PRODEMA - Doutorado em Desenvolvimento e Meio Ambiente

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O desenvolvimento da atividade turística em Fernando de Noronha e seus impactos socioambientais
(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2026-01-09) Gavilan, Mônica Almeida; Silva, Flávio José de Lima; Marques Júnior, Sérgio; Farias, Daniel Solon Dias de; Chagas, Márcio Marreiro das; Tacconi, Marli de Fátima Ferraz da Silva; Carvalho, Rodrigo Guimarães de
The growing need to adopt differentiated strategies aimed at reconciling economic development with environmental conservation has become fundamental to the management of sustainable tourism destinations. In this regard, practices such as participatory management, the inclusion of local communities in decision-making processes, the valorization and dissemination of local culture, and the qualification of the indigenous population emerge as strategic guidelines capable of promoting the integration of economic growth, environmental preservation, and social equity. Nevertheless, the expansion of tourism activity has intensified debates and criticisms concerning associated socio-environmental impacts, particularly in insular destinations characterized by environmental fragility, social complexity, and territorial limitations. In this context, the need for continuous monitoring and evaluation becomes evident in order to ensure that tourism development remains aligned with the promotion of equitable benefits for local communities, as well as with the preservation of natural ecosystems. Against this backdrop, the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago—recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site and characterized by high ecological relevance and increasing tourist flows—constitutes the locus of this investigation. The general objective of this doctoral thesis is to analyze residents’ perceptions of the socio-environmental impacts generated by the tourism sector on the island, from an ESG perspective, examining their relationships with quality of life, place attachment, and residents’ support for tourism. To achieve these objectives, the study adopted a bibliographic, exploratory, descriptive, and explanatory research design, with a mixed qualitative and quantitative approach. Initially, a systematic literature review was conducted to support the understanding of the historical evolution of tourism in Fernando de Noronha and the theoretical construct of place attachment. Subsequently, an exploratory quantitative survey was carried out through the application of a data collection instrument to a sample of 200 residents, aimed at assessing perceptions of ESG practices and their effects on quality of life, place attachment, and residents’ support for tourism. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), employing IBM SPSS and AMOS software (version 22). The results indicate that perceptions of quality of life and environmental impacts are the main determinants of residents’ support for tourism. Place attachment influences support for tourism indirectly, mediated by perceptions of quality of life. Additionally, the findings reveal a lack of more effective public policies aimed at fostering genuine local entrepreneurship and qualifying residents to occupy positions within the tourism sector. Overall, the study highlights that tourism development in Fernando de Noronha requires an integrated approach, sensitive to residents’ perceptions and committed to the principles of sustainable tourism.
Ecomobilidade relacional: conexões na ambientalização e humanização do espaço urbano
(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2025-11-04) Cunha, José Carlos Santos; Soares, Maria José Nascimento; Cândido, Gesinaldo Ataíde; Melo, José Nilton de; Santos, Núbia Dias dos; Lopes, Sérgio Luiz
The conventional model of urban mobility, based on the prioritization of individual motorized transport, reinforces spatial, environmental, and social inequalities, especially in sprawling cities, where access to essential services and natural spaces is hindered, resulting in significant impacts on mobility and its connections with the processes of the relocation of being in nature, environmentalization, and humanization of urban space. In this scenario, urban mobility— traditionally addressed from technical and infrastructural perspectives—proves insufficient to face the challenges of sustainability and socio-environmental and socio-spatial inclusion. Within this context, the concept of relational ecomobility emerges, proposing an articulation between sustainable movements and territorial and human relations in urban daily life, from a perspective that goes beyond the efficiency of transport systems, placing mobility within the scope of socio-spatial relations and environmental justice. The objective of this thesis was to analyze the connections and impacts of relational ecomobility on the relocation of the human being in nature, environmentalization, and humanization of urban space from spatial, environmental, and social dimensions. The spatial scope of the research focused on the urban space of the city of Nossa Senhora do Socorro, Sergipe, Brazil—specifically three neighborhoods shaped by the urbanization/metropolization process of the Metropolitan Region of Aracaju. Data were obtained through the following