Guilherme Sgobbi Zagui

Freshwater fish are essential components of the aquatic food chain and an important source of protein and nutrients for various communities, especially riverine populations. However, water pollution is one of the main causes of metal bioaccumulation in the organs of these animals. This study conducted a systematic review of the scientific literature on trace metal contamination in freshwater fish in Brazil. The methodological procedure was structured in three stages: definition of the research problem, application of a relevance test with inclusion and exclusion criteria, and selection of eligible studies for the review. Regional heterogeneity was observed in the scientific production on metals in freshwater fish in Brazil, with a higher concentration of studies in the Northern region. The studies indicate a predominance of native species and demonstrate that trophic level, feeding habits, and interaction with the habitat influence the bioaccumulation of metals in freshwater fish in Brazil. There was also consensus that the metals of greatest toxicological and environmental relevance are Pb, Cd, Cr, and Hg, which were the most frequently identified in the studies. The contamination profile of metals in fish varies regionally and is directly related to anthropogenic activities such as mining, intensive agriculture, urbanization, and effluent discharge. Health risk assessment studies indicate that the daily intake of some potentially toxic trace metals (cadmium, lead, and mercury) may exceed the maximum limits established by legislation, mainly affecting populations with high fish consumption, such as Amazonian riverine and Indigenous communities.

In the cashew nut processing industry, the main residue generated in significant quantities is the cashew nut shell. This study aims to produce activated carbon from the pyrolysis of cashew nut shells, characterizing both the biomass and the resulting product. The methylene blue dye adsorption test was conducted to evaluate the adsorptive potential of this carbon. Through proximate analysis, the biomass and activated carbon were characterized by assessing parameters such as moisture content, ash content, volatile matter, and fixed carbon content. The pyrolysis process of cashew nut shells in a fixed-bed reactor was carried out at temperatures of 400°C, 500°C and 600°C, with heating rates between 15°C/min, 20°C/min and 25°C/min. The yield of activated carbon was analyzed based on these variables, revealing that at a temperature of 500°C and a heating rate of 20°C/min, the carbon yield varied between 33.10% and 36.10%, indicating a favorable outcome according to the experimental design parameters. Regarding the adsorption behavior of cashew nut shell-based activated carbon in the methylene blue dye test, the experiment demonstrated that a lower carbon mass and a higher dye concentration resulted in more efficient adsorption. The study concludes that the obtained results were positive both in terms of the reuse of cashew nut shell agro-industrial waste for activated carbon production and its adsorption potential.

(1) Background: Highway toll plazas are environments impacted by atmospheric pollutants that may affect workers’ health. However, there are still few studies on these environments. This study evaluated particulate matter (PM) concentrations by size fraction (PM_10–9.0 to PM_0.43) and associated arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and vanadium (V) at two toll plazas in Brazil. (2) Methods: PM and trace element concentrations were compared between dry and rainy seasons, and a health risk assessment was conducted for toll collectors based on inhalation exposure. (3) Results: PM_10–2.5 concentrations ranged from 31.8 to 360 µg m⁻³ in the dry season and from non-detectable to 287 µg m⁻³ in the rainy season. PM_2.5 levels varied between 14.9 and 150 µg m⁻³ (dry) and 3.46–174 µg m⁻³ (rainy). Although trace element concentrations were within Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) limits, the hazard quotient (HQ) for manganese and arsenic exceeded unity (HQ > 1), indicating potential health risks. (4) Conclusions: These findings suggest that toll plaza workers may experience increased inhalation-related risk under the exposure assumptions used. Improved ventilation and protective measures, including the use of protective screens, are recommended to reduce occupational exposure.

The objective of this article was to evaluate the effect of wastewater disposal on soil based on scientific evidence. For this purpose, an integrative review was conducted in two databases using the cross-referenced terms “irrigation,” “wastewater,” “effluent,” “soil,” and “disposal.” To meet the eligibility criteria established in this study, the papers, in addition to having been published in the last three years, had to address the effects of effluent irrigation on agricultural crops and present original results. The vast majority of the texts evaluated showed an increase in various metals on soil after irrigation with effluents (some with previous treatment and others untreated). Nevertheless, when considering the availability of organic nutrients in the soil, it was possible to identify benefits for both fertility and agricultural productivity, including an increase in the yield of secondary agricultural products. The variation in the results of the studies evaluated is justified by the different effluent matrices and their characteristics, as well as by the agricultural culture in which they will be applied. In this way, the data obtained show that the reason for wastewater reuse is becoming increasingly relevant, and to prevent this from resulting in environmental damage or even risks to public health, it is necessary to consider the changes and effects pointed out in the physical environment.

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) has been a significant concern for governments, ecologists, and the Ministry of the Environment. Studies show a growing increase in the generation of WEEE in Brazil and around the world. In a 2024 report by The Global E-Waste Monitor, Brazil was identified as the largest generator of WEEE in South America, ranking second in the Americas, only behind the United States. Given this scenario, sustainability practices and actions are necessary to minimize the incorrect disposal of WEEE. Considering the need to provide innovative tools to support the teaching–learning process, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) invest heavily in technology acquisition and, as a result, are increasingly concerned about equipment disposal when it no longer meets its purchased needs. This study aims to develop guidelines for implementing WEEE management policies to guide the correct disposal of these materials in HEIs. This study made it possible to visualize how important technology is for business continuity and highlight employees’ ecological awareness when disposing of unserviceable electronic equipment. The results of this study made it possible to present comparative data on the generation of WEEE, which served as a basis for drawing up guidelines to support HEIs in improving WEEE management and emphasized the importance of environmental awareness and responsibility.

Introduction: Fungi usually are resistant to disinfection and has pathogenic potential; however, they are not legally controlled in hemodialysis water (HW). Objective: Filamentous fungi (FF) were evaluated in HW from a tertiary hospital in southeast of São Paulo state (Brazil) and is a reference medical center providing service to millions of people every year. Method: A total of 84 water samples were collected in seven hydraulic system points during a period of one year and FF was identified by macroscopic and microscopic features. Results: FF were detected in all points ranging from 1 to 334 CFU/100 mL. Nine genera along the hydraulic system were identified, including Acremonium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Beltrania, Bipolaris, Cladosporium, Exophiala, Fusarium, and Penicillium. Conclusions: Most fungi are ubiquitous and some cause human infection and mycotoxins producers. The various genera found reveal possible failures in treatment and distribution system, either through inadequate hygiene practices or infusion of these microorganisms into the pipes. FF detection is needed bearing mind immunological vulnerability of patients under hemodialysis treatment requiring continuous health surveillance actions.