Functional Feeding Group composition and attributes: evaluation of freshwater ecosystems in Atlantic Forest, Brazil / Composição e atributos de Grupos Funcionais Alimentares: avaliação de ecossistemas de água doce na Mata Atlântica, Brasil

Abstract: Benthic macroinvertebrates Functional Feeding Group (FFG) have been used to determine aquatic assemblage dynamics and as a biomonitoring tool. The main goals of this study were to assess the effects of stream variables on the abundance and richness of FFGs and evaluate ecosystem attributes (FFG ratios) as a tool to assess ecological conditions of Atlantic Rainforest streams. We sampled 146 sites with different impairment conditions in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Richness was significantly different among impairment conditions for all FFGs. Mixed-effect models show that aquatic macroinvertebrate FFGs differed in their responses to abiotic variables for abundance and richness. Also, they were reduced in the impaired sites when compared to intermediate and reference sites. The FFG ratio indicated significant differences along the impairment gradient. The FFG ratio analysis was shown to be a fast and cheap tool that can be used for monitoring aquatic ecosystems in the Atlantic Forest biome. However, further studies are required to calibrate the method specifically for the Atlantic Forest region.

Resumo: Os Grupos Funcionais de Alimentação (GFA) são utilizados para determinar a dinâmica da comunidade de macroinvertebrados bentônicos e como uma ferramenta de biomonitoramento. Os principais objetivos deste estudo foram: avaliar os efeitos de variáveis de riacho na abundância e riqueza de GFAs e os atributos do ecossistema (razão GFA) como uma ferramenta para avaliar as condições ecológicas dos córregos da Mata Atlântica. Foram amostrados 146 locais com diferentes condições de impacto no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. A riqueza foi significativamente diferente com as condições de impacto entre todos os GFA. Os modelos de efeito misto mostraram que os GFA diferiam em suas respostas às variáveis abióticas quanto à abundância e riqueza. Além disso, eles diferem nas áreas impactadas quando comparados as áreas intermediária e de referência. A razão de GFA encontrou diferenças significativas ao longo do gradiente de impacto. A análise da razão de GFA evidenciou-se uma ferramenta rápida e barata, com potencial para ser utilizada no monitoramento de ecossistemas aquáticos no bioma Mata Atlântica. No entanto, mais estudos serão necessários para calibrar o método especificamente para a região da Mata Atlântica.

[A protocol for evaluating the probability of the recreational use of rivers and its application in risk analysis]. / Protocolo de avaliação da probabilidade de uso recreativo de rios e sua aplicação para análise de risco.

Contaminated waters constitute health risks not only due to direct consumption, but also in recreational use. Risk analysis strategies aim to reduce the instances of contaminations and must include the population's perceptions and willingness to assume risks. A rapid and simple method was developed to evaluate the probability of use of recreational waters. Interviews were conducted in municipalities with different ecological conditions, in order to define the factors used by people to decide to use, or otherwise, river waters. After analyzing the results, the "Índice de Probabilidade de Uso Recreativo de Águas (I-PURA)" was elaborated and tested. The index was then employed at 26 river locations representing five of the nine hydrographic regions of Rio de Janeiro state. The frequency of use, water contamination and a Habitat Assessment Visual Index (IAH) was also measured. The I-PURA was correlated with the frequency of use. Furthermore, the I-PURA was not correlated with IAH, showing that user perceptions are different from purely ecological aspects. This tool offers useful information for risk assessment and environmental management. Sites with a high probability of use, or observed use, that are highly contaminated should be prioritized for interventions.

Águas contaminadas representam um risco à saúde não somente pelo consumo direto, mas também pelo uso recreativo. Estratégias de análise de risco visam à redução dos casos de contaminação e devem incorporar as percepções e aceitação das pessoas em assumir riscos. Um método rápido e simplificado foi desenvolvido para avaliar a probabilidade do uso de águas recreativas. Foram realizadas entrevistas em municípios com condições ecológicas distintas, para elencar fatores que embasam a decisão das pessoas pelo uso dos rios. Em seguida, foi elaborado e realizado pré-teste do Índice de Probabilidade de Uso Recreativo de Águas (I-PURA) que, após ajuste, foi aplicado em 26 balneários de 5 das 9 regiões hidrográficas do estado do Rio de Janeiro. Foram medidas, ainda, a frequência de uso, a contaminação bacteriana da água e um índice de avaliação do habitat (IAH). O I-PURA foi correlacionado à frequência de uso, mas não com o IAH, evidenciando que a percepção dos usuários é diferente de aspectos puramente ecológicos. Este método contribui com a análise de risco e manejo dos recursos hídricos. Locais em que há alta probabilidade de uso, ou uso observado, e alta contaminação são estratégicos para intervenção.

