Ocimar Ferreira de Andrade

Introduction: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a class of petroleum‐derived compounds known for causing cellular damage and for their recalcitrant behavior, severely limit effective biodegradation. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) from oil‐contaminated environments can mitigate PAH‐related stress on host plants, highlighting the bioremediation potential of associations between native AMF and local plant species. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the role of native AMF–plant associations in the bioremediation of petroleum‐contaminated dune sand, using Ipomoea pes‐caprae as a model pioneer species. To this end, a native AMF inoculum derived from sandbars of the Restinga de Jurubatiba National Park, southeastern Brazil, was applied in a controlled experiment simulating an oil spill. Methods: The inoculum, propagated in trap pots, consisted of three dominant sporocarpic Glomus species native to the study area. Ipomoea pes‐caprae cuttings were rooted in vitro and transplanted into sterilized sandbar sediment. To simulate an oil spill, 8 g of petroleum were applied to each pot, with or without bioaugmentation (sediment + plant + AMF + oil [SPFO] and sediment + plant + oil treatments), over 48 days. Residual hydrocarbons were compared with a natural attenuation control (sediment + oil). Results: The bioaugmented treatment (SPFO) showed reductions in hydrocarbon concentrations, with 34.8% terpane degradation and 45.4% PAH degradation. PAH accumulation within intraroot fungal structures was confirmed through fluorescence microscopy and image analysis. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that AMF enhance the performance of I. pes‐caprae under petroleum contamination, strengthening plant–fungus interactions in coastal dunes. Native AMF improved early stabilization and supported the plant's capacity to cope with hydrocarbon stress, confirming their ecological relevance for restoring oil‐affected coastal systems.

A diversidade da flora endêmica e ameaçada do estado do Rio de Janeiro destaca-se por reunir 513 espécies, incluindo Pleroma hirsutissimum, recentemente redescoberta em Cabo Frio, e que estava classificada como criticamente em perigo (CR). Essa espécie, anteriormente conhecida como Tibouchina hirsutissima, foi realocada após uma revisão taxonômica. Partindo da última coleta documentada em 1982, realizamos esforços de busca direcionada na Região dos Lagos, os quais resultaram na identificação de novas populações. A região de Cabo Frio, reconhecida como enclave fitogeográfico, é vital para a conservação da biodiversidade, mas enfrenta ameaças devido à expansão urbana. O redescobrimento de P. hirsutissimum, em 2020, na Praia do Peró, desencadeou ações de conservação, incluindo a identificação de novas populações em áreas de dunas e pós-praia próximas de áreas alagadiças e a inserção de registros atualizados nos herbários do estado. Algumas ações de conservação foram desenvolvidas; entretanto, ainda há necessidade urgente de medidas de conservação das espécies nas restingas do Rio de Janeiro, evidenciada pela pressão da especulação imobiliária e de espécies exóticas invasoras.

Bacterial biofilms on different types of microplastics in aquatic environments have become an increasing ecological and public health concern. In this context, this study investigated biofilm formation on virgin and aged microplastics under marine conditions. Serratia marcescens biofilm formation was observed on both virgin and aged polyethylene particles after 7 days, with no significant changes by day 14. Concerning polypropylene microplastics, biofilms developed on aged particles but were not detectable on virgin particles, likely due to interference from the polypropylene red color matching S. marcescens cells. In contrast, expanded polystyrene spheres showed an initial biofilm formation that dissipated by day 14, potentially due to toxic residues from photooxidation, including potential styrene monomers and other chemical additives, inhibiting biofilm persistence. These findings indicate differences in biofilm formation across microplastics types, which may influence microplastic buoyancy and ecological impacts. Thus, microplastic color and additives should be considered in future studies on microplastics biofilm formation and biofouling.

As fontes contaminantes relacionadas à exploração, à produção, ao armazenamento, ao transporte, à distribuição e à destinação final de petróleo e seus derivados trazem riscos que ameaçam ambientes litorâneos frágeis, pouco estudados e que necessitam de atenção da comunidade científica.