procedures: technical reading, involving the selection of landscape elements that characterize the spatial, environmental, and social dimensions, delimited on neighborhood maps in buffers, with their connections analyzed using measurable indicators and variables proportional to the scales defined by Machado (2019). Collection points were defined via Google Maps and validated in the field, and the results represented the magnitude attribute of each analyzed action. A participatory reading was also conducted through questionnaires to capture the perception of agents who shape urban space, using a five-point Likert scale ranging from extremely negative to highly positive, with a neutral central class. This method allowed qualitative responses to be converted into measurable quantitative data through the calculation of the Mean Ranking (MR) of response scores, corresponding to the importance attribute. Cross-referencing of quantitative indicator data was performed using a Connection and Impact Index Matrix Model of Relational Ecomobility (adapted from the Leopold Matrix, 1971), which generated magnitude, connection, and importance indices that defined the impact levels of relational ecomobility on the relocation of being in nature, environmentalization, and humanization of urban space. The analysis of the impact indices per dimension of relational ecomobility in the studied neighborhoods revealed significant disparities among urban territories regarding the human connection with nature, the environmentalization and humanization of spaces, and the promotion of a fairer and more accessible city. The spatial, environmental, and social dimensions are closely related to the notion of socio-environmental and socio-spatial justice, which presupposes equitable access to urban infrastructure, sustainable mobility, and quality of life for all social groups. Therefore, relational ecomobility emerges as a critical key to overcoming the dichotomies imposed by urban modernity—nature/city, subject/territory, mobility/fixity—and as an emancipatory proposal capable of promoting transformations in the ways of inhabiting, moving, and coexisting in cities. By re-centering the human being within nature and nature within urban everyday life, this model offers a possible and necessary horizon for the construction of fairer, more ecological, and more humane cities, serving as a theoretical and technical foundation for the formulation of more integrated public policies sensitive to urban territorial and spatial specificities.
Macrofauna associada a bancos naturais e cultivo de macroalgas: dinâmicas ecológicas e percepções ambientais
(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2025-07-10) Melo, Marlon Delgado; Soriano, Eliane Marinho; Oliveira, Jorge Eduardo Lins; Carneiro, Marcella Araújo do Amaral; Albuquerque, Cristiano Queiroz de; Dias, Thelma Lúcia Pereira; Oliveira, Vinicius Peruzzi de
Natural beds and cultivation areas of marine macroalgae play a fundamental role in enhancing the biodiversity of marine invertebrates by providing shelter, food, and complex structures that promote colonization and species diversity. In this context, a study was conducted to analyze the composition, abundance, and structure of the macrofauna associated with natural beds and cultivated stands of Gracilaria birdiae, investigating the ecological dynamics of these interactions. The first approach focused on comparing the benthic fauna associated with a natural bed of G. birdiae at Mãe Luiza beach and a cultivation site of the same species at Rio do Fogo beach, with emphasis on spatiotemporal variations in algal biomass and ecological indices. The second approach emphasized ecological succession processes of the benthic macrofauna in the cultivation site over time, identifying patterns of seasonality, alpha and beta diversity, and changes in community composition. The third approach addressed the environmental perception of public school students regarding local marine biodiversity, evaluating the effects of Environmental Education workshops. Algal biomass and the ecological indices of benthic assemblages were analyzed using multivariate statistical methods, considering spatiotemporal variation. Structured questionnaires were used to collect qualitative data on environmental perception. In total, 95 species of macroinvertebrates were recorded, belonging to the phyla Platyhelminthes, Mollusca, Annelida, Arthropoda, and Echinodermata. Higher algal biomass, relative abundance, and species diversity were observed in the cultivated area at Rio do Fogo, with greater abundance during the dry season and higher species diversity during the rainy season. Community composition varied significantly over time and between sites, reflecting ecological succession processes, with Amphipoda as the dominant group. Furthermore, the cultivation area supported the presence of ecologically and economically important species such as lobsters (Panulirus laevicauda and P. meripurpuratus), the exotic bivalve Electroma vexillum, and reef fish. Overall, the results suggest that the cultivation of G. birdiae can contribute positively to the promotion of local marine biodiversity. Additionally, Environmental Education activities proved effective in increasing students’ environmental awareness, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of marine biodiversity.