Protocolo de avaliação da probabilidade de uso recreativo de rios e sua aplicação para análise de risco / A protocol for evaluating the probability of the recreational use of rivers and its application in risk analysis

Resumo Águas contaminadas representam um risco à saúde não somente pelo consumo direto, mas também pelo uso recreativo. Estratégias de análise de risco visam à redução dos casos de contaminação e devem incorporar as percepções e aceitação das pessoas em assumir riscos. Um método rápido e simplificado foi desenvolvido para avaliar a probabilidade do uso de águas recreativas. Foram realizadas entrevistas em municípios com condições ecológicas distintas, para elencar fatores que embasam a decisão das pessoas pelo uso dos rios. Em seguida, foi elaborado e realizado pré-teste do Índice de Probabilidade de Uso Recreativo de Águas (I-PURA) que, após ajuste, foi aplicado em 26 balneários de 5 das 9 regiões hidrográficas do estado do Rio de Janeiro. Foram medidas, ainda, a frequência de uso, a contaminação bacteriana da água e um índice de avaliação do habitat (IAH). O I-PURA foi correlacionado à frequência de uso, mas não com o IAH, evidenciando que a percepção dos usuários é diferente de aspectos puramente ecológicos. Este método contribui com a análise de risco e manejo dos recursos hídricos. Locais em que há alta probabilidade de uso, ou uso observado, e alta contaminação são estratégicos para intervenção.

Abstract Contaminated waters constitute health risks not only due to direct consumption, but also in recreational use. Risk analysis strategies aim to reduce the instances of contaminations and must include the population's perceptions and willingness to assume risks. A rapid and simple method was developed to evaluate the probability of use of recreational waters. Interviews were conducted in municipalities with different ecological conditions, in order to define the factors used by people to decide to use, or otherwise, river waters. After analyzing the results, the "Índice de Probabilidade de Uso Recreativo de Águas (I-PURA)" was elaborated and tested. The index was then employed at 26 river locations representing five of the nine hydrographic regions of Rio de Janeiro state. The frequency of use, water contamination and a Habitat Assessment Visual Index (IAH) was also measured. The I-PURA was correlated with the frequency of use. Furthermore, the I-PURA was not correlated with IAH, showing that user perceptions are different from purely ecological aspects. This tool offers useful information for risk assessment and environmental management. Sites with a high probability of use, or observed use, that are highly contaminated should be prioritized for interventions.

Triclocarban: UV photolysis, wastewater disinfection, and ecotoxicity assessment using molecular biomarkers.

Triclocarban (TCC) is an antibacterial agent found in pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCP). It is potentially bioaccumulative and an endocrine disruptor, being classified as a contaminant of emerging concern (CEC). In normal uses, approximately 96% of the used TCC can be washed down the drain going into the sewer system and eventually enter in the aquatic environment. UV photolysis can be used to photodegrade TCC and ecotoxicity assays could indicate the photodegradation efficiency, since the enormous structural diversity of photoproducts and their low concentrations do not always allow to identify and quantify them. In this work, the TCC was efficiently degraded by UVC direct photolysis and the ecotoxicity of the UV-treated mixtures was investigated. Bioassays indicates that Daphnia similis (48 h EC50 = 0.044 µM) was more sensitive to TCC than Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata (72 h IC50 = 1.01 µM). TCC and its photoproducts caused significant effects on Eisenia andrei biochemical responses (catalase and glutathione-S-transferase); 48 h was a critical exposure time, since GST reached the highest activity values. UVC reduced the TCC toxic effect after 120 min. Furthermore, TCC was photodegraded in domestic wastewater which was simultaneously disinfected for total coliform bacterial (TCB) (360 min) and Escherichia coli (60 min). Graphical abstract TCC degradation and ecotoxicological assessment.

