Fundao tailings dam failure in Brazil: Evidence of a population exposed to high levels of Al, As, Hg, and Ni after a human biomonitoring study

Author(s)

Cavalheiro Paulelli, Ana Carolina ^[1] ; Cesila, Cibele Aparecida ^[1] ; Devoz, Paula Picoli ^[1] ; de Oliveira, Silvana Ruella ^[1] ; Bianchi Ximenez, Joao Paulo ^[1] ; Pedreira Filho, Walter dos Reis ^[2] ; Barbosa Jr, Fernando

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Ciencias Farmaceut Ribeirao Preto, Dept Anal Clin Toxicol & Bromatol, Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil

^[2] Minist Trabalho & Previdencia Social, Fundacao Jorge Duprat Figueiredo Seguranca & Med, Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Environmental Research; v. 205, APR 1 2022.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Background: On November 5th, 2015, the Fundao mine tailings dam in Minas Gerais State, Brazil, failed, releasing more than 50 million m(3) of mud, rich in toxic metals. After that, a massive environmental disaster began with the mud wave flowing more than 600 km, until the mouth of Doce River, in Espirito Santo State, and finally reaching the Atlantic Ocean. A vast area was contaminated, affecting the ecosystem and several communities. Despite the tremendous environmental disaster, little is known concerning the population's exposure to toxic elements yet. Methods: Thus, a cross-sectional study was for the first time conducted in three communities directly affected by the disaster (Regencia, Povoacao, and Campo Grande) in Espirito Santo State, to evaluate the levels of 11 chemical elements (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn) in blood. Sample analysis (n = 300) was performed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results: Our data show high levels of exposure to Al, As, Hg, and Ni. Mean values in blood were 60 mu g/L (ranging from 9 to 434 mu g/L), 10.9 mu g/L (ranging from 5.81 to 269 mu g/L), 6.4 mu g/L (ranging from 0.05 to 103 mu g/L) and 2.7 mu g/L (ranging from 0.08 to 21 mu g/L) for Al, As, Hg and Ni, respectively. Moreover, after applying a multiple regression model, we found community, drinking water, fish, seafood consumption, and smoking habits associated with metal/metalloid levels in their body. Well and tap water intake were identified as important sources of exposure to aluminum and nickel. Conclusions: Our findings represent health risks to the groups living in the areas affected by the tailings dam failure, calling for further studies to evaluate the potential health effects of high exposure to metals and remediation actions from public health Brazilian authorities. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/24069-3 - ReSEARCH: Recognizing Signatures of the Exposome to Anticipate the Risks for a Continuous Health
• Grantee: Fernando Barbosa Júnior
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants