Correlation Analysis Between Physical-Chemical and Biological Conditions in the River and the Incidence of Diseases in the City of Piracicaba, Brazil

Author(s)

de Souza, Alexander Ossanes ; Amorim, Deoclecio Jardim ; Pinto, Ernani

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: TOXICS; v. 13, n. 5, p. 22-pg., 2025-04-30.

Abstract

The Piracicaba River basin, in the State of S & atilde;o Paulo, Brazil, covers approximately 12,400 km2 and plays a crucial economic role in S & atilde;o Paulo's agribusiness corridor. However, it faces recurrent episodes of pollution, impacting water quality and public health, especially in urban areas exposed to contamination. Despite this, few studies have investigated the ecological and epidemiological consequences of this environmental degradation. Therefore, this study analyzed the correlation between physicochemical and biological variables of the Piracicaba River and the incidence of diseases in the city of Piracicaba between January 2019 and September 2024. Data on hospital admissions for respiratory, neurological, and liver symptoms were used, as well as environmental and water quality information, such as dissolved oxygen, turbidity, conductivity, and the presence of cyanobacteria, obtained from public databases. The results showed seasonal patterns and long-term trends, highlighting the health risks associated with the river's pollution. Parameters such as phosphorus, pH, cyanobacteria concentration and climatic factors (temperature and humidity) showed an influence on the occurrence of respiratory, digestive, and neurological diseases. The study reinforces the need for continuous monitoring of water quality and public policies to mitigate impacts on the population's health. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 23/10220-0 - Humic substance analysis and algorithm driven integration for optimal dosing of chemicals in water treatment plants: advancing the sustainable development goals
• Grantee: Ernani Pinto Junior
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research in Public Policies
• FAPESP's process: 21/10573-4 - Center for Carbon Research in Tropical Agriculture (CCARBON)
• Grantee: Carlos Eduardo Pellegrino Cerri
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC
• FAPESP's process: 24/17390-0 - Development of remote device for water treatment optimization
• Grantee: Alexander Ossanes de Souza
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral