LAUSR

In August 2019, the Brazilian Northeast coast was hit by the largest environmental disaster caused by oil spill (petroleum) in its history, with the first record (30th) in Paraíba 1. Since then, the leak has spread to over 70% of the 3,300 kilometers of other northeastern states, reaching almost 500 locations in early November 2. Until late November, assumptions regarding the source of the leak have not yet been confirmed by the government. According to Santos et al. 3, major offshore hydrocarbon oil transportation routes pass by reef environments. Large freighters carry more than 2x106 tons across the world, representing a high risk of oil leakage in and around this particular ecosystem. Crude oil is a mixture of thousands of molecules and several concurrent processes occur when it comes into contact with seawater. Smaller molecules (higher volatility such as benzene, toluene and xylene) tend to evaporate rapidly into the atmosphere within the first week. Simultaneously, solubilization, dispersion in the water column and spreading by currents and tides are initiated. Moreover, the processes of emulsification (“water in oil” type mousse), biodegradation, photochemical oxidation and sedimentation also occur 4. These pollutants include aromatic and aliphatic compounds and may contain heavy metals among other substances extremely harmful to human health 5.