Effects of contamination with toxic metals on the environmental quality of Sepetiba Bay (SE Brazil): The case of Ingá Company

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address the case of toxic metal contamination of Sepetiba Bay caused by the Inga Company. The paper reviews the history of the contamination and discusses the current presence of metals in the bay sediments, demonstrating that the toxic metals are clearly enriched. Sepetiba Bay is prone to significant dredging activities that make metals available in the food chain, affecting human populations, mainly fishermen communities. Design/methodology/approach – The study presents the case of the Inga Company based on international literature and data provided by previous studies. Findings – Through the analysis and compilation of diverse data from the literature, this study demonstrates that the Inga Company is a major source of Cd, Pb and Zn due to its calamine processing activities used to obtain high purity Zn. Originality/value – This study highlights important research to complete the historical scenario of heavy metal contamination of the Sepetiba Bay by Inga Compan...

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