Lucas Silva Azevedo
@uenf.br
Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense
Scopus Publications
Scholar Citations
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Scopus Publications
Luiza Silva do Nascimento, Layra de Oliveira Silva, Sophia Menezes de Azevedo, Ronaldo de Almeida, Marcelo Gomes Almeida, Lucas Silva Azevedo, Wanderley Rodrigues Bastos, Cristina Maria Magalhães de Souza, and Inácio Abreu Pestana
Elsevier BV
Lucas Silva Azevedo, Inácio Abreu Pestana, Luiza Nascimento, Ronaldo Cavalcante Oliveira, Wanderley Rodrigues Bastos, and Ana Paula Madeira di Beneditto
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Exposure to mercury (Hg) and pesticides (o.p’DDT, p.p’DDT, o.p’DDE, and p.p’DDE) in the Amazon through eating fish is of concern due to the large participation of this food in the diet of traditional fishing communities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the estimated daily intake (EDI) and the incremental lifetime cancer risk associated with Hg and o.p’DDT, p.p’DDT, o.p’DDE, and p.p’DDE in an Amazonian community. The results showed that for Hg, the EDI from carnivorous and detritivorous fish had the highest values, while for pesticides, the EDI from detritivorous fish intake had the highest value. The incremental lifetime cancer risk was below the permitted limit. A recommendation for controlling the high risk of exposure includes the reduction of detritivorous fish ingestion and/or replacement with herbivorous fish, which had lower EDI. We highlight the importance of investigating the human dietary patterns when estimating risk of exposure to Hg and pesticides.
Sophia Menezes de Azevedo, Luiza Silva do Nascimento, Layra de Oliveira Silva, Marcelo Gomes de Almeida, Lucas Silva Azevedo, Wendel Dias Constantino, Wanderley Rodrigues Bastos, and Inácio Abreu Pestana
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Lucas Silva Azevedo, Inácio Abreu Pestana, Marcelo Gomes Almeida, Wanderley Rodrigues Bastos, and Cristina Maria Magalhães Souza
Wiley
Bruno de Souza Ramos, Inácio Abreu Pestana, Annaliza Carvalho Meneguelli-Souza, Lucas Silva Azevedo, Marcelo Gomes Almeida, and Cristina Maria Magalhães de Souza
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
This study evaluated the dispersion of arsenic (As) in the environment due to the use of contaminated groundwater for the irrigation of vegetables and chicken watering in two small farms located in a rural and urban zone in southeastern Brazil. ICP-AES was used to perform As determinations in groundwater, soil and vegetables samples while ICP-OES was used for chicken meat and offal. The As concentrations in the groundwater of the urban and rural farms were above the limit allowed (0.01 mg L−1) by Brazilian regulations (0.040 ± 0.019 and 0.017 ± 0.007 mg L−1, respectively), while the concentrations found in the soil for the same locations were below the limit allowed (15 mg kg−1) (1.071 ± 0.538 and 1.366 ± 0.141 mg kg−1, respectively). Vegetable samples were within the legal limits (0.3, 0.2 and 0.1 mg kg−1 for roots, leaves and fruits, respectively), with the exception of beet fruit (0.114 ± 0.031 mg kg−1) in the urban farm and cassava leaf (0.339 ± 0.374 mg kg−1) in the rural farm. As a general trend, roots accumulated more As compared to fruits and leaves, in that order. With the exception of chicken meat, liver and lung, all other offal analyzed (roe, gizzard, heart and skin) had As concentrations above 1.0 mg kg−1, the maximum allowed limit. The As concentration’ ratio between the evaluated environmental compartments indicated that (1) irrigation acts as a point source of As for the farms; (2) the soil acts as an As accumulator compartment and (3) the plant roots act as a barrier to prevent As translocation to its aerial part. Since the highest As concentrations were found in the least consumed chicken offal, we can conclude that this does not pose a risk to the community in the surrounding study area, but they were warned about our data and its implications to their health. As in groundwater showed a positive association with accumulated monthly rainfall. As levels in groundwater from both farms were above the legal limit. Soil was the environmental compartment that most accumulated arsenic. In vegetables, roots accumulated more As compared to fruits and leaves. Four out of seven chicken tissues analyzed had As levels above the legal limit. As in groundwater showed a positive association with accumulated monthly rainfall. As levels in groundwater from both farms were above the legal limit. Soil was the environmental compartment that most accumulated arsenic. In vegetables, roots accumulated more As compared to fruits and leaves. Four out of seven chicken tissues analyzed had As levels above the legal limit.