Not so simple as it seems: tackling climate change and implementing the sustainable development goals in the Americas

Human activities are causing unprecedented changes in the climate, and threatening environmental processes. This may seem a simple statement, but in order to make it, a great amount of scientific information was necessary. There is overwhelming evidence of the burden of disease from environmental risks (1). This burden is expected to increase with the changing climate. Anthropogenic drivers have been detected throughout the climate system and are extremely likely to be the dominant cause of the observed warming since the mid-20th century (2). This rapid changing climate poses direct human health challenges, and also indirect health effects due to disruptions and shifts in the services provided by the ecosystems (3). The “business-as-usual” approach has proven to fail to tackle those complex problems; thus, a new systemic approach is necessary, one that deals not only with those issues, but that is inclusive, universal, and that promotes health equity...

Evaluation of simple diffusion chlorinators for decontamination of wells in a rural settlement in Amazonia, Brazil.

While the Amazon region has the world's largest reserve of fresh water, the lack of water services and water treatment, especially in non-urban regions, causes environmental and health problems. In isolated rural settlements supply is usually by shallow wells, and the quality of water is a concern for residents. These are situations where there are restricted options for water treatment. This study aimed to assess the use of simplified diffusion chlorinators as an alternative water treatment method. Bacteriological analyses were made of 100 samples of water from the wells, before and after application of the chlorinators, in the Rural Settlement of Rio Pardo, Presidente Figueiredo in the Brazilian State of Amazonas. The sources that were analyzed were considered inappropriate for consumption without prior treatment, and the use of the chlorinators eliminated all contamination by thermotolerant coliforms in the great majority of cases. Also, the method was well received by residents, because it does not leave a taste in the water, is relatively low-cost and handling is easy. We discuss the advantages and limitations of the use of this method of treatment for this social-environmental context and present suggestions for improvement and adaptation, for application of this methodology in other settlements.

Avaliação de cloradores simplificados por difusão para descontaminação de água de poços em assentamento rural na Amazônia, Brasil / Evaluation of simple diffusion chlorinators for decontamination of wells in a rural settlement in Amazonia, Brazil

Resumo Apesar da região amazônica abrigar a maior reserva de água doce do planeta, a falta de saneamento e de tratamento de água, sobretudo na zona rural, causa problemas ambientais e de saúde. Em assentamentos rurais isolados, o abastecimento geralmente é feito por poços rasos (cacimbões) e a qualidade da água é uma preocupação dos moradores. Nestes casos, as opções de tratamento de água são restritas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o uso de cloradores simplificados por difusão como método alternativo de tratamento de água. Foram realizadas análises bacteriológicas de 100 amostras de água dos poços, antes e após a aplicação dos cloradores, no Assentamento Rural do Rio Pardo, Presidente Figueiredo (AM). As fontes analisadas foram consideradas inadequadas para consumo sem tratamento prévio, e o uso dos cloradores zerou a contaminação por coliformes termotolerantes, na grande maioria dos casos. Além disso, o método teve boa receptividade pelos moradores por não conferir sabor à água de consumo, por ter relativo baixo custo e ser de fácil manuseio. Discutimos as vantagens e as limitações do uso deste método de tratamento para esse contexto socioambiental e apresentamos sugestões de melhoria e adaptação para a aplicação desta metodologia em outros assentamentos.

Abstract While the Amazon region has the world’s largest reserve of fresh water, the lack of water services and water treatment, especially in non-urban regions, causes environmental and health problems. In isolated rural settlements supply is usually by shallow wells, and the quality of water is a concern for residents. These are situations where there are restricted options for water treatment. This study aimed to assess the use of simplified diffusion chlorinators as an alternative water treatment method. Bacteriological analyses were made of 100 samples of water from the wells, before and after application of the chlorinators, in the Rural Settlement of Rio Pardo, Presidente Figueiredo in the Brazilian State of Amazonas. The sources that were analyzed were considered inappropriate for consumption without prior treatment, and the use of the chlorinators eliminated all contamination by thermotolerant coliforms in the great majority of cases. Also, the method was well received by residents, because it does not leave a taste in the water, is relatively low-cost and handling is easy. We discuss the advantages and limitations of the use of this method of treatment for this social-environmental context and present suggestions for improvement and adaptation, for application of this methodology in other settlements.

Insecticide concentrations in stream sediments of soy production regions of South America.

