Evaluation of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of inhabitants of Vila Rural Água Viva, Brazil, exposed to agrochemicals using the micronucleus buccal cytome assay.

The aim of this study was to carry out a pilot investigation, using a buccal micronucleus cytome assay, with the population of Vila Rural Água Viva (Francisco Beltrão, Paraná, Brazil), environmentally exposed to agrochemicals. The data shows statistically differences between the control group (not exposed) and the population of Vila Rural regarding the cytotoxicity and mutagenicity. There was no significant change between the average relative frequencies of these data whether divided between smokers and non-smokers, or practitioners of physical activities or not. It was also observed that age or time of exposure to agrochemicals did not show a linear relationship with the average relative frequencies of cytotoxicity and mutagenicity data. The work shows the presence of 2,4-D herbicide in water sample of community, then it is hoped that the results will assist in guiding the dangers to health and the environment from exposure to agrochemicals.

Cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of the waters of the Marrecas River (Paraná, Brazil) to bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus).

Animals have a long history of assessing ecosystem responses to environmental disturbances, and amphibians stand out for presenting themselves as good animal model and bioindicators of environmental quality. The main purpose of the present work was to investigate the cellular effects of contamination of waters of the Marrecas River, located in the southwest of the state of Paraná, Brazil. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate and monitor the cytotoxic and mutagenic effect, with bullfrog tadpoles, and to discuss these effects with land use along this hydrographic basin. Mutagenic effects were determined by micronucleus assay, and cytotoxicity by other nuclear changes, such as segmented cells, binucleated cells, cells with buds and reniform cells. Water samples were obtained at nine sites along the Marrecas River, covering areas with rural and urban hydrological contribution. For each site, four samples were collected, along the years 2017 and 2018, encompassing the four seasons (summer, autumn, winter, and spring). The results showed mutagenic and cytotoxic effect in four sampling sites, and only cytotoxic effect in other four sites. These effects may be due, possibly, to the use of different agrochemicals across the hydrographic basin region, which have predominant hydrological contributions from crops. Data of this study indicate the presence of cytotoxic and mutagenic contaminants in the waters of the Marrecas River, which can generate environmental problems on the river fauna/flora, and can also affect the local population health.

Advanced oxidative processes in the degradation of 17ß-estradiol present on surface waters: kinetics, byproducts and ecotoxicity.

Endocrine disruptors represent risks to aquatic ecosystem and humans, and are commonly detected in surface water. Photochemical treatments can be used to remove 17ß-estradiol (E2), but few studies have analyzed the kinetics, intermediates, and 17ß-estradiol degradation pathways in natural matrices. In this study, the photochemical behavior of E2 under ultraviolet irradiation (UVC, 254 nm) associated with oxidants (H2O2 or O3) or photocatalyst (TiO2) was investigated to evaluate the degradation potential and the transformation pathway in a natural surface water matrix. Additionally, computational modeling analyses with Ecological Structure Activity Relationships (ECOSAR) software were performed to predict the toxicity from the E2 and its transformation byproducts. E2 degradation kinetics showed adjusted to the pseudo-first-order kinetic model, being kUV/O3 > kUV/TiO2 > kUV/H2O2 > kUV. Eight transformation byproducts were identified by liquid chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC/TOF-MS) in natural surface water samples. These byproducts formed as the result of opening the aromatic ring and adding the hydroxyl radical. The E2 degradation pathway was proposed based on the byproducts identified in this study and in previous studies, suggesting the formation of aliphatic and hydroxylated byproducts. E2 treatment presented both very toxic and not harmful byproducts.

Water quality for rural home supplying in the south of Brazil

Underground and surface water as a result of human activity are increasingly polluted. Mainly due to improper disposal of waste, discharge of effluents, among other actions that compromise the environment. The water analysis is necessary to determine and evaluate the situation of water supply to the population. This study evaluated the supply situation of three rural communities located in the south of Brazil, where the water is carried out through the abstraction of groundwater. Pastures, fields and remnants of native vegetation characterize the region. The water quality used to supply was what motivated the accomplishment of this work. The wells are unprotected in the middle of the pastures near to black cesspits and crops that use frequently agrochemicals. The water quality was characterized over one year by physicalchemical, microbiological and toxicological characteristics. The results were compared to water potability standards in Brazil. In order to ensure sanitary conditions for this population, environmental education actions were carried out given the importance of access the information. It follows that the resources analyzed need disinfection to ensure better and safer water supply.

Water quality for rural home supplying in the south of Brazil

Underground and surface water as a result of human activity are increasingly polluted. Mainly due to improper disposal of waste, discharge of effluents, among other actions that compromise the environment. The water analysis is necessary to determine and evaluate the situation of water supply to the population. This study evaluated the supply situation of three rural communities located in the south of Brazil, where the water is carried out through the abstraction of groundwater. Pastures, fields and remnants of native vegetation characterize the region. The water quality used to supply was what motivated the accomplishment of this work. The wells are unprotected in the middle of the pastures near to black cesspits and crops that use frequently agrochemicals. The water quality was characterized over one year by physicalchemical, microbiological and toxicological characteristics. The results were compared to water potability standards in Brazil. In order to ensure sanitary conditions for this population, environmental education actions were carried out given the importance of access the information. It follows that the resources analyzed need disinfection to ensure better and safer water supply.(AU)