Jardins sensoriais como espaços de inclusão e formação científica na perspectiva da educação para a sustentabilidade
(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2025-06-17) Nascimento, Aline Gadelha do; Araújo, Magnólia Fernandes Florêncio de; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8811-7921; http://lattes.cnpq.br/4511989641459455; http://lattes.cnpq.br/9545404677006081; http://lattes.cnpq.br/9545404677006081; Costa, Diógenes Felix da Silva; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4210-7805; http://lattes.cnpq.br/4149669138364420; Duarte, Fábio Teixeira; http://lattes.cnpq.br/4371235140013662; Menezes, Maria da Conceição Vieira de Almeida; https://orcid.org/0009-0003-3099-2776; http://lattes.cnpq.br/0760132662492277; Soares, Maria José Nascimento; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7879-4769; http://lattes.cnpq.br/8392706159125796
Sensory gardens are spaces designed to stimulate the senses, provide interactive experiences with nature, and promote inclusion by addressing the diverse needs and learning styles of different audiences. In the educational context, these environments are configured as nonformal learning spaces that, in addition to expanding students' contact with the environment, offer an innovative approach to science education. They foster learning through sensory experimentation, scientific inquiry, motor development, and interdisciplinary practices, while also encouraging responsible attitudes towards the environment and the construction of socioenvironmental values that strengthen awareness and drive collective action towards sustainability.This research aimed to assess the use of sensory gardens as a didactic resource to facilitate the teaching and learning of science, with a view to promoting sustainability and their potential contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study was carried out in Rio Grande do Norte, in the northeastern region of Brazil in three distinct contexts: the sensory garden of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN); a Municipal Early Childhood Education Center located in the city of Natal/RN; and a rural state school situated in Pium, in the municipality of Nísia Floresta, encompassing both early childhood and elementary education in socially vulnerable communities. The participating institutions are linked to the extension project “Traditional Knowledge and Education for Sustainability”, promoted by UFRN.The investigation was guided by the following questions: what pedagogical approaches can be employed in sensory gardens to enhance science teaching in non-school spaces? How do the activities carried out in these environments contribute to the understanding of scientific concepts considered complex by students? Moreover, in what ways can the implementation of a sensory garden foster the integration of education for sustainability within the school environment?A qualitative approach was adopted, along with methodologies based on inquiry-based teaching. Data were collected through participant observations, questionnaires, analysis of children's drawings, and educational games, allowing for an understanding of the perceptions and learning constructed in the different contexts in which the sensory gardens were explored. The results highlight that sensory gardens play an essential role in environmental awareness, promoting responsible attitudes and strengthening socio-environmental values. In addition to contributing to science learning and facilitating the understanding of scientific concepts in a practical and experiential way, these spaces align with the Sustainable Development Goals by encouraging pedagogical practices that promote environmental awareness, respect for diversity, and engagement in collective actions in favor of sustainability. Thus, this research reinforces the potential of sensory gardens as pedagogical tools that support science education and promote a more inclusive, critical, and sustainability-oriented education.