Concentrations of 17 insecticides were measured in sediments collected from 53 streams in soy production regions of South America (Argentina in 2011-2014, Paraguay and Brazil in 2013) during peak application periods. Although environmental regulations are quite different in each country, commonly used insecticides were detected at high frequencies in all regions. Maximum concentrations (and detection frequencies) for each sampling event ranged from: 1.2-7.4 ng/g dw chlorpyrifos (56-100%); 0.9-8.3 ng/g dw cypermethrin (20-100%); 0.42-16.6 ng/g dw lambda-cyhalothrin (60-100%); and, 0.49-2.1 ng/g dw endosulfan (13-100%). Other pyrethroids were detected less frequently. Banned organochlorines were most frequently detected in Brazil. In all countries, cypermethrin and/or lambda-cyhalothrin toxic units (TUs), based on Hyalella azteca LC50 bioassays, were occasionally>0.5 (indicating likely acute toxicity), while TUs for other insecticides were <0.5. All samples with total insecticide TU>1 were collected from streams with riparian buffer width<20 m. A multiple regression analysis that included five landscape and habitat predictor variables for the Brazilian streams examined indicated that buffer width was the most important predictor variable in explaining total insecticide TU values. While Brazil and Paraguay require forested stream buffers, there were no such regulations in the Argentine pampas, where buffer widths were smaller. Multiple insecticides were found in almost all stream sediment samples in intensive soy production regions, with pyrethroids most often occurring at acutely toxic concentrations, and the greatest potential for insecticide toxicity occurring in streams with minimum buffer width<20 m.

Saúde na Agenda de Desenvolvimento pós-2015 das Nações Unidas / Health in the post-2015 United Nations Development Agenda / La salud en la Agenda de Desarrollo post 2015 de las Naciones Unidas

O artigo examina a presença da saúde como Ob-jetivo do Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS) na Agenda do Desenvolvimento pós-2015, no processo transcorrido entre 2012 e 2014. Presente desde a Cúpula do Milênio e os ODM (2000), a saúde também aparece nos documentos que tratam da Agenda pós-2015, da Rio+20 ao documento do Grupo de Trabalho Aberto das Nações Unidas (OWG), submetido à Assembleia Geral das Nações Unidas (AGNU) 2014-2015, passando pela Con-sulta Global sobre Saúde e o Painel de Alto Nível de Pessoas Eminentes. Os autores concluem pela uniformidade com que a saúde aparece nestes documentos. Identificam a amplitude do enunciado do ODS Saúde, mas alertam para o fracionamento e redução conceitual de suas metas. Propõem mudanças nas mesmas, acrescentando a questão dos determinantes sociais da saúde e metas em saúde pública, ausentes na proposta do OWG. Alertam para a necessidade de reformas na governança global e nacional, bem como para a participação da sociedade civil e da influência que pode exercer sobre a diplomacia, responsável pelo pacto que será firmado na AGNU de 2015.

This paper evaluates health as a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) in the context of the Post-2015 Development Agenda, between 2012 and 2014. Health was part of the debate since the Millennium Summit and the MDGs (2000), and it also appears in the documents discussing the Post-2015 Agenda, from the Rio+20 to the Open Working Group (OWG), whose report was submitted to the General Assembly of the United Nations (UNGA) 2014-2015, and in the Global Consultation on Health and the High-Level Panel of Eminent Persons reports. The Authors concluded that the treatment of health in all these documents is uniform. They point out that the scope of the health-related SDG is very comprehensive, but its targets are conceptually fragmented and reduced. They advocate their change as to include not only the idea of social determinants of health, but also targets in the field of public health, which were not included in the proposal of the OWG. They also warn that the global and national governance systems need to be reformed and advocate more participation of the civil society, which can influence diplomacy, which, in turn, will be responsible for the agreement signed at the UNGA in 2015.

El artículo examina la presencia de la salud como Objetivo de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS) en la Agenda de Desarrollo post 2015, en el proceso transcurrido entre 2012 y 2014. Presente desde la Cumbre del Milenio y los ODM (2000), la salud también aparece en los documentos que tratan sobre la Agenda post 2015, desde Rio+20 hasta el documento del Grupo de Trabajo Abierto de Naciones Unidas (OWG), sometido a la Asamblea General de Naciones Unidas (AGNU) 2014-2015, pasando por la Consulta Global sobre Salud y el Grupo de Alto Nivel de Personas Eminentes. Los Autores concuerdan en la uniformidad con que la salud aparece en estos documentos. Identifican la amplitud del enunciado del ODS Salud, pero advierten sobre el fraccionamiento y la reducción conceptual de sus metas. Proponen cambios en las mismas, acrecentando la cuestión de los determinantes sociales de la salud y metas en salud pública, ausentes en la propuesta del OWG. Alertan sobre la necesidad tanto de reformas en la gobernanza global y nacional, como de la participación de la sociedad civil y de la influencia que puede ejercer sobre la diplomacia, responsable del pacto que será firmado en la AGNU de 2015.

