidos solúveis não-tanantes e tanantes totais distinguiram bem os grupos de taninos que atravessaram dos que não atravessaram o couro. Assim, pela análise de insolúveis ser a mais simples e direta delas, recomendar-se-ia o seu uso para definir uma faixa de corte para distinguir o desempenho dos taninos no curtimento. A análise de FTIR-UATR foi útil na caracterização e distinção dos taninos nas famílias dos hidrolisáveis e condensados. Os ensaios de temperatura de retração e distensão da flor nos couros também mostraram associação com o atravessamento dos taninos nas peles durante o curtimento. Por fim, a diferença total de cor após exposição à luz UV também foi avaliada para os couros curtidos com os taninos vegetais, sendo que os taninos hidrolisáveis apresentaram uma menor diferença de cor em relação aos condensados. / Brazil is the country with the largest commercial cattle herd in the world, and the balance of exports of leather has shown a rise in the number of square meters of exported leather. In the production process, the tanning step is extremely important to transform the skin into leather, making it resistant to the attack by microorganisms, as well as providing filling and assuring greater hydrothermal stability of the material. The increasing environmental approach for the use of renewable materials in the industry has led to vegetable tannins an important role as tanning compounds in the leather industry. Tannins are complex phenolic structures and there are a considerable amount of chemical parameters that can be measured through various analytical techniques to characterize them. On the other hand, for hides, there are also tests used in the final product, whose performance may depend on the tanning material used. In the present study, five types of tannins highly used in the tanning industry were used for the evaluation of their chemical parameters and later correlation with properties in hides: Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii), Quebracho (Schinopsis lorentzii), Chestnut (Castanea sativa), Tara (Caesalpinia spinosa) and myrabolan (Terminalia chebula). Initially, a bibliographical review was carried out to determine the most relevant chemical properties to be measured in the tannins in the context of their use as tanning agents. In this context, the assays for the determination of total tannin polyphenols, non-tannin polyphenols, insoluble solids, soluble solids, total solids, total phenols and average molecular weight for tannins were performed. FTIR-UATR analysis was useful in characterizing and distinguishing tannins in their families of hydrolysates and condensates. The Mann-Whitney-U test showed that the insoluble solids, non-tannin polyphenols, soluble solids and total tannin polyphenols percentage distinguished well the groups of tannins that crossed the hide from those that didn´t. Hence, once the analysis of insoluble solids is the simplest and the most direct of them, it would be recommended to use this parameter to define a cutting range to distinguish the performance of tannins in leather tanning. The shrinkage temperature and distension tests in the leather also showed association with the leather cross-sectional results during tanning baths. Finally, the total color difference after exposure to UV light was also evaluated for the tanned hides with the vegetable tannins, and the hydrolysable tannins presented a smaller color difference or greater light fastness in comparison to the condensates.

No description available.

A study of the Taiwanese leather tanning industry is the basis of a critical reflection on the anthropological literature surrounding Chinese enterprises and a familistic "Chinese entrepreneurial ethic" which supposedly constrains their growth. Data gathered through historical research and in-depth interviews show that the growth of firms in the industry has not been inhibited by a familistic "entrepreneurial ethic." The structure of the industry has been far more influenced by Taiwan's history of incorporation into the world economy and the policies of modernizing governments, both under Japanese (1895--1945) and GMD rule (1945--present). The establishment of a market-friendly institutional context on Taiwan, including private property rights and contract law, has made it possible for some firms to grow from small family enterprises into relatively large corporations. At the firm level, organization of production into family or corporate firms is less influenced by a Chinese cultural essence than by the degree of capitalization available to firms and the type of product they produce. / The "entrepreneurial ethic" thesis not only fails to account for the empirical reality of the Taiwanese tanning industry. In the Taiwanese context, the discourse on Chinese family firms has political implications in terms of class, gender and nation on Taiwan. First of all, focus on the family has overlooked class- and gender-based inequalities in such enterprises. in chapters five through seven, therefore, this thesis draws attention to the roles of workers and women in the contemporary Taiwanese economy. Secondly, studies. of Taiwanese society as a reflection of Chinese culture neglect controversies within Taiwan about "Taiwanese identity" and national sovereignty. Chapter eight is thus an discussion of the competing nationalist discourses employed by the state and Taiwanese entrepreneurs. In conclusion, it is argued that cultural explanations of economic behavior have political implications which should be rendered transparent in the social scientific literature.

