Avaliação de risco à biodiversidade em comparação às regulamentações internacionais de pesticidas nas águas superficiais da bacia hidrográfica do rio Dourados

Abstract

The present study addressed an analysis, from a risk assessment perspective, of pesticide contamination in the surface waters of the Rio Dourados Watershed, located in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, resulting from intensive agricultural practices in the region. Water contamination data were provided by Embrapa, and the aquatic biodiversity risk assessment was conducted following a comprehensive review of the main global pollutant limit regulations. This review included a comparison of the legislation of various countries, such as Brazil, Canada, China, the United States, Australia, the European Union, as well as the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO). The comparison of environmental regulations revealed significant discrepancies in the maximum allowable pollutant limits in water resources, highlighting vulnerabilities in current standards and the need for harmonization to achieve more effective protection of water resources. The biodiversity risk assessment was based on the calculation of the risk quotient, identifying potential harm to aquatic organisms. The results also emphasize the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and continuous water quality monitoring to mitigate the negative impacts of pesticides. This study contributed to a deeper understanding of the impacts of pesticides on water quality and the health of aquatic ecosystems. Finally, the analysis promotes a crucial discussion on environmental management and legislation involving pollutants and highlights the need for stricter regulations to protect water resources and biodiversity.