Influência da radiação ionizante natural no açude do boqueirão (RN): avaliação de risco saúde/ambiente

The contamination of water bodies with toxic substances causes a decrease in water quality, representing a risk to public health. In this context, human activities are generally seen as the main sources of water degradation. However, elements found naturally in the environment can also compromise water quality. Thus, the Boqueirão‘s dam, located in the municipality of Parelhas (RN, Brazil), was chosen as area for the development of this study, as its geological region is rich in the emission of natural ionizing radiation that produces byproducts like lead and Radon. Moreover, the area has a strong human influence that enhances the risks of pollutant discharge in this body of water.Thus, the objectives of this study were centered (i) in the analysis of risk perception in the city of Parelhas (RN/Brasil) due to the use of the water from the Boqueirão Dam; and (ii) in the assessment of water quality in the Dam using methods that quantify, mainly, heavy metals and radiation levels, as well as these toxics potential of inducing mutations on genetic material. The analysis of risk perception showed that the population in the city of Parelhas can perceive a risk in using the water from the dam and that they can recognize factors that influence the water quality. Regarding the second objective, the set of data point to the contamination of the Dam by heavy metals, as well as levels of radioactive parcicles and Radon – also present in high concentrations in outdoor air and on soil. Thus, it is possible to infer that the population residing in this area is subjected to injuries caused by exposure to natural and anthropogenic contamination. Our findings corroborate with the perception of the population regarding the risks associated with the use of the Dam for several types of activities. It is expected that the information gathered in this study can substantiate activities and future researches in this semiarid region in the Rio Grande do Norte/Brazil. Also, that the set of data can enable a better understanding of the specific toxicological scenario of risk found for the population and the effect of the contamination for the biota, which aids the development of a future risk assessment and a consequent management of this local issue.