Levels and health risk assessment of twenty-one current-use pesticides in urban and riverside waters of the Brazilian Amazon Basin

Author(s)

Cezarette, Gabriel Neves ; Souza, Marilia Cristina Oliveira ; Rocha, Bruno Alves ; Gonzalez, Neus ; Nadal, Marti ; Domingo, Jose L. ; Barbosa, Fernando

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Environmental Research; v. 252, p. 8-pg., 2024-05-04.

Abstract

In Brazil, the favorable weather conditions and abundant land contribute to the thriving agricultural production. Brazilian crops extensively employ pesticides due to their high efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and permissive regulatory framework. However, pesticide use also endangers water resources, animal organisms, and human health. Due to the lack of data on pesticide use in the Amazonas forest-based Brazil, the present study aimed to assess the levels of twenty-one current-use pesticides (CUPs) from five different classes in river waters collected from urban and riverside areas in this region. Moreover, the non-carcinogenic risks associated with water consumption were also characterized. Thirteen CUPs were detected in concentrations above the limit of detection (LOD) in at least one of the water samples, and most pesticides were detected in riverside areas. In contrast, only 18% of the analyzed samples were considered "clean," with only one compound detected. Fenitrothion showed the highest concentration, with a mean value of 4.86 ng/mL (0.30-14.3 ng/mL). Up to 33% of the samples showed levels of fipronil above the LOD, an issue of environmental and human health concern, mainly because of the adverse effects observed in honeybees. Despite this, the human health risk assessment showed a target hazard quotient below one (HQ < 1) in adults for all substances, suggesting that pesticide exposure through water consumption should not mean risk for the riverside populations. Taking into account the large extension of Brazil, as well as its different agricultural practices throughout the country, it would be of great importance to conduct extensive research in other areas. It would help to gain knowledge in this field and to promote ecofriendly alternatives to mitigate pesticide use and, consequently, to reduce their potential adverse effects on human health and the ecosystems. (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
• FAPESP's process: 21/07994-8 - Determination of fifty-eight aromatic amines in textile products and assessment of pregnant women exposure
• Grantee: Marília Cristina Oliveira Souza
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• FAPESP's process: 23/11634-2 - Bioavailability and bioaccessibility of pesticides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in food: a public health risk assessment and creation of a risk-benefit tool for Brazilian consumers
• Grantee: Marília Cristina Oliveira Souza
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Generation Project
• FAPESP's process: 19/07161-6 - Exposure evaluation to pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and toxic elements in Brazilian children: establishment of reference values and possible association with oxidative stress biomarkers.
• Grantee: Marília Cristina Oliveira Souza
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 22/06443-0 - Bioavailability and bioaccessibility of pesticides and legacy pollutants in food: a public health risk assessment and creation of a risk-benefit tool for Brazilian consumers
• Grantee: Marília Cristina Oliveira Souza
• Support Opportunities: Generation Project Research Grant