Annaliza Carvalho Meneguelli-Souza, Inácio Abreu Pestana, Lucas Silva Azevedo, Marcelo Gomes de Almeida, and Cristina Maria Magalhães de Souza
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
The presence of arsenic (As) in the sediment and the particulate and dissolved fractions of the water column determines its behavior and bioavailability. The main geochemical parameters responsible for As mobility are organic matter and oxide-forming metals such as Fe. The As distribution and its concentration were evaluated in the dissolved fraction, suspended particulate matter (SPM) and sediment of the lower Paraíba do Sul River (PSR), its main tributaries (Muriaé, Pomba, and Dois Rios rivers), and flooded and estuarine areas. As was not detected in the dissolved fraction. The river flow influenced the As concentration in the SPM, which was higher in the dry season than in the rainy season (2.6 ± 0.69 and 1.98 ± 0.29 mg kg−1, respectively). The Fe oxyhydroxides, organic carbon, and surface area measured in the sediment were positively related with As concentration (R2 = 0.11, 0.34, and 0.30; p < 0.05). The highest As concentrations in the sediment occurred in the secondary estuary and flooded areas (5.16 ± 4.78 and 1.23 ± 0.44 mg kg−1, respectively), in which finer granulometric fractions (silt and clay) predominated (64% and 71%, respectively), in addition to greater surface area. The measurement of stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) and atomic ratio (C:N)a indicated the existence of a combination of autochthonous and allochthonous sources of organic matter composing the SPM. In general, the As concentrations in the sediment and SPM were low, with values below that permitted by Brazilian regulations (5.9 mg kg−1), which suggests that the As sources in the lower basin of the PSR are diffuse and natural.
Lucas Silva Azevedo, Inácio Abreu Pestana, Marcelo Gomes Almeida, Adriely Ferreira da Costa Nery, Wanderley Rodrigues Bastos, and Cristina Maria Magalhães Souza
Elsevier BV
Mercury (Hg) biomagnification in fish food chains is a relevant subject due to the high fish consumption of the Amazonian population and the high toxicity of this metal. In the Amazon, floodplain lake hydrodynamics change considerably along the four seasons of the hydrological cycle (rising water, high water, falling water and low water), which can influence Hg bioaccumulation in fish. The main aim of this study was to evaluate if Hg biomagnification is influenced by seasonality in a floodplain lake (Puruzinho Lake) in the Brazilian Amazon. Additionally, the influence of food chain modeling on measurement of Hg biomagnification was tested. Hg concentrations and stable isotope signatures (carbon and nitrogen) were estimated in four species, Mylossoma duriventre (herbivorous), Prochilodus nigricans (detritivorous), Cichla pleiozona (piscivorous) and Serrasalmus rhombeus (piscivorous). The "trophic magnification slope" (TMS) of the food chain composed by the four species was calculated and compared among the four seasons. There was no significant seasonal variation in TMS among rising water, high water, falling water and low water seasons (p = 0.08), suggesting that Hg biomagnification does not change seasonally. However, there was significant variation in TMS among different food chain models. Lower TMS was observed in a food chain composed of detritivorous and piscivorous fish (0.20) in comparison with a food chain composed of the four species (0.26). The results indicate food chain modeling influences TMS results.
Annaliza Carvalho Meneguelli-Souza, Inácio Abreu Pestana, Lucas Silva Azevedo, Marcelo Gomes de Almeida, Maria da Glória Alves, Douglas Felipe Cordeiro Oliveira, Maurício Oliveira Dupim, Rodrigo Araújo Gonçalves, José Marcus de Oliveira Godoy, and Cristina Maria Magalhães de Souza
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
This study assessed the presence of As in wells located near the lower Paraíba do Sul river, southeastern Brazil. Water samples were collected from 19 home wells and wells managed by the utility company in the region in June 2016 and February, May, and August 2017. The metalloid was detected in seven wells (37%). The most abundant ions in the wells were Cl − , Na + , SO 4 2− and Ca 2+ and the ions with the lowest concentrations were F − and Br − . The pH values were approximately 7.0 and redox potential and dissolved O 2 values were typical of reducing environments. Levels of As varied between 0.13 μg L −1 and 38.8 μg L −1 , which are above the maximum allowable concentration for human consumption according to Brazilian and international regulations (10 μg L −1 ). The presence of As in wells correlated positively with levels of sulfate and dissolved organic carbon, and correlated negatively with well depth. The results support that the oxidation of sulfide minerals is the process that favors mobilization of As to the groundwater, due to inputs from erosion and rainwater seepage through the soil. No significant seasonal changes were observed in As levels, with the lowest and highest value observed in August (2.61 µg L −1 ) and June (10.24 µg L −1 ), respectively. Principal component analysis revealed positive correlation between As levels and nitrite, and the negative correlation between As levels and redox potential and dissolved oxygen. This suggests that arsenite, which is the most soluble and toxic reduced form As, is the predominant chemical species in wells.
