Impactos ambientais no baixo são francisco: avaliação por meio de bioindicadores

Abstract

The São Francisco River Basin covers an area of approximately 638,466 km2 and faces serious environmental challenges, including the pollution of water bodies due to urbanization, mining, and lack of basic sanitation. This study investigated the impact of these activities on three fish species, Metynnis maculatus, Schizodon knerii, and Serrasalmus brandtii, serving as bioindicators of environmental quality. Fish were collected using gill nets in distinct zones of the region. After capture, blood samples were analyzed to identify erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities (ENAs) and perform leukocyte counts. The results showed a higher frequency of ENAs in zone 1 (2.14%) compared to zone 2 (1.90%), suggesting differentiated exposure to pollutants. The pirambeba stood out with the highest accumulation of micronuclei and binucleated cells, indicating greater vulnerability to contamination. The immunohematological analysis revealed significant differences in the percentages of leukocytes between the zones, reflecting variations in the immune responses of the fish concerning the environment. Monitoring the species showed potential for assessing environmental health, being crucial for the preservation of the biodiversity of the São Francisco River. The research concludes that biomonitoring practices are essential for shaping public policies and promoting the conservation of water resources, ensuring a balanced future for the communities dependent on these resources.