[Health in the post-2015 United Nations Development Agenda]. / Saúde na Agenda de Desenvolvimento pós-2015 das Nações Unidas.

This paper evaluates health as a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) in the context of the Post-2015 Development Agenda, between 2012 and 2014. Health was part of the debate since the Millennium Summit and the MDGs (2000), and it also appears in the documents discussing the Post-2015 Agenda, from the Rio+20 to the Open Working Group (OWG), whose report was submitted to the General Assembly of the United Nations (UNGA) 2014-2015, and in the Global Consultation on Health and the High-Level Panel of Eminent Persons reports. The Authors concluded that the treatment of health in all these documents is uniform. They point out that the scope of the health-related SDG is very comprehensive, but its targets are conceptually fragmented and reduced. They advocate their change as to include not only the idea of social determinants of health, but also targets in the field of public health, which were not included in the proposal of the OWG. They also warn that the global and national governance systems need to be reformed and advocate more participation of the civil society, which can influence diplomacy, which, in turn, will be responsible for the agreement signed at the UNGA in 2015.

[Health and the green economy: challenges for sustainable development and the eradication of poverty]. / Saúde e economia verde: desafios para o desenvolvimento sustentável e erradicação da pobreza.

In a scenario where ecosystemic services are being eroded and there is high social inequity, a new model of development is necessary, namely one capable of promoting social development with a reduction of its ecological footprint. The 'Green Economy' model is one of the proposed models. This paper seeks to analyze the environmental, social and individual impacts on human health in the context of a 'brown economy', and discusses the contributions of a green economy on the promotion of equity and health. The assumption is that economic development and environmental sustainability are not incompatible and both contribute to the eradication of poverty. The transition to a sustainable economy depends on political decisions, and transcends technological developments. Above all, it should instigate new models of production, consumption and social organization, which promote socio-environmental justice, encouraging social participation and democratic forms of governance to define a solid agenda for the implementation of sustainable development and mechanisms to implement them at all levels.

[Health and environmental governance for sustainable development]. / Governança em saúde e ambiente para o desenvolvimento sustentável.

The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, Rio+20, will address the challenges for sustainable development (SD), 'green economy and poverty eradication' and the 'institutional structure of sustainable development'. Therefore it will address the governance needed to achieve such goals. This paper discusses the structure of global, regional and national governance of and for health and environment in the context of SD. Among other global actions, the Millenium Development Goals were a significant recent political effort, but despite its advances, it fails when ignores the structural causes of production and consumption patterns and the unequal distribution of power, which are responsible for inequities and impede true development. To achieve SD, proposals must avoid reductionism, advancing conceptually and methodologically to face the challenges of the socio-environmental determinants of health through intersectoral action, including social participation and all levels of government. It is paramount to continue the implementation of Agenda 21, to meet the MDGs and to create 'Sustainable Development Goals'. Regarding the health field, Rio+20 Summit must reassure the connection between health and sustainability - as a part of the Social pillar of sustainable development - inspiring politics and actions in multiple levels.

Sustentabilidade, desenvolvimento e saúde: desafios contemporâneos / Sustainability, development and health: contemporary challenges

RESUMO Esse ensaio teve por objetivo a discussão da saúde como elemento intrínseco do processo de sustentabilidade pela ação setorial e na sua relação com os condicionantes econômicos, sociais e ambientais. Apresenta um debate pautado na temática da Rio+20, no sentido de apontar caminhos de consolidação da relação da saúde com o desenvolvimento sustentável, dialogando com a formulação do conceito de economia verde e na construção de processos de governança. Apresenta a discussão do território como espaço de organização social em que a saúde interage com os processos de desenvolvimento, das múltiplas dimensões que compõem a governança da e para a saúde, do ambiente e para o desenvolvimento sustentável.

ABSTRACT This paper discusses the importance of health as an intrinsic element in the sustainability process through the sectoral action and through its relation with the economic, social and environmental conditions. It proposes a debate guided by the Rio+20 Conference thematic in the sense of pointing out ways to consolidate the relationship between health and sustainable development, in a dialogue with the concept of green economy and towards the construction of governance processes. It presents the discussion of territory as the space of social organization in which health interacts with the development processes, the multiple dimensions, which compose governance of and for health, of the environment and for the sustainable development.

Sustentabilidade, desenvolvimento e saúde: desafios contemporâneos / Sustainability, development and health: contemporary challenges

RESUMO Esse ensaio teve por objetivo a discussão da saúde como elemento intrínseco do processo de sustentabilidade pela ação setorial e na sua relação com os condicionantes econômicos, sociais e ambientais. Apresenta um debate pautado na temática da Rio+20, no sentido de apontar caminhos de consolidação da relação da saúde com o desenvolvimento sustentável, dialogando com a formulação do conceito de economia verde e na construção de processos de governança. Apresenta a discussão do território como espaço de organização social em que a saúde interage com os processos de desenvolvimento, das múltiplas dimensões que compõem a governança da e para a saúde, do ambiente e para o desenvolvimento sustentável.

ABSTRACT This paper discusses the importance of health as an intrinsic element in the sustainability process through the sectoral action and through its relation with the economic, social and environmental conditions. It proposes a debate guided by the Rio+20 Conference thematic in the sense of pointing out ways to consolidate the relationship between health and sustainable development, in a dialogue with the concept of green economy and towards the construction of governance processes. It presents the discussion of territory as the space of social organization in which health interacts with the development processes, the multiple dimensions, which compose governance of and for health, of the environment and for the sustainable development.

Saúde e economia verde: desafios para o desenvolvimento sustentável e erradicação da pobreza / Health and the green economy: challenges for sustainable development and the eradication of poverty

Em um cenário onde os serviços ecossistêmicos vão sendo perdidos e há graves iniquidades sociais é necessário um novo modelo de crescimento capaz de promover o desenvolvimento social com a redução da pegada ecológica. A 'economia verde' é um dos modelos propostos. Este trabalho analisa os impactos ambientais, sociais e individuais da economia marrom na saúde humana e aborda as contribuições da economia verde para a promoção da equidade e saúde. Assume que o desenvolvimento econômico e a sustentabilidade ambiental não são incompatíveis e contribuem para o combate à pobreza. A transição para uma economia sustentável depende de decisões políticas e vai além do desenvolvimento de tecnologias, devendo implantar um novo modo de produção, consumo e organização social que promova a justiça socioambiental, incentivando a participação social e as formas democráticas de governança para definir uma agenda concreta de implementação de objetivos para o desenvolvimento sustentável e de mecanismos capazes de implementá-los em todos os níveis.

In a scenario where ecosystemic services are being eroded and there is high social inequity, a new model of development is necessary, namely one capable of promoting social development with a reduction of its ecological footprint. The 'Green Economy' model is one of the proposed models. This paper seeks to analyze the environmental, social and individual impacts on human health in the context of a 'brown economy', and discusses the contributions of a green economy on the promotion of equity and health. The assumption is that economic development and environmental sustainability are not incompatible and both contribute to the eradication of poverty. The transition to a sustainable economy depends on political decisions, and transcends technological developments. Above all, it should instigate new models of production, consumption and social organization, which promote socio-environmental justice, encouraging social participation and democratic forms of governance to define a solid agenda for the implementation of sustainable development and mechanisms to implement them at all levels.

Governança em saúde e ambiente para o desenvolvimento sustentável / Health and environmental governance for sustainable development

A Conferência da ONU sobre Desenvolvimento Sustentável, Rio+20, propõe a discussão dos desafios do desenvolvimento sustentável (DS) e dos temas 'economia verde e da erradicação da pobreza' e 'estrutura institucional do desenvolvimento sustentável' e, por conseguinte, sua governança. Este artigo visa discutir a atual configuração da governança da e para a saúde e ambiente no contexto do DS. Os Objetivos do Milênio foram significativo esforço político recente, mas apesar dos progressos, falham ao omitir as causas estruturais dos modos de produção e consumo e da distribuição desigual de poder que são as produtoras das iniquidades e impedem o verdadeiro desenvolvimento. Propostas para o DS devem superar reducionismos e avançar conceitual e metodologicamente para o enfrentamento dos determinantes socioambientais da saúde por meio de ações intersetoriais, incluindo a participação social, e em todas as esferas de governo. É fundamental o prosseguimento da implantação dos princípios da Agenda 21, o cumprimento dos ODM e a criação dos Objetivos do Desenvolvimento Sustentável. No campo da saúde, espera-se que a Rio+20 reafirme as articulações da saúde com a sustentabilidade, como parte do pilar social do desenvolvimento sustentável, inspirando a definição de políticas e ações nos planos global, nacional e local.

