Effects of acid mine drainage (AMD) were investigated in surface waters (Laranjinha River and Ribeirão das Pedras stream) and groundwaters from a coal mining area sampled in two different seasons at Figueira city, Paraná State, Brazil. The spatial data distribution indicated that the acid effluents favor the chemical elements leaching and transport from the tailings pile into the superficial water bodies or aquifers, modifying their quality. The acid groundwaters in both sampling periods (dry: pH 2.94-6.04; rainy: pH 3.25-6.63) were probably due to the AMD generation and infiltration, after the oxidation of sulfide minerals. Such acid effluents cause an increase of the solubilization rate of metals, mainly iron and aluminum, contributing to both groundwater and surface water contamination. Sulfate in high levels is a result of waters' pollution due to AMD. In some cases, high sulfate and low iron contents, associated with less acidic pH values, could indicate that AMD, previously generated, is nowadays being neutralized. The chemistry of the waters affected by AMD is controlled by the pH, sulfide minerals' oxidation, oxygen, iron content, and microbial activity. It is also influenced by seasonal variations that allow the occurrence of dissolution processes and the concentration of some chemical elements. Under the perspective of the waters' quality evaluation, the parameters such as conductivity, dissolved sodium, and sulfate concentrations acted as AMD indicators of groundwaters and surface waters affected by acid effluents.

Based on Global Network Isotopes in Precipitation (GNIP) isotopic data set, a review of the spatial and temporal variability of δO and δH in precipitation was conducted throughout central and eastern Brazil, indicating that dynamic interactions between Intertropical and South Atlantic Convergence Zones, Amazon rainforest, and Atlantic Ocean determine the variations on the isotopic composition of precipitation over this area. Despite the seasonality and latitude effects observed, a fair correlation with precipitation amount was found. In addition, Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) air mass back trajectories were used to quantify the factors controlling daily variability in stable isotopes in precipitation. Through a linear multiple regression analysis, it was observed that temporal variations were consistent with the meteorological parameters derived from HYSPLIT, particularly precipitation amount along the trajectory and mix depth, but are not dependent on vapour residence time in the atmosphere. These findings also indicate the importance of convective systems to control the isotopic composition of precipitation in tropical and subtropical regions.

Airborne mineral aerosols emitted in high-latitude regions can impact radiative forcing, biogeochemical cycling of metals, and local air quality. The impact of dust emissions in these regions may change rapidly, as warming temperatures can increase mineral dust production and source regions. As there exists little research on mineral dust emissions in high-latitude regions, we have performed the first study of the physico-chemical properties of mineral dust emitted from a sub-Arctic proglacial dust source, using a method tailored to the remote conditions of the Canadian North. Soil and aerosol samples (PM 10 and deposited mineral dust) were collected in May 2018 near the € A'€ ay Ch u (Slims River), a site exhibiting strong dust emissions. WHO air quality thresholds were exceeded at several receptor sites near the dust source, indicating a negative impact on local air quality. Notably, temporally averaged particle size distributions of PM 10 were very fine as compared to those measured at more well-characterized, low-latitude dust sources. In addition, mineralogy and elemental composition of ambient PM 10 were characterized; PM 10 elemental composition was enriched in trace elements as compared to dust deposition, bulk soil samples, and the fine soil fractions (d < 53 mm). Finally, through a comparison of the elemental composition of PM 10 , dust deposition, and both fine and bulk soil fractions, as well as of meteorological factors measured during our campaign, we propose that the primary mechanisms for dust emissions from the € A'€ ay Ch u Valley are the rupture of clay coatings on particles and/or the release of resident fine particulate matter.

Nanoparticles based on biodegradable polymers have been shown to be excellent herbicide carriers, improving weed control and protecting the active ingredient in the crop fields. Metribuzin is often found in natural waters, which raises environmental concerns. Nanoencapsulation of this herbicide could be an alternative to reduce its losses to the environment and improve gains in its efficiency. However, there is a paucity of information about the behavior of nanoformulations of herbicides in environmental matrices. In this study, the stability of nanoencapsulated metribuzin in polymeric nanoparticles (nanoMTZ) was verified over time, as well as its dissipation in different soils, followed by the effects on soil enzymatic activity. The physiological parameters and control effects of nanoMTZ on Ipomoea grandifolia plants were investigated. No differences were verified in the half-life of nanoencapsulated metribuzin compared to a commercial formulation of the herbicide. Moreover, no suppressive effects on soil enzymatic activities were observed. The retention of nanoMTZ in the tested soils was lower compared to its commercial analogue. However, the mobility of nanoencapsulated metribuzin was not greatly increased, reflecting a low risk of groundwater contamination. Weed control was effective even at the lowest dose of nanoMTZ (48 g a.i. ha–1), which was consistent with the higher efficiency of nanoMTZ compared to the conventional herbicide in inhibiting PSII activity and decreasing pigment levels. Overall, we verified that nanoMTZ presented a low environmental risk, with increased weed control.

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