Search

The Araguari River, one of the most important waterways in the Brazilian state of Amapá, is ecologically relevant and essential for the conservation of Amazonian fish biodiversity. Our previous studies demonstrated contamination of water and fish by metals. In particular, water samples showed genotoxic damage in Danio rerio. Here, we extended our studies of potential genotoxic damage to native fish from sampling sites located in the Araguari River lower section. To accomplish this, we collected samples of fish with different feeding behaviors, but in the same sampling sites, and evaluated the same genotoxicity biomarkers in erythrocytes. All eleven species of fish collected in the Araguari River lower section showed profiles and frequencies of genotoxic damage similar to those previously observed in tests with D. rerio, confirming that genotoxic pollutants present in these waters are also causing damage to native fish species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, high concentrations of metals have been found in the waters from sampling sites located in the Araguari River lower section. These metals can be bioaccumulated by fish, but also biomagnified, representing a potential risk through human consumption. Here, we aimed to (1) determine the metal concentrations in muscle samples from fish; (2) evaluate bioaccumulation of metals in muscle tissue of fish species with different feeding behaviors; and (3) investigate the risks of single metals, as well as mixture of metals, to human fish consumption. Eleven fish species were sampled (3 carnivorous, 5 omnivorous, and 3 detritivorous). In four fish species, Cd and Pb concentrations exceeded the Brazilian maximum limits (MLs) for human consumption. Individually, Pb and Cd concentrations in the muscle of these fish indicate risks to human health. When considering the mixture of metals, the consumption of all fish species represents risks. The highest risks implicate detritivorous species. For all fish species evaluated, the estimated daily intake (EDI) of Hg shows values above its reference dose (RfD). Our results suggest the need to establish an environmental monitoring program that aims to preserve environmental quality, biodiversity, and human health. It is also necessary to develop actions that aim to educate Amazonian populations on safe fish preparation and consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human pressure on nature makes it imperative understanding how environmental issues can influence the world view of society. The aim of the current article is to measure the environmental attitude of the urban population living in the Macapá City, Amapá state, Brazilian Amazon region and to check whether this attitude is influenced by sociodemographic variables. We collected 387 full interviews conducted with individuals. In order to do so, we used the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) tool composed of 15 items distributed in five facets. Results showed positive correlations between the NEP scale and variables "education level" and "annual income," as well as negative correlation between such scale and variable "age." Urban childhood place recorded higher pro-ecological attitude rate than the rural one. All facets, except for limits, recorded moderate-to-high scores, thus indicating that the population has positive pro-environmental attitude profile, although it did not show much concern about the increased human population on Earth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]