The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, Rio+20, will address the challenges for sustainable development (SD), 'green economy and poverty eradication' and the 'institutional structure of sustainable development'. Therefore it will address the governance needed to achieve such goals. This paper discusses the structure of global, regional and national governance of and for health and environment in the context of SD. Among other global actions, the Millenium Development Goals were a significant recent political effort, but despite its advances, it fails when ignores the structural causes of production and consumption patterns and the unequal distribution of power, which are responsible for inequities and impede true development. To achieve SD, proposals must avoid reductionism, advancing conceptually and methodologically to face the challenges of the socio-environmental determinants of health through intersectoral action, including social participation and all levels of government. It is paramount to continue the implementation of Agenda 21, to meet the MDGs and to create 'Sustainable Development Goals'. Regarding the health field, Rio+20 Summit must reassure the connection between health and sustainability - as a part of the Social pillar of sustainable development - inspiring politics and actions in multiple levels.

Analysis of individual versus group behavior of zebrafish: a model using pH sublethal effects.

An image analysis biomonitoring system was used to evaluate sublethal effects of pH on the mean swimming velocity of zebrafish. Responses to stress were tested comparing individual and group responses. Group analysis indicated no effect for all acid pH and for pH 9.0-9.5. Individual analysis indicated behavioral differences for most acid pH and higher than 9.5. Sensitivity to sublethal pH was best assessed when using individual analysis. Zebrafish decreased hyperactivity and increased hypoactivity with more acid or alkaline pH. Individual approach allowed to determine hyperactivity or hypoactivity and the species' thresholds of exposure, which is critical for the management of impairments.

Comunidade pomerana e uso de agrotóxicos: uma realidade pouco conhecida / Pomeranian community and the use of pesticides: an unknown reality

O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar socioeconomicamente a comunidade pomerana do Alto Santa Maria, localizada no município de Santa Maria de Jetibá (ES) e investigar os principais fatores de exposição aos agrotóxicos. Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado a partir de um questionário semi-estruturado, reunindo informações de 151 famílias. A análise foi baseada em estatísticas descritivas e modelos de regressão logística. Os resultados revelaram que a maioria dos membros da comunidade é o proprietário da terra. A participação das crianças nas atividades agrícolas é uma tradição da cultura pomerana. O uso de agrotóxicos nas lavouras nesta comunidade começou na década de oitenta e, desde então, diferentes tipos de agrotóxicos são frequentemente usados pela população rural. Os modelos de regressão logística que associam a presença de algum problema de saúde com o tipo de limpeza da terra, uso de agrotóxicos, frequência de aplicação dos agrotóxicos e uso de equipamento de proteção mostraram que a chance de um indivíduo apresentar algum problema de saúde está relacionada com o uso de agrotóxicos e o grau de escolaridade é um fator importante para o uso de equipamentos de proteção. A comunidade pomerana estudada possui hábitos culturais que contribuem para a exposição aos agrotóxicos.

The objective of this article is to characterize social and economically the Pomeranian community from "Alto Santa Maria" in the municipality of Santa Maria de Jetibá at Espírito Santo State and investigate the main factors of pesticides exposure in rural community. A cross-sectional study was carried out interviewing 151 members of a rural Pomeranian community using a semi-structured questionnaire. The analysis was based in descriptive statistics and logistics regression models. The results revealed that the majority of the community members own their land. The child participation in agricultural activities is a tradition in the Pomeranian culture. The use of pesticides by this community began in the 80s since then; different types of pesticides have frequently been used by rural residents. The logistic regression models that associate the presence of some health problem with how the land is cleaned, pesticides usage, pesticides application frequency and the use of protection equipment, showed that the chance of an individual to present some health problem is related with the use of pesticides. Another regression model showed that the education level is an important factor to the use of protection equipment. The Pomeranian community studied has some cultural habits that contribute for the exposure of pesticides.