Mining in the Amazon region has resulted in environmental and social impacts. Manganese
exploited in Amapá and inadequately stored in the Santana port area has generated impacts to
the local residents. This study presents an evaluation of the presence of metals in Elesbão
neighborhood residents exposed to ore tailings from this mineral exploration. The presence of
metals in different water collection points throughout the Elesbão region was analyzed using
the flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (F-AAS) method. From November 2018 to
June 2019, 283 blood samples were collected, 109 from exposed women and 174 from nonexposed
women. At the time, a socioeconomic questionnaire was applied in order to select
suitable residents for the experiment. Laboratory tests were carried out for hematological,
biochemical and coagulation analyses on all blood samples and metal determinations were
performed on 70 blood samples, 65 urine samples and 18 hair samples. The t-student and
Mann-Whitney statistical tests were used to analyze the results, set at a value of p≤0.05.
Regarding the profile of the exposed residents, about 65% were in the age group ranging
between 18 and 42 years old, 30% had completed high school and about 70% lived in the
study area between 10 and 34 years. High concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn and Pb were
observed in the water samples. Concerning the urine samples, a statistical difference for Mn
was observed and in hair samples, for Mn and Pb, while no significant differences in the
blood matrix were detected for the evaluated metals. Among the hematological parameters,
significant differences in Hb, Ht, VCM, HCM and monocyte values were detected, in addition
to morphological changes in red blood cells and platelets. Regarding the biochemical
parameters, statistical significance was detected for Alkaline Phosphatase, Bilirubins and
Creatinine, as well as in the Coagulation tests (TP, INR and TTPA). Given these results it was
found that there is environmental contamination by elements and these when in contact for a
long time can compromise the health of the population, changing the biomarkers. Further indepth
studies aimed at women's health should be carried out, with a higher number of
participants and the inclusion of other biochemical parameters, such hormones and genetic
markers. Finally, the investigation of other metal exposure sources should be performed, so
prevention measures may be taken to eliminate or minimize the risks of adverse effects
related to metal exposure, thus improving the quality of life of the evaluated population.
|
