Mining is of great relevance to the global economy, but its activities are challenging due to socio-environmental impacts. In January 2019, an iron ore tailings dam collapsed in Brumadinho (Minas ...Gerais, Brazil) releasing 12 × 106 m3 of tailings, causing human losses and devastation around 3.13 × 106 m2 of a watershed. In this context, the present study aimed to investigate the potential toxic effects of tailings from the collapsed dam using earthworms Eisenia andrei as a model organism for terrestrial environments. An extensive set of tests was performed, including behavioral (avoidance), acute (mortality and biomass) and chronic tests, such as biomass, reproduction and cytotoxicity (viability and cell density and change in coelomocyte pattern). The physical-chemical characterization revealed a higher density of the tailings in relation to the control soil, which can result in physical changes, such as soil compaction and surface sealing. Aluminum, Ca, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, K, Na and P registered higher concentrations in the tailings compared to the control soil, while Total Nitrogen, Total Organic Carbon and Organic Matter were higher in the natural soil. Based on the avoidance test, an EC50 of 27.18 ± 2.83% was estimated. No lethality was observed in the acute exposure, nor variations in biomass in the acute and chronic assays. However, there was a tendency to reduce the number of juveniles in relation to cocoons in the proportions of 3125; 12.5 and 25%. Significant changes in viability, cell density and pattern of amebocytes and eleocytes were observed up to the 35th day of exposure. A multi-biomarker approach (Integrated Biological Response version 2) indicated concentration-dependent effects and attenuation of cellular changes over time. These are the first results of chronic effects on earthworms exposed to tailings from the B1 dam. Despite being conclusive, we highlight the possible heterogeneity of the tailings and the necessary care in extrapolating the results.
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•Lethality and biomass changes were not observed in acute exposure.•First assessment of chronic effects on earthworms exposed to the tailings.•Changes in viability, cell density and coelomocyte pattern were observed.•Chronic effects at the cellular level decreased over time.•A multi-biomarker approach indicated concentration-dependent effects.
The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) can occur in both preserved and anthropogenic environments in Brazilian biomes. The Cerrado biome, where the samples were collected, is considered one of ...the world’s biodiversity hotspots; however, a large part of it has been converted to pasture and agricultural land. In this environment, animals may be exposed to contaminants, such as mercury (Hg). Despite its immense biodiversity, there are few studies investigating Hg contamination in terrestrial mammals in Brazil. This study aimed to create a baseline for Hg levels in giant anteater fur and establish which biotic and abiotic variables can influence its concentration. Total Hg (THg) concentrations were determined by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry in 141 individuals sampled on highways between January and October 2017, in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. THg concentrations in fur ranged from 0.27 to 4.77 μg g −1. The decomposition stage of the carcasses and vehicular traffic volume on highways did not influence the THg concentrations. Juveniles presented lower THg concentrations than adults. A spatial pattern of higher concentrations in the eastern-southeastern region of the state was found, which could be related to anthropogenic impacts; however, no clear links have been established. The THg concentrations in giant anteaters’ fur seems higher than expected considering the trophic position of the species. Despite this, the range was in accordance with studies of other Brazilian terrestrial mammals and within safe threshold levels. This study indicates the potential of utilizing roadkilled fauna to monitor large-scale contamination in wildlife.
•This is the first report of Hg levels in giant anteaters.•The median value of THg concentrations in fur was 1.45 μg g−1.•Carcass decomposition stage of giant anteaters does not influence Hg fur concentrations.•Juveniles showed lower THg concentrations compared to adults.
ABSTRACT This is the first study to investigate mercury (Hg) contamination in felid species in the Brazilian Amazon. We collected 26 fur samples from wild felids of four species (Puma concolor, ...Panthera onca, Leopardus pardalis and Leopardus wiedii) occurring in the Mamirauá and Amanã sustainable development reserves, in the state of Amazonas. Samples were from museum specimens, except for five P. onca samples collected from free-living individuals. Total Hg concentrations ranged from 0.12 to 48.1 µg g-1. Concentrations of Hg did not differ significantly between museum specimens and live individuals of P. onca, but varied significantly among species, with significantly higher concentrations for P. onca and L. pardalis, which could be related to factors such as diet and habitat.
RESUMO Este é o primeiro estudo a investigar a contaminação por mercúrio (Hg) em espécies de felinos na Amazônia brasileira. Foram coletadas 26 amostras de pelo de felinos selvagens de quatro espécies (Puma concolor, Panthera onca, Leopardus pardalis e Leopardus wiedii) ocorrendo nas reservas de desenvolvimento sustentável Mamirauá e Amanã, no estado do Amazonas. As amostras foram coletadas de espécimes de museu, exceto cinco amostras de P. onca obtidas de indivíduos capturados em vida livre. As concentrações de Hg variaram de 0,12 a 48,1 µg g-1. Não houve diferença significativa entre a concentração de Hg no pelo de espécimes de museu e de indivíduos vivos de P. onca. Houve variação significativa entre espécies, sendo que P. onca e L. pardalis tiveram concentrações significativamente mais altas, o que pode estar relacionado a fatores como dieta e hábitat.
