Human health risk assessment from an ecotoxicological, limnological and microbiological monitoring at Pardo River Basin (UGRHI04)

Abstract

Assessment of risk to human health based on ecotoxicological, limnological and microbiological monitoring of the Pardo river basin (UGRHI04). Within the framework of superficial water bodies, river basins are considered to be essential to the application of risk assessment methods. The Pardo river basin (UGRHI04) comprises 23 cities with about 1.084.000 inhabitants. Industrial and agricultural activities in the region have significantly contributed to the contamination of rivers in the Pardo basin. It is known that biological and chemical pollutants dispersed in the rivers can directly affect human health through both ingestion and dermal contact, and indirectly when they are introduced into the food chain. The objective is to assess the risk posed to human health based on the Pardo river's toxicological, limnological and microbiological conditions. Samples and data will be collected from 12 points across the extent of the river (550 km), from source to mouth. Two data collection efforts will be implemented in the dry season and two in the rainy season. The concentration of toxic metals will be assessed using the ICP-MSS, for pesticides using the GC-ECD e GC-TSD, and the concentration of pathogenic bioagents will be verified through immunomagnetic separation techniques. Complementary tests of ecotoxicity will also be implemented. Carcinogenic and non- carcinogenic risk will be verified for chemical pollutants. The exponential dose-response model will be used to quantitatively assess microbiological risk (AQRM). Monte Carlo simulations will be implemented using the Crystal Ball software. The Pardo River is a potential source of surface water for the region given the depletion of the Guarani Aquifer as verified in recent years. (AU)