Artisanal Gem Mining in Brazil: A Source of Genotoxicity and Exposure to Toxic Elements

Ana Paula Rufino Santos, Lucas Zeferino Silva, Bruna Moreira Freire, Márcia Cristina da Silva Faria, Bruno Lemos Batista, Bruno Alves Rocha, Fernando Barbosa and Jairo Lisboa Rodrigues
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Ana Paula Rufino Santos: Instituto de Ciência, Engenharia e Tecnologia, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Teófilo Otoni 39803-371, MG, Brazil
Lucas Zeferino Silva: Instituto de Ciência, Engenharia e Tecnologia, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Teófilo Otoni 39803-371, MG, Brazil
Bruna Moreira Freire: Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André 09210-580, SP, Brazil
Márcia Cristina da Silva Faria: Instituto de Ciência, Engenharia e Tecnologia, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Teófilo Otoni 39803-371, MG, Brazil
Bruno Lemos Batista: Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André 09210-580, SP, Brazil
Bruno Alves Rocha: Analytical and System Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Avenida do Cafe s/no, Ribeirao Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
Fernando Barbosa: Analytical and System Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Avenida do Cafe s/no, Ribeirao Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
Jairo Lisboa Rodrigues: Instituto de Ciência, Engenharia e Tecnologia, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Teófilo Otoni 39803-371, MG, Brazil

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 3, 1-16

Abstract: Environmental and occupational exposure to toxic metals has led many people around the world to have serious health problems. Mining activities contribute to an increased risk of exposure to these elements. In this work, a study of environmental biomonitoring and routes of exposure to toxic metals in a region of artisanal mining was performed. This study was carried out in the district of Taquaral de Minas, located in the Jequitinhonha Valley in the state of Minas Gerais. The valley is one of the wealthiest and highest gem-producing areas in Brazil. Five artisanal mines were sampled (Bode, Pirineu, Pinheira, Lajedo, and Marmita). Several potentially toxic metals (Be, Zn, Mn, Ba Cd, Hg, and U) were investigated in the soils and dust over the rocks and the soils. Samples from 22 individuals occupationally exposed and 17 unexposed persons, who formed the reference group, were analyzed for trace elements by an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. The genotoxicity was evaluated by the micronucleus test in buccal mucosa epithelial cells, where the following changes were scored: micronuclei (MN) binucleate (BN) cells and kariolytic (KL) cells. The MN test showed significantly increased frequencies in all alterations of exposed individuals compared to the controls ( p < 0.05, Student’s t -test). The urine analysis showed levels of Cr, Ni Ba, Pb, and As in the blood, which were higher than the ATSDR recommended levels. The association between the MN test and the trace element concentrations found in the blood and urine was significant ( p < 0.05). The higher the number of years of working, the higher the concentrations in the blood were, due to chronic exposure. The results of the present study indicate environmental contamination and a potential risk to the health of miners, suggesting an intervention.

Keywords: miners; environmental contamination; occupational exposure; genotoxicity; biomonitoring (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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