Evaluation and Geostatistical Study of Toxicological Risk by Water Ingestion with Al, Ba, Fe and Pb in Communities Close to Industrial Areas in the Brazilian Amazon

Abstract

This study provides a risk assessment and risk maps related to the consumption of water contaminated by Al, Ba, Fe and Pb in an industrial area in the Brazilian Amazon. A total of 120 samples of drinking water were collected from 26 locations in the municipality of Barcarena, Pará State. Multiple elements were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The quantifiable elements in the samples were Al, Ba, Fe and Pb. Risk assessment was performed according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) procedures. Results indicate that the highest potential risk of non-carcinogenic adverse health effects for Al was in São João Island; for Ba, Fe and Pb (hazard quotient (HQ) > 1) were in Porto da Balsa community, in the city of Barcarena and Distrito Industrial community, respectively. Maps showed that areas located near Barcarena's industrial complex are the most affected by water contamination. Therefore, these populations are at higher risk of non-carcinogenic problems, especially children and the elderly, since the majority of the population resides in these areas. Geospatial analysis contributed to delimiting and analyzing risk-change trends in the region, expanding the scope of results to a decision-making process.