The present study evaluates mercury (Hg) toxicokinetics in Perna perna (L.) mussels from tropical bays through transplantation experiments. The mussels were transplanted from Guanabara Bay (GB) to ...Ilha Grande Bay (IGB). The experiments were carried out in December 2008 (experiment 1) and June 2009 (experiment 2). Both experiments lasted one month. In the experiment 2, the transplanted animals (77 + or - 8 microg x kg.sup.-1) showed a significant increase in Hg concentrations and exhibited significantly higher Hg concentrations than the animals that remained in GB (41 + or - 4 microg x kg.sup.-1). Despite this increase in mercury levels, the transplanted animals have not achieved the Hg concentrations of IGB resident animals (100 + or - 11 microg x kg.sup.-1). These results suggest that individuals of this species rapidly incorporated Hg in tropical estuaries. Keywords: bioavailability; biomonitoring; bivalve; metal; tropical bays
Nowadays, a wide range of ecosystems are under anthropogenic disturbance. Aquatic organisms are exposed to a large number of toxic substances and can be used for environmental monitoring. Zinc, ...copper and iron are essential metals, however, in high concentrations have toxic effects. This study investigated the concentration of these elements in fish muscle from Tapajos river basin to estimate human exposure and its spatial variation along the Tapajos river. Fish (n = 129) from four areas along 400 km of the Tapajos river (Bubure, Itaituba, Alter do Chao and Santarem) were assessed. Metal concentrations were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometry after acid mineralization. Zinc, copper and iron concentrations in fish ranged from 2 to 15 microg x g.sup.-1 wet weight (w.w.), 1 to 4 microg x g.sup.-1 w.w. and 5 to 286 microg x g.sup.-1 w.w., respectively. The concentrations of these elements were below the maximum residue level permitted in food established by the Brazilian legislations (ANVISA). The estimated daily ingestion values of the three elements did not exceed the reference value proposed by World Health Organization based on a diet composed of these fish species. Zinc, copper and iron are essentials, therefore, there is also a recommendation of the minimum daily ingestion to avoid deficiency. Considering a daily consumption of 200 g of these fish, the population no reaches of the recommended minimum value of these elements. Keywords: amazon; bioavailability; heavy metals; human consumption
The worldwide massive use of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and mercury (Hg) is taken as an environmental threat due to their high toxicity, potential for long-range transport, bioaccumulation and ...persistence. Both, OCPs and Hg, were widely used in the Brazilian Amazon region and deserve more attention in terms of environmental and public health. Focusing on expanding the knowledge about impacted areas and its consequences for local people, this study measured concentrations of OCPs and Hg in catfish (Ageneiosus brevifilis) samples. Moreover, a non-target analysis of organohalogen contaminants was carried out by means of full-scan screening. DDT and methylmercury showed the highest concentration values, ranging from 101 to 2061 microg kg.sup.-1 w.w. and 629 to 2009 microg kg.sup.-1 w.w., respectively. Pentachloroanisole was the only non-target organohalogenated compound identified and it was present in all samples. Estimated daily intake values did not exceed the safe reference limits proposed by the World Health Organization for OCPs, with the exception in some cases of heptachlor. On the other hand, the safe reference value of methylmercury was surpassed in all the fish samples. Results dismiss a recent input of OCPs due to greater contribution of pesticide metabolites, however, they point out a health risk hazard to riparian people. The concentrations of methylmercury and total dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, were up to one order of importance higher than other contaminants, which endorses that this region is still a hotspot for these contaminants. Keywords: estimated daily intake; organohalogen contaminants; persistent organic pollutants; risk assessment
Water bodies can be considered the ultimate receptor of pollutants produced or remobilized as a result of anthropogenic activities. Whereas diffuse pollution occurs throughout the Piabanha river ...basin, the aim of this work was to evaluate the distribution of trace elements and persistent organic pollutants in its sediments over time and space, gathering information to assess the risks to the ecosystem and the population. And also to provide data to orient governmental institutions management of water resources in this region. The levels of organic pollutants highlight the influence of the historical use of pesticides in farming and industrial activities, mainly for Posse (203.36 ng/g dry weight) and Fagundes river (198.33 ng/g d.w) during the dry season and Moura Brazil (77.50 ng/g d.w) and Garagem (77.06 ng/g d.w) in the rainy season. In relation to available trace elements, the most contaminated locations were within and around Petropolis center, possibly by industrial and domestic effluents, where Liceu (44-245 microg/g d.w) and Garagem (15-189 microg/g d.w) showed the highest concentrations of zinc. Furthermore, Liceu (5-58 microg/g d.w) also excelled in concentrations of lead. Cadmium was the element with major contribution to the contamination of the locations studied (Geoaccumulation index from 3 to 5 in all collected points), mainly because of its high mobility and the river flow. In addition, Poco do Ferreira river presented trace elements levels that exceeds the level 2 of the National Environment Council (CONAMA) classification. The authors highlight the need for a monitoring program on this region for the contaminants analyzed. Keywords: anthropic activities; geoaccumulation index; organochlorine pesticides; polychlorinated biphenyls; trace elements
