The main routes of lead (Pb) absorption are through the airways and orally, and through consumption of contaminated food and beverage, with Pb mainly being absorbed in the atmospheric particulate form. In 2012, a cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate the Pb environmental exposure in two Amazonian districts, Dom Manuel (DMN) and Laranjal (CLA), located in Barcarena City, northern Brazil. CLA is located outside the industrial area of Barcarena (control population), whereas DMN is an old community located in the vicinity of industrial activities. A significant number of residents in these districts participated in an epidemiological inquiry and blood sampling. Total Pb blood levels were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The mean Pb blood level in people that live in DMN was 281.60 (98.73–570.80) μg·L⁻¹, approximately nine times higher than the level found in CLA (32.77 μg·L⁻¹). In these districts, the Pb blood levels showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) based on gender, schooling, residence time, and smoking. This is the first evidence of industrial environmental pollutant exposure in the Amazon.

Groundwater is present in its purest form beneath the earth’s surface. However, metal contamination is potentially a problem faced by many countries. For this reason, the present study aims to make an assessment of the risks associated with groundwater consumption around the Marituba landfill in an Amazon region. The present study was characterized as transversal with the use of primary data. The sampling occurred in a stratified random way, performed in two radii of action being the 1st radius of 2.5 km away from the landfill and the 2nd radius of 3.5 km away from the landfill to the neighborhoods. A total of 184 points were collected. In all communities the average daily dose (ADD) was higher than the reference oral dose (Rfd), for the metals As, Pb and Mn the risk quotient (HQ) was greater than 1 (one) in all neighborhoods, the concentration of Mn in the least exposed neighborhood was greater than 10 µg.L⁻¹, even at a distance of 3.5 km from the landfill. The average concentrations for As and Pb did not exceed the recommended, however, they were more significant for the Beira Rio neighborhood, respectively 1.47 µg.L⁻¹ and 1.9 µg.L⁻¹. And the average concentration for Cu was more significant for the Uriboca neighborhood 18.20 µg.L⁻¹, but within the recommended. The average of the general concentration of Heavy Metals Pollution Index (HPI) of the water consumed was 80.03, indicating that the water consumed by the population is contaminated by metals.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the feasibility of using rainwater for human consumption as an alternative water supply in the Eastern Amazon, through a social technology for collection and treatment. Theoretical Framework: Despite the region's water abundance, access to potable water is limited, especially in isolated communities. Rainwater harvesting emerges as a viable alternative, provided its quality is rigorously evaluated. Method: The research was conducted in seven households on Ilha das Onças (Barcarena-PA) and one control unit in Belém. Water samples collected from rooftops and stored in cisterns were analyzed before and after treatment with sodium hypochlorite and filtration using activated carbon and polypropylene candles. Physical-chemical parameters (pH and electrical conductivity) were evaluated and compared with commercial brands, while microbiological parameters (coliforms) and trace metals were also analyzed. Results and Discussion: Rainwater had an average pH of 5.16 and conductivity of 9.1 μS·cm⁻¹; after treatment, these values slightly increased but remained below those found in commercial waters. Treatment reduced the microbiological load, although 53.8% of samples still showed total coliforms and 20.5% E. coli. In general, the samples did not show metal concentrations above the levels established by legislation. Research Implications: The results suggest that, with proper operation and maintenance, rainwater harvesting and treatment systems are a viable solution for water supply in Amazonian communities. Originality/Value: The study highlights a low-cost, sustainable alternative adapted to the region’s socio-environmental context for promoting health and well-being.

O mercúrio (Hg) está presente na Amazônia devido à ocorrência natural e por emissões de garimpo. Os sedimentos de fundo são importantes para estudos ambientais, pois informam sobre o aporte de contaminantes como o Hg nos ambientes aquáticos. Em Porto Trombetas situa-se a área de mineração de bauxita pela Mineradora Rio Norte na área da Floresta Nacional de Saracá-Taquera, próximo a comunidades tradicionais e a REBIO. Assim, considerando a ocorrência de impactos, pretende-se avaliar o acúmulo de Hg contribuindo para compreender parte da sua dinâmica neste local sem garimpo. Os objetivos são: Avaliar o acúmulo de Hg em sedimentos de fundo na área da reserva biológica do Rio Trombetas; Quantificar os níveis de Hg nos sedimentos de fundo e caracterizar a qualidade ambiental dos sedimentos de acordo com os níveis de Hg encontrados com o descrito em legislações para áreas não impactadas; Correlacionar os níveis de Hg nos sedimentos de fundo com a variação sazonal. A área de estudo é a bacia do Rio Trombetas, localizado em Oriximiná, Pará. As amostras de sedimento de fundo superficiais foram coletadas em 30 pontos ao longo da bacia, em quatro amostragens em maio e setembro de 2016 e março e junho de 2017. As amostras foram guardadas em sacos plásticos, conservadas e levadas para a SAMAM. Após, as amostras foram secas, peneiradas e submetidas à abertura ácida e analisadas com Espectrômetro de Absorção Atômica com Sistema de Vapor Frio. Os resultados mostram que não ocorreu variação sazonal estatística significativa nas concentrações de Hg Total (HgT), mas ocorreu variação estatística significativa espacial. A variação espacial pode ser explicada nos pontos com maiores concentrações por coincidir justamente nos locais em que se concentram as atividades de mineração de bauxita. De acordo com os valores de TEL e PEL e a resolução do CONAMA nº 344/2004 todos os pontos apresentaram concentrações abaixo do nível 02(PEL), quando é pouco provável ocorrer efeitos adversos na biota. Alguns pontos apresentaram concentrações médias acima da faixa para rios amazônicos não contaminados. As maiorias dos pontos enquadram-se nos valores regionais amazônicos, com exceções superando os valores regionais. A qualidade ambiental dos sedimentos apresentou-se dentro dos padrões regulares quando comparados com valores de referência internacional e da legislação brasileira. Conclui-se que as atividades como a mineração de bauxita podem contribuir para remobilização do Hg para os ambientes aquáticos.