One of the central aspects of the discussion of natural resource pollution stems from the
increasing exposure of natural and human environments to nonpolar chemical compounds
such as toxic metals and pesticides. In the municipality of Oriximiná- PA due to urban
expansion and agricultural activities on the shores of Lake Iripixí ecotoxicological studies can
be used as instruments to defend environmental and human health. The objective of this work
was to evaluate the environmental perception of the residents around Lake Iripixí regarding
the exposure of pesticides and toxic metal occurrences in relation to the environment and
public health. Data collection was done by applying a semi-structured questionnaire, closed
and open. Water and sediment samples were analyzed using the ICP-OES Plasma Optical
Emission Spectrometry method. The data obtained were analyzed with statistical tool
described by ANOVA and Tukey's test procedure allows for the formation of 100 (1 -α). In
addition to the multivariate statistical analysis (cluster) to describe the similarity between the
samples considering the total set of variables and the correlations between these variables.
According to the data, the description of the environmental problems listed by the residents
around the Iripixi lake, Oriximiná-PA, were 50% sewage; silting 26.08%; deforestation
2.17%; pesticide 4.34%; eutrophication 2.17% and another 15.21%. Lack of sanitation is the
biggest environmental problem in the region where they live. The levels of toxic metals, Cd,
Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in the sediment are within the reference values established by the
Brazilian legislation, however the values for water are above the recommended for surface
waters in the Amazon. Exposure to chemical residues has caused severe effects, whether acute
or chronic, on several workers, especially those in rural areas. Important strategies must be
implemented to minimize exposure of these people, as the low education level of the sample
population leads to poisoning due to considerable use of chemicals. pesticides, due to
inappropriate use of PPE and inefficient policies regarding the handling of certain chemicals.
The presence of heavy metals in Lake Iripixi water above what Brazilian law allows suggests
efficient policies regarding urban disordered growth within the lake, thus reducing the
discharge of domestic effluents; and anthropic activities around the lake, as well as
controlling non-point agricultural pollution to mitigate environmental and human hazards
associated with toxic metals.
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