Avaliação dos níveis de agrotóxico em peixes no rio Poti, Crateús, Ceará, Brasil

Abstract

The indiscriminate use of pesticides in agriculture has generated significant environmental impacts, especially in aquatic ecosystems. This research aims to identify organic contaminants in fish inside and outside the Boqueirão do Poti Environmental Protection Area (APA), in addition to investigating the health risks to riverside dwellers. The study began with the collection of muscle tissue from fish, sample preparation using the QuEChERS method, followed by identification of contaminants using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The food risk assessment was performed using QR (risk quotient) calculations and carcinogenic risk through the calculation of the RC (cancer risk) index. The results indicated that PPs were the predominant class of contaminants in fish muscles, followed by OCPs, PBDEs and PCBs. In the district of Ibiapaba, located outside the APA, the highest concentrations of contaminants were recorded, suggesting greater exposure to agricultural sources. The most contaminated species were curimatã and bodó, both associated with feeding habits close to the river bottom. In Oiticica, within the APA, contamination rates were similar among different species, indicating possible contamination from agricultural and improperly disposed solid waste. Some samples showed carcinogenic risk values above acceptable limits, indicating a health risk due to fish consumption. The species with the highest CR were piau, bodó and cangati. Given these results, it is urgent to implement strict environmental quality control and monitoring policies to mitigate the impacts of chronic pollution on food safety and reduce the risk of diseases such as cancer in exposed populations.