The worldwide massive use of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and mercury (Hg) is taken as an environmental threat due to their high toxicity, potential for long-range transport, bioaccumulation and ...persistence. Both, OCPs and Hg, were widely used in the Brazilian Amazon region and deserve more attention in terms of environmental and public health. Focusing on expanding the knowledge about impacted areas and its consequences for local people, this study measured concentrations of OCPs and Hg in catfish (Ageneiosus brevifilis) samples. Moreover, a non-target analysis of organohalogen contaminants was carried out by means of full-scan screening. DDT and methylmercury showed the highest concentration values, ranging from 101 to 2061 µg kg-1 w.w. and 629 to 2009 µg kg-1 w.w., respectively. Pentachloroanisole was the only non-target organohalogenated compound identified and it was present in all samples. Estimated daily intake values did not exceed the safe reference limits proposed by the World Health Organization for OCPs, with the exception in some cases of heptachlor. On the other hand, the safe reference value of methylmercury was surpassed in all the fish samples. Results dismiss a recent input of OCPs due to greater contribution of pesticide metabolites, however, they point out a health risk hazard to riparian people. The concentrations of methylmercury and total dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, were up to one order of importance higher than other contaminants, which endorses that this region is still a hotspot for these contaminants. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17807/orbital.v10i4.1071
Water bodies can be considered the ultimate receptor of pollutants produced or remobilized as a result of anthropogenic activities. Whereas diffuse pollution occurs throughout the Piabanha river ...basin, the aim of this work was to evaluate the distribution of trace elements and persistent organic pollutants in its sediments over time and space, gathering information to assess the risks to the ecosystem and the population. And also to provide data to orient governmental institutions management of water resources in this region. The levels of organic pollutants highlight the influence of the historical use of pesticides in farming and industrial activities, mainly for Posse (203.36 ng/g dry weight) and Fagundes river (198.33 ng/g d.w) during the dry season and Moura Brazil (77.50 ng/g d.w) and Garagem (77.06 ng/g d.w) in the rainy season. In relation to available trace elements, the most contaminated locations were within and around Petrópolis center, possibly by industrial and domestic effluents, where Liceu (44-245 µg/g d.w) and Garagem (15-189 µg/g d.w) showed the highest concentrations of zinc. Furthermore, Liceu (5-58 µg/g d.w) also excelled in concentrations of lead. Cadmium was the element with major contribution to the contamination of the locations studied (Geoaccumulation index from 3 to 5 in all collected points), mainly because of its high mobility and the river flow. In addition, Poço do Ferreira river presented trace elements levels that exceeds the level 2 of the National Environment Council (CONAMA) classification. The authors highlight the need for a monitoring program on this region for the contaminants analyzed.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17807/orbital.v10i4.1084
Nowadays, a wide range of ecosystems are under anthropogenic disturbance. Aquatic organisms are exposed to a large number of toxic substances and can be used for environmental monitoring. Zinc, ...copper and iron are essential metals, however, in high concentrations have toxic effects. This study investigated the concentration of these elements in fish muscle from Tapajós river basin to estimate human exposure and its spatial variation along the Tapajós river. Fish (n = 129) from four areas along 400 km of the Tapajós river (Buburé, Itaituba, Alter do Chão and Santarém) were assessed. Metal concentrations were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometry after acid mineralization. Zinc, copper and iron concentrations in fish ranged from 2 to 15 μg.g-1 wet weight (w.w.), 1 to 4 μg.g-1 w.w. and 5 to 286 μg.g-1 w.w., respectively. The concentrations of these elements were below the maximum residue level permitted in food established by the Brazilian legislations (ANVISA). The estimated daily ingestion values of the three elements did not exceed the reference value proposed by World Heath Organization based on a diet composed of these fish species. Zinc, copper and iron are essentials, therefore, there is also a recommendation of the minimum daily ingestion to avoid deficiency. Considering a daily consumption of 200 g of these fish, the population no reaches of the recommended minimum value of these elements.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17807/orbital.v10i4.1066
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