Mixture of metals and herbicides in rivers may pose relevant risks for the health of surrounding communities. Humans may be exposed to river pollution through intake of contaminated water and fish, as well as irrigated agricultural products. The aim of this study was to assess the human health risks of environmental exposure to metals and herbicides through water and fish intake in the Pardo River. Metals (Al, As, Be, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Mn, Hg, Ni, Tl, Sn, V, and Zn) were analyzed in river water and in edible fish. Herbicides (ametryn, atrazine, diuron, hexazinone, simazine, and tebuthiuron) were analyzed in river water. Seasonal variances were also studied. Aluminum, Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn levels in river water were higher than the USEPA benchmarks. Non-carcinogenic risks due to pollutants mixture exposure were above the limit, and carcinogenic risks of As exposure were >10 in the sampling points during the rainy season. Metal levels in fish were lower than the Brazilian legislation and do not pose a threat to public health. Herbicides were detected in four sampling points, with atrazine concentrations (range 0.16-0.32 μg/L) below the Brazilian standard (2.0 μg/L), but above the European Union standard (0.1 μg/L). Considering the water supply needs of cities located in the Pardo River Basin and the persistence of metals and herbicides, the present study indicated that there was a seasonal influence on non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to human health, especially in the rainy season. Studies for water treatment plants implantation should consider the risks of exposure to persistent substances, in order to protect the population.

No abstract

Contamination by metals and microbiological agents in hemodialysis water can cause clinical intercurrences in hemodialysis patients. Evaluating and assuring minimum levels of contamination from metals and microorganisms in hemodialysis water can improve patient safety. The objective of this study was to assess hemodialysis water quality in a major tertiary hospital in Brazil and investigate the relationship between hemodialysis water quality and clinical intercurrences in hemodialysis patients. A prospective-observational cohort study for evaluation of water quality parameters and clinical intercurrences present by patients (n = 52) were performed from May 2014 to April 2015. Mixed linear regression models and binary regression models were fitted for water quality parameters and patients' clinical parameters. The increase in the levels of copper and nitrate in hemodialysis water was significant (p < 0.05) to explain anemia. Bone pain was related to age, sex (female), and hemodialysis treatment duration (years). Hypotensive episodes were related to serum sodium decrease. Aluminum in hemodialysis water was present in an average concentration higher than the permitted threshold (15.35 ± 14.53 μg/L). Cadmium, total coliforms, Escherichia coli, and endotoxins in hemodialysis water were not detected and the heterotrophic bacteria count was below the reference limit. These parameters' concentrations varied during the study, evidencing the need for continuous monitoring.

Located in the southeast of Brazil, the Pardo River Basin has a large population and an economy focused on agriculture, with a strong predominance of the sugarcane agro-industry. The purpose of the study was to assess the water quality of the Pardo River Basin under a multivariate approach using limnological parameters, metal concentrations, and indicator bacteria. Nine sampling campaigns were performed during both the dry and rainy seasons. Element concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP-MS, Perkin Elmer Elan 6000). A battery of test to determine limnological parameters was performed (in situ). Total coliforms and Escherichia coli were detected and quantified using Defined Substrate Technology Colilert and multiple tube dilutions. Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis were used as multivariate exploratory analysis. In general, the results suggest the influence of rain, possible sewage discharges into the watercourse, and the input of organic matter in some sampling points in both seasons, besides the absence of riparian vegetation in much of the Pardo River. The likely influence of industrial activities that do not have great prominence in the region was supported by temporal/spatial assessment of Cr and V. The water quality monitoring of Pardo River is an important tool for environmental management, and its continuity is indicated to obtain a consistent series of systematic data and thereby support concretely the actions of planning and controlling the use of water from the Pardo River and soil around them.

There is a growing need for strategic assessment of environmental conditions in river basins around the world. In spite of the considerable water resources, Brazil has been suffering from water quality decrease in recent years. Pardo River runs through Minas Gerais and São Paulo, two of the most economically important states in Brazil, and is being currently promoted as a future drinking water source. This study aimed at integrating three different tools to conduct a hydromorphological assessment focused on the spatial complexity, connectivity, and dynamism of the Pardo River, Brazil. Twelve sampling stretches were evaluated in four sampling campaigns, in dry and rainy seasons. In each stretch, permanent preservation areas (PPAs), hydromorphological integrity by rapid assessment protocol (RAP), and physicochemical parameters were qualified. The kappa coefficient was used to assess statistical agreement among monitoring tools. The PPA analysis showed that in all stretches, the vegetation was modified. RAP results revealed environmental deterioration in stretches located near human activities and less variability of substrates available for aquatic fauna and sediment deposition as well. Low values for dissolved oxygen in the river mouth were noted in the rainy season. Electrical conductivity was higher in stretches near sugarcane crops. The poor agreement (k<0.35) between the RAP and physicochemical parameters indicates that the tools generate different and complementary information, while they are not replaceable. Potential changes of the hydromorphological characteristics and variations in physicochemical indicators must be related to extensive PPA modification.

Introduction:The insertion of children in daycare center and pre-schools has been an important device in the current social configuration. However, t he p ermanent l iving i n the daycare center makes the children sickness more frequently when compared to others who remain in more restricted family spaces, especially for enteroparasites. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp., emerging and re-emerging opportunistic enteroparasites, and other enteroparasites in faeces samples from children aged 2 to 6 years old of a philanthropic daycare center. Patients and Methods: Thirty-two children participated in the study and the detection of enteroparasites was carried out by the method of Hoffmann, Pons and Janer. Identification o f Cryptosporidium s pp. w as c arried o ut by centrifugal-sedimentation formalin-ether followed by modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining. For confirmation of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. the ELISA test (RIDASCREEN®) was used. Results: The prevalence of enteroparasites was 62.5%, with a high frequency of Cryptosporidium spp. (31%) and Giardia spp. (25%). The age most affected by these emerging and re-emerging microorganisms was 3 and 4 years old. Conclusion: From the above, health education processes for families and staff of scholar institutions on the main forms of transmission and prevention of enteroparasitoses are of paramount importance in order to avoid the spread of pathogenic microorganisms in the school environment. Descriptors:Communicable Diseases, Emerging; Cryptosporidium; Giardia; Child. Conflito de interesses:Não Contribuição dos autores: MGPFD, BMF, KAAT, SISM Concepção e planejamento do projeto de pesquisa; Obtenção ou análise/interpretação dos dados; Redação e revisão crítica. FCJ, CFB, CSM Obtenção ou análise/interpretação dos dados; Redação e revisão crítica. GPM, TVS, Redação e revisão crítica Contato para correspondência: Susana Inés Segura-Muñoz

Introduction: Emergent and re-emergent waterborne protozoans have become a worldwide public health problem, especially among vulnerable groups. Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated 17 HIV-infected children and their families. Results: A high (76.5%) percentage of parasite-infected children was observed, even among children with CD4 + T-cell counts of >200 cells/mm 3 . Giardia spp., Cryptosporidium spp. and Cyclospora spp. were observed in 41.2% of these children. Low income, poor hygiene practices, and co-infection in domestic, peridomestic and scholastic environments were signifi cant sources of these intestinal infections. Conclusions: Early diagnosis, timely treatment, and socio-educational interventions may improve the health conditions of this vulnerable population.

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