Biomonitoramento através da avaliação laboratorial de uma população exposta a metais no Municipio de Santana, Amapá, Brasil

Abstract

Introduction: The mineral exploration in the Amazon, has determined impacts for the environment and for the populations exposed to different agents in the production process. The extraction and beneficiation of ore developed in the state of Amapá left the environmental damages and problems that influence the health of the population, such as contamination by metals. Studies have shown that some forms of metals are toxic, causing neurological and genetic problems. The present study considers the toxicological evaluation fundamental in the identification of possible damages to the health. Objectives: the objective of this study is to investigate toxic effects through laboratory analysis in a population group of the Elesbão county in the municipality of Santana / AP exposed to residues of minerals and metals. Methodology: In this way, the amount of metals in the waters of the Elesbão region was evaluated by spectrophotometer and hematological and biochemical tests were performed for laboratory evaluation. The paired t-test was applied for statistical evaluation with a significance of 5% (p <0.05). Results and discussion: It was concluded that iron and manganese are present in high concentrations in the waters of the region. Haematological and biochemical exams presented statistically significant alterations. Microscopic analysis of the cells detected significant differences in their morphology. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that it is important to investigate sources of metal exposure and to take preventive measures to eliminate or minimize the risks of adverse effects related to excessive exposure to multiple metals