CNPQ / Compostos nitrogenados provenientes de efluentes líquidos de curtumes possuem um elevado potencial poluidor e são gerados, principalmente, na etapa de desencalagem do couro. Embora mantendo complexos sistemas de tratamento de efluentes líquidos, pode haver dificuldades em atender aos padrões de lançamento de 20 mg N NH3, previsto pela Legislação Ambiental Brasileira. Esta pesquisa buscou contribuir com o desenvolvimento de alternativas tecnológicas aplicadas à remoção da amônia, presente no efluente da etapa de desencalagem, seguida da recuperação do nitrogênio em lavador de gases. Na primeira etapa, foram realizados 30 experimentos com irradiação de micro-ondas por 1 min em forno doméstico adaptado 700 W e 4 min de aeração, seguindo planejamento estatístico do tipo Delineamento Composto Central Rotacional (DCCR). Variou se a potência de irradiação (Pot.%), vazão de ar (Qar), pH inicial (pH) e diluição do efluente (Conc.). A máxima eficiência de remoção de amônia foi de 94,9% com potência de irradiação 80%, vazão de ar 1,5 L min-1, pH 12 e diluição do efluente de 60%. A recuperação do nitrogênio, em lavador de gases (solução de ácido sulfúrico 0,2 M), foi próximo de 100%. Na segunda etapa, foram realizados 20 experimentos (DCCR) utilizando torre de air stripping alterando-se a vazão de ar (Qar), vazão do efluente (Qliq.) e pH inicial (pH). A máxima eficiência de remoção de amônia foi de 84,3% com vazão de ar 2400 L min-1, vazão de efluente 0,6 L min-1 e pH 11,4. O lavador de gases, constituído pela recirculação contínua e em contracorrente de solução de ácido sulfúrico 0,1 M, recuperou até 55% do nitrogênio. O pH influenciou decisivamente no desempenho dos dois sistemas testados, com os melhores valores na faixa de 11,4 – 12,0. / Nitrogenous compounds from liquid effluents from tannery have a high pollution potential and are generated mainly in the leather deliming process. While maintaining complex wastewater treatment systems, there may be difficulties in meeting the discharge standards of 20 mg N-NH3, provided by the Brazilian Environmental Legislation. This research sought to contribute to the development of alternative technologies applied to the removal of ammonia present in the effluent from the deliming process, followed by nitrogen recovery in scrubber. In the first step, 30 experiments were performed with microwave irradiation for 1 min at 700 W domestic microwave adapted and 4 min aeration, following statistical design type Rotatable Central Composite Design (RCCD). It was varied in irradiation power (Pot.%), air flow (Qar), initial pH (pH), and dilution of the effluent (Conc.). The maximum ammonia removal efficiency was 94,9% with 80% irradiation power, air flow 1,5 L min-1, pH 12 and dilution of the effluent 60%. Nitrogen recovery in the gas washer (sulfuric acid solution 0,2 M) was close to 100%. In the second stage, it was performed 20 experiments (RCCD) using air stripping tower changing the air flow (Qar), effluent flow (Qliq.) and initial pH (pH). The maximum efficiency of ammonia removal was 84,3% with airflow 2400 L min-1, effluent flow 0,6 L min-1 and pH 11,4. Scrubber, constituted by recirculation and continuous countercurrent sulfuric acid solution 0,1 M, recovered to 55% of nitrogen. The pH decisively influenced the performance of the two systems tested, with the best values in the range 11,4 to 12,0.

Neste estudo, avaliou-se a ocorrência de metais pesados em ambiente fluvial sob influência de curtumes - a bacia hidrográfica dos rios Cadeia e Feitoria (RS, Brasil), focalizando sua origem, distribuição e mobilidade potencial. Trimestralmente, entre julho/1999 e abril/2000, analisaram-se metais e parâmetros complementares em amostras de água e sedimento coletadas em dez locais. Após identificar os contaminantes e locais críticos (cromo e mercúrio, no trecho inferior do rio Feitoria), avaliaram-se também perfis sedimentares verticais e tecido muscular de peixes de fundo (Rineloricaria). As análises de água seguiram recomendações do Standard Methods, enquanto as demais basearam-se principalmente em métodos da agência de proteção ambiental dos Estados Unidos (USEPA) ou Comunidade Européia, buscando prever a disponibilidade potencial dos metais. Utilizou-se estatística descritiva e multivariada na análise dos dados, visando sintetizar informações e subsidiar a futura elaboração de um atlas ambiental. Rastreou-se o risco potencial de danos crônicos não carcinogênicos à saúde humana por ingestão de água e peixes contaminados, conforme metodologia recomendada pela USEPA.A ocorrência de metais vinculou-se a contribuições naturais e antropogênicas, representadas principalmente pela intemperização de basaltos e atividades de curtumes. Influenciada pela proximidade dos curtumes e flutuações na vazão, a qualidade das águas diminuiu ao longo dos rios e no período de menor disponibilidade hídrica (janeiro). Os teores de metais nas águas obedeceram aos padrões da legislação brasileira, exceto para alumínio, ferro e eventualmente manganês. Considerando a ingestão de água em cenário hipotético de alta exposição aos metais estudados (água bruta, picos de contaminação, cromo na forma hexavalente), verificouse uma potencial ausência do risco de efeitos adversos à saúde humana. Entretanto, a área sob maior influência de curtumes demonstrou considerável aumento desse risco, em comparação aos locais de referência. Nos sedimentos, as concentrações de alumínio, cobre, ferro, níquel, manganês, titânio