Lucas Silva Azevedo, Inácio Abreu Pestana, Adriely Ferreira da Costa Nery, Wanderley Rodrigues Bastos, and Cristina Maria Magalhães Souza
Elsevier BV
Abstract Floodplain systems are widespread in the Amazon and several studies have evaluated mercury biogeochemistry in these systems. The Amazon region can be considered a “hotspot” for the study of mercury (Hg), due to the naturally high concentration of the pollutant in its old soils and the anthropogenic emissions from small-scale gold mining activities. The periodic flooding influences the availability and distribution of Hg contamination. Therefore, it is possible that flooding can influence accumulation of Hg in fish. The aim of this study was to evaluate total Hg (THg) concentration in four seasons (rising water, high water, falling water and low water) in six fish guilds in a lentic part of a floodplain system (Puruzinho Lake). We hypothesized that fish guilds would show different seasonal patterns of THg concentration variation. A total of 2016 fish specimens were sampled over the four seasons. Two-way ANOVA indicated an interaction between guilds and seasonality (F = 7.3; p
Lucas Silva Azevedo, Inácio Abreu Pestana, Adriely Ferreira da Costa Nery, Wanderley Rodrigues Bastos, and Cristina Maria Magalhães Souza
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Aquatic ecosystems in the Amazon are exposed to mercury, mostly from natural sources. Hg accumulation in fish tissues poses a risk to the local population since fish is one of the main sources of protein in the region. The aim of this study was to evaluate Hg distribution in demersal and pelagic carnivorous fish between seasons in Puruzinho Lake in the Brazilian Amazon. Total Hg was quantified in 221 individuals of 8 species obtained during the high water and low water seasons. Two-way ANOVA indicated an interaction between foraging habitat and season. During high water, total Hg concentrations were similar between demersal and pelagic fish, while in low water, total Hg levels were higher in demersal fish. Pelagic and demersal fishes’ Hg levels were similar between the two seasons.
Bruno de Souza Ramos, Inácio Abreu Pestana, Dayana Caldas, Lucas Silva Azevedo, Marcelo Gomes Almeida, and Cristina Maria Magalhães de Souza
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
The present study evaluated the concentration of six trace elements in processed meat products and in meat cuts. We also assessed the risk associated with the consumption of these foods based on the estimated daily intake (EDI) of these elements. Fifty-eight processed meat and 148 meat cuts samples were analyzed using ICP-OES. As and Cd were not detected in any sample of processed meat. The highest mean level of lead was observed in frankfurters (0.056 μg g−1), which is half the maximum permissible level. For Cr, the highest mean concentrations were detected in chicken nuggets and beef hamburger (0.121 and 0.105 μg g−1, respectively), which are above the allowed limit. The comparison between the impact of a diet restricted to processed meats with a diet restricted to meats cuts showed that the individuals following the latter are exposed to higher amounts of the trace elements analyzed.
Lucas Silva Azevedo, Inácio Abreu Pestana, Adriely Ferreira da Costa Nery, Wanderley Rodrigues Bastos, and Cristina Maria Magalhães Souza
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Hg accumulation in fish is influenced by several factors including seasonality. In the Amazon, ecosystems are marked by strong seasonal variation in precipitation, which leads to drastic changes in the water level of lakes and rivers. The aim of this study was to evaluate Hg levels in muscle of detritivorous, herbivorous and omnivorous fish from an Amazon lake (Madeira River Basin, Amazonas, Brazil) over four seasons (rising water, high water, falling water and low water). We hypothesized that total Hg concentration varies during the seasons. The results indicate that total Hg levels in detritivorous fish were higher in rising and low water seasons while in herbivorous and omnivorous fish the total Hg concentration was higher during the rising water season. The hypothesis was supported by the results. Additionally, the study provides evidence that Hg levels in fish with different feeding habits are influenced by the flood pulse of the Amazon region.
Inácio Abreu Pestana, Lucas Silva Azevedo, Wanderley Rodrigues Bastos, and Cristina Maria Magalhães de Souza
Elsevier BV
The increase in global demand for electric energy is reflected in plans to construct numerous hydroelectric dams in South America that can cause chronic ecological impacts if not built and managed correctly. One of the main impacts generated by hydropower dams is the accumulation of Hg chemical species in their reservoir compartments and the downstream transport of these contaminants. Hg circulation in these environments has been studied for 27 years and this review brings a synthesis of the dynamics that are now well established, so that future studies can focus on gaps and inconsistent results in the literature. The topics cover the methylation process of Hg, its transfer along the trophic chain and the impacts downstream from dams. In addition, meta-analyses are used to propose regression models that explain Hg dispersion in environmental compartments of reservoirs, using as predictors morphological, spatial and temporal aspects of these environments.
