AVALIAÇÃO DA MUTAGENICIDADE AMBIENTAL DAS ÁGUAS SOB INFLUÊNCIA DO COMPLEXO PORTUÁRIO DO ITAQUI, MARANHÃO, BRASIL.

Abstract

The genotoxic and mutagenic potential of the waters surrounding the Port Complex of Itaqui was evaluated using fish (Sciades herzbergii) native to the region in order to better understand the impact of anthropogenic actions on this aquatic ecosystem. For this, 20 animals were collected in the locality of the Port Complex and 20 animals in the reference location (Pau Laying), both located on Maranhão Island (Brazil), in the rainy season (May and June) and drought (November and December) 2015. Comet Assay and Micronucleus Test to assess the potential genotoxic and mutagenic, respectively. Chemical analysis of water in the region during the rainy season revealed values ​​above Brazilian environmental analysis for Cl, P, Zn, and B, (Mn with values ​​close to the maximum chemical sediment analysis revealed the presence of metals and organic compounds. Toxicogenetic analysis revealed higher frequency of injuries genomics and mutations in the animals collected around the port region in both the periods when compared to the reference site (p <0.05). There was also difference between the rainy and dry periods in both tests. Thus, It is suggested that the contaminants present around the Itaqui Port Complex are capable of causing genetic damage to individuals exposed to them. The species Sciades herzbergii proved to be a sensitive bioindicator for toxicological genetics studies applicable to water resources monitoring works.