Environmental Monitoring for Genomic Damage After an Environmental Accident in a River in the Brazilian Northeast

Pollution of aquatic environments by industrial waste has become a recurring problem worldwide. Genotoxicity as a tool to assess and monitor the presence of an environmental disturber is a very efficient and highly sensitive technique for detecting the presence of contaminants. In February 2018, there was a spill of vinasse, a residue from the production of sugar cane in the channel of the Goiana River, located in the northern region of the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. The environmental impact resulting from this accident led to the mortality of a large number of fish species and affected the fishing of the local community. Biomonitoring was carried out on-site using Aspistor luniscutis as a bioindicator animal, through micronucleus assay for the analysis of micronucleated cells and nuclear abnormalities, during a period of 2 years from February 2018 to February 2020. The results of the monitoring revealed high levels of micronucleated cells and nuclear abnormalities during all months of the year 2018, with averages ranging from 17.9 to 29.5. The data obtained when correlated with the monthly temperature indices present a negative correlation only with the temperature indices. During the collection period, some specimens collected showed tumorization. The histopathological analysis confirmed the presence of adenocarcinomas in the animals, highlighting the great level of the impact caused on the environment. The biomonitoring process, through the assessment of genetic damage, plays a crucial role in assessing environmental impacts and monitoring natural areas in order to guarantee their conservation.

Automated summary

Pollution of aquatic environments by industrial waste is a global recurring problem. Genotoxicity is an efficient and highly sensitive technique for detecting the presence of contaminants in the environment. A spill of vinasse in the Goiana River in Brazil caused significant environmental impact, leading to fish mortality and affecting the local fishing community. Biomonitoring using Aspistor luniscutis as a bioindicator revealed high levels of micronucleated cells and nuclear abnormalities, as well as tumorization in some specimens. The biomonitoring process plays a crucial role in assessing environmental impacts and preserving natural areas.