Clara A. I. Lima, Inacio A. Pestana, Lucas S. Azevedo, Daniel P. Ribeiro, Marcelo G. Almeida, Claudia L. Prins, Claudio R. Marciano, and Cristina M. M. Souza
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Food is the main source of toxic metals like mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd) to humans. This study evaluated the accumulation and translocation of Cd and Hg in a soil-plant system in four tomato plantations and assessed the risk associated with ingestion of these metals. Ten soil samples (rhizosphere) and 10 samples of plant tissues (leaf, ripe fruit, green fruit, and roots) were collected in each plantation. Spatial variation in Cd and Hg concentrations was negligible. The Cd level in rhizosphere was lower in comparison with that of plant tissues. Hg levels in rhizosphere were similar to roots and higher than the value observed in aerial parts of plants. The Cd bioconcentration factor was approximately five times higher compared to that of Hg. Approximately 93% and 48.6% of Cd and Hg accumulated in roots reached aerial parts, respectively. Our results indicate that tomato readily absorbs Cd accumulated in soil, translocating it to aerial parts. Comparatively, the absorption of Hg is not efficient. Levels of Cd in tomatoes were over 17 times higher than the maximum residual levels in 57.5% of ripe fruits and in 27.5% of green tomatoes.
Lucas Silva Azevedo, Inacio Abreu Pestana, Annaliza Carvalho Meneguelli-Souza, Bruno Ramos, Daniel Ribeiro Pessanha, Dayana Caldas, Marcelo Gomes Almeida, and Cristina Maria Magalhaes de Souza
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Beef and poultry as well as cattle and chicken livers are staple food items for Brazilian population, and previous studies had detected arsenic levels in these foods. This study aims to evaluate the risk of exposure to total and inorganic arsenic by meat intake in three age groups from Brazil (11–16, 16–21, and > 21 years). Our hypotheses are (i) that there is differences in the risk of exposure between age groups and (ii) the older individuals (> 21 years) are under higher risk. To test these hypotheses, we calculated the probabilistic estimated daily intake of total As (TAsEDI) from poultry, beef, cattle liver, and chicken liver, and the probabilistic estimated incremental lifetime skin, bladder, and lung cancer risk (ILCR) associated with inorganic As ingestion from poultry only. TAsEDI and ILCR from poultry differed among groups which confirm the first hypothesis. However, TAsEDI and ILCR results cannot support the second hypothesis. Even though the age groups are under a low risk of exposure to As by meat intake, the results indicate that bladder/lung cancer risk (from poultry intake) slightly exceeds the safe limits in the older population.
L.S. Azevedo, I.A. Pestana, A.R.M. Rocha, A.C. Meneguelli-Souza, C.A.I. Lima, M.G. Almeida, W.R. Bastos, and C.M.M. Souza
Elsevier BV
Bioaccumulation of mercury and methylmercury in fish represents a serious risk to human beings. Extreme climate events like droughts may increase the trophic transfer of contaminants and net methylation of mercury. The present study assessed the influence of the 2014 drought on total mercury and methylmercury levels in fish from the lower Paraiba do Sul river basin. Contaminant levels were compared for Pimelodus fur, Pachyurus adspersus, Pimelodella lateristriga, Oligosarcus hepsetus, and Crenicichla lacustris captured in five sites in 2013 (N = 212) and 2014 (N = 231). The results indicate that levels of contaminants were higher during the drought in most species. Rainfall was weakly and negatively correlated with total mercury levels in most of the species. The weak relationship between these two variables was due to the indirect influence of rainfall on mercury bioaccumulation. In summary, drought increased the levels of two contaminants in fish.
L.S. Azevedo, M.G. Almeida, W.R. Bastos, M.S. Suzuki, M.C.N.N. Recktenvald, M.T.S. Bastos, C.S. Vergílio, and C.M.M. de Souza
Elsevier BV
This is one of the first studies to evaluate the effect of biometric variables (total length and weight), diet, and abiotic matrices (sediment and water column) on the bioaccumulation of methylmercury in tissues (muscle, liver, and gills) of four fish (two carnivore-invertivores, Pimelodus fur and Pachyurus adspersus; one carnivore-piscivore, Oligosarcus hepsetus; and one omnivore, Pimelodella lateristriga) in the lower section of a river in southeastern Brazil. Samples of fish (n = 120), water (n = 5) and sediment (n = 5) were collected at five sites characterized by pollution with mercury due to the use of organomercury fungicides and stream bed gold mining, commonly carried out in that section of the river in the 1980s. The results show that biometric variables are strongly correlated with methylmercury levels in muscle (r = 0.61, p < 0.0005) of P. fur. As a rule, concentrations of total mercury and methylmercury did not vary considerably between the organs of the species of different food habits, because of the environmental conditions in the study area. Despite the low concentrations of mercury in sediments (<0.05 mg kg-1 wet. wt), this compartment is a representative source of this pollutant for the organisms investigated, due to the close contact these animals keep with it in view of the low water columns in that section of the river.