e zinco pareceram refletir níveis basais, ao contrário de cromo e mercúrio, enriquecidos no trecho inferior da bacia. Além de condições de avançado intemperismo, os perfis sedimentares indicaram que as descargas de metais antropogênicos poderiam não estar restritas a atividades pretéritas. A partição dos metais nas fases geoquímicas dos sedimentos revelou maior mobilidade potencial do manganês em toda a bacia, seguido por cromo, na área de concentração de curtumes (predominantemente vinculado à fração oxidável). Ainda que em teores abaixo do recomendado pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (0,5 μg/g), observou-seacúmulo de mercúrio nos peixes, indicando condições ambientais favoráveis à sua metilação. Para reduzir efeitos tóxicos crônicos não carcinogênicos à saúde humana por exposição ao mercúrio, um eventual consumo do peixe estudado deveria ser restrito a 32 g/dia no trecho contaminado. Mesmo não sendo detectado nos peixes, o considerável aumento do teor de cromo nos sedimentos do trecho inferior da bacia sugeriu possibilidade de ocorrerem localmente outros efeitos prejudiciais à biota aquática. Uma potencial mobilização do cromo retido nos sedimentos estaria vinculada às condições redox do meio, enquanto o enxofre poderia condicionar a biodisponibilidade do mercúrio. Estudos posteriores são necessários para melhor entendimento dos processos de mobilização e bioacumulação de metais na área de estudo, envolvendo organismos de diferentes níveis tróficos. / This study evaluated the occurrence of heavy metals in a fluvial environment under the influence of tanneries – the Cadeia and Feitoria rivers watershed (RS, Brazil), phocusing their origin, distribution, and potential mobility. Every three months, between July 1999 and April 2000, selected heavy metals and ancillary parameters were analyzed in water and sediment samples taken at ten sites. After identifying the contaminants and sites of concern (chromium and mercury at the lower reach of Feitoria River), vertical sediment profiles and bottom-fish tissue (Rineloricaria) were also evaluated. Water analyses followed recommendations of the Standard Methods, while the remaining analyses were based mainly on methods from the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States (USEPA) and European Community, searching for estimating the potential availability of metals. Descriptive and multivariate statistics were applied to water and sediment data sets, in order to obtain a synthesis of the environmental diagnosis, and to support the elaboration of an environmental atlas. A risk assessment methodology recommended by USEPA was conducted at a screening level, in order to estimate the potential non-carcinogenic toxic effects to the human health arising from life-time consumption of contaminated water and fish.The results revealed that the heavy metals originate from natural and anthropogenic contributions, mainly resultant from the weathering of basalt rocks and tannery activities. The water quality decreased along both rivers, and during the dry period (January), showing the influence of tannery plants vicinity and flow variations. Except for iron, aluminum, and eventually manganese, heavy metal contents in water were generally in agreement with Brazilian standards. Despite considering the ingestion of water in a hypothetical scenario of high human exposure to the selected metals (untreated water, peaks of contamination, chromium in the hexavalent form), the risk screening indicated a potential absence of adverse toxicological health effects. However, in comparison to the reference sites, this risk considerably increased at the lower reach of Feitoria River, the most affected by tanneries. Concerning sediments, aluminum, copper, iron, nickel, manganese, titanium, and zinc concentrations appeared to reflect the base levels, in opposition to chromium and mercury, which were enriched in the lower part of the basin. The sediment profiles revealed an advanced weathering-stage, and also indicated that the anthropogenic discharges of heavy metals might not be strictly resultant from past activities. The partition of heavy metals among the sediment geochemical phases showed higher mobility of manganese along the basin, followed by chromium in thearea most affected by tanneries (predominantly associated to the oxidizable fraction). Although occurring in levels below the World Health Organization threshold for human consumption (0.5 μg/g), the accumulation of mercury in fish indicated that the prevailing environmental conditions could favor its methylation. Considering the methodology of risk assessment, an eventual consumption of the investigated fish should be restricted to 32 g/day at the lower reach of Feitoria River, in order to reduce the occurrence of non-carcinogenic toxic effects to the human health, arising from oral exposure to mercury. Although chromium was not detected in fish tissue, its considerable enrichment in sediments from the lower part of the basin indicated a potential occurrence of other hazardous effects on aquatic organisms. A potential mobilization of chromium from the contaminated sediments would be associated to the prevailing redox conditions, while the sulfur cycling could influence the bioavailability of mercury. Further research with organisms from distinct trophic levels is needed, in order to better understand the metal bioaccumulation processes that are taking place in the study area.