Can wastes and pesticides’ discharge into the soil affect the water quality of a water resource in Southern Brazil?
摘要
Ineffective or absent sewage treatment poses risks to human and animal health, as untreated sewage often contains metals and pharmaceuticals discharged into nearby water bodies. Similarly, pesticide use near water resources is a major cause of environmental contamination, leading to water pollution and quality degradation. This study assessed the contamination potential of a site exposed to wastewater and pesticide discharge. Physical–chemical and microbiological analyses were conducted on wastewater and water resources near the sewage discharge point. Additionally, metal levels in water and waste, as well as pharmaceuticals and pesticides’ concentrations in water, were also assessed. Results revealed metals such as potassium (15.73 mg L−1), calcium (2.37 mg L−1), magnesium (3.81 mg L−1), copper (0.4097 mg L−1), zinc (0.6248 mg L−1) in surface water. Pesticides, including clomazone (0.225 µg L⁻1), 2,4-D (0.208 µg L⁻1), carbendazim (0.076 µg L-1), imazethapyr (0.076 µg L-1), and picoxystrobin (< LOQ) were present at all sampling points. Pharmaceuticals such as caffeine (69.361 µg L⁻1), diclofenac (0.229 µg L⁻1), and paracetamol (23.630 µg L⁻1) were also prevalent. The findings indicate that metal contamination results from natural processes and anthropogenic activities, while pesticides are associated with agricultural practices and pharmaceuticals are linked to improper waste management. These pollutants contribute to site degradation, emphasizing the role of wastewater discharge and runoff in contaminant transport. The study highlights the urgent need for effective waste treatment to mitigate contamination and protect environmental and human health.