Diagnóstico ambiental de nascentes em zona rural no norte do Paraná por parâmetros macroscópicos de impacto ambiental, físico-químicos da água e genotóxicos em Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Abstract

In rural areas, springs are often the main source of drinking water, used in agricultural and domestic activities. Although spring water is considered to be of high quality by users, it is not exempt from pollution and degradation. Therefore, the diagnosis and monitoring of these waters becomes of great importance for the protection of the natural environment and for public well-being. This work involved the environmental diagnosis of three springs in the rural area of Lerroville, Paraná, using macroscopic, physicochemical, microbiological evaluations and genotoxicity bioassays with fish of the species Oreochromis niloticus. Although the springs were classified as "Good" (Class B) in the macroscopic evaluation, the laboratory results revealed significant vulnerabilities, such as the presence of total coliforms, making the water unsuitable for human consumption, and color, pH and turbidity parameters that did not comply with legislation, especially in the spring with the most degraded riparian vegetation. Furthermore, genotoxic tests revealed significant DNA damage in fish exposed to all water sources, particularly the visually most preserved spring (N3), which showed genomic instability, possibly due to the release of microplastics from raffia bags used for containment of agrochemicals in the region and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Given these results, the study concludes that visual appearance is insufficient to guarantee water security and recommends forest restoration measures, fencing of areas, and environmental education initiatives to mitigate the identified anthropogenic impacts.