O papel da cobertura vegetal para melhoria da qualidade ambiental em Natal/RN
(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2025-06-16) Souza Júnior, Francisco Fernando de; Costa, Diógenes Felix da Silva; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4210-7805; http://lattes.cnpq.br/4149669138364420; http://lattes.cnpq.br/5394200725130643; Souza, Raquel Franco de; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8818-0605; http://lattes.cnpq.br/5181465668193577; Castelhano, Francisco Jablinski; http://lattes.cnpq.br/6679148883805360; Lima, Eduardo Rodrigues Viana de; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1116-9090; http://lattes.cnpq.br/2941361024141417; Araújo, Paulo Victor do Nascimento
The accelerated urbanization and the reduction of urban green areas have caused significant impacts on environmental quality and public well-being, making the analysis of sustainable strategies for urban planning essential. Public squares, as fundamental components of green infrastructure, play a key role in microclimatic regulation, accessibility to natural spaces, and mitigation of urban heat island effects. Based on these premises, the central research question of this thesis is: What role does urban vegetation cover play in microclimate regulation and in the spatial distribution of environmental quality in Natal/RN, considering public squares as strategic elements of green infrastructure for this analysis? Public squares, as essential components of green infrastructure, have a fundamental function in regulating microclimates, enhancing urban thermal comfort, and promoting social well-being. However, the unequal distribution of these spaces and the varying environmental conditions they exhibit exacerbate urban problems, such as heat islands and unequal access to green areas. These socio-spatial disparities, particularly in densely populated areas, undermine quality of life and the city’s resilience to climate change. In this context, the objective of this thesis is to evaluate and highlight the relevance of urban green areas in shaping environmental quality in urban environments. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach (quantitative and qualitative), employing techniques such as geoprocessing, remote sensing, descriptive and inferential statistics, and socio-environmental analysis. The analysis includes the extraction of satellite imagery data—such as Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)—to assess the relationship between vegetation cover and thermal regulation in public squares. Moreover, the distribution of these areas was analyzed using urban planning variables such as population density, land use, and proximity to Environmental Protection Zones (ZPAs). Qualitative analyses were also conducted, including in situ observations and a review of public policies related to urban planning and green space management. The results indicate that public squares with higher vegetation cover exhibit lower temperatures compared to surrounding areas, confirming their importance in mitigating heat islands and improving urban thermal comfort. However, the spatial analysis reveals an unequal distribution of public squares throughout the city, with the most populated regions having less vegetation cover, thus increasing the vulnerability of these populations to the effects of climate change. The research also proposes an innovative criterion for evaluating urban environmental quality by integrating physical, climatic, and social indicators, with potential applications in territorial planning and the development of public policies aimed at sustainable urban development. Aligned with three United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action) this research provides important insights for formulating public policies that foster a more inclusive, sustainable, and climate-resilient city. The expansion, conservation, and proper management of public squares should be incorporated into sustainable urban planning strategies, ensuring equitable access to these spaces and promoting an overall improvement in the quality of life for the residents of Natal.
Utilização de conchas de Anomalocardia flexuosa na formação de substratos e seus efeitos na germinação e desenvolvimento inicial de mudas
(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2025-05-26) Nicolau, Josefa Patrícia Balduino; Pontes, Cibele Soares; Pereira, Márcio Dias; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9729-6503; http://lattes.cnpq.br/2969947409452499; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1993-0032; http://lattes.cnpq.br/3943018673158703; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2503-2378; http://lattes.cnpq.br/0918426519253681; Costa, Diógenes Felix da Silva; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4210-7805; http://lattes.cnpq.br/4149669138364420; Cortez, Jarcilene Silva de Almeida; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7118-7090; http://lattes.cnpq.br/3305390900674832; Araújo, Jeane Medeiros Martins de; http://lattes.cnpq.br/3893861638616123; Praxedes, Sidney Carlos; http://lattes.cnpq.br/6609231229691480
In response to the growing pressure for increased food production, sustainable alternatives have been explored in agriculture. In this context, the shells of the mollusk Anomalocardia flexuosa, rich in calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), were evaluated in three studies focused on seed technology, addressing substrates and seed coating. In the first study, the incorporation of shell powder with different particle sizes (3 mm, 2 mm, and 250 μm) and concentrations (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80%) into basic substrates (soil, vermiculite, and organic compost) was analyzed for the cultivation of Crotalaria juncea. The results revealed that, regardless of particle size or substrate type, the addition of shell powder improved seedling emergence, shoot and root growth, and dry biomass accumulation. The residue acted as a substrate conditioner, supplying calcium and improving the physical structure without impairing the physiological performance of the seedlings. The second study focused on coating Crotalaria ochroleuca seeds with shell powder, either alone or combined with diatomaceous earth, applied using two natural binders: one sugar-based (A1) and the other made with sweet cassava starch (A2). The treatments enhanced germination, germination speed index, seedling emergence, and tolerance to accelerated aging. The combination of shell powder with diatomaceous earth and binder A2 stood out by increasing shoot length and root dry mass. The results indicate that the interaction between natural materials optimizes physiological performance and enables mechanized sowing through seed standardization. In the third study, shell powder was used in the manual pelleting of sesame (Sesamum indicum) seeds, with different formulations (shell powder, diatomaceous earth, and a mixture of both) combined with the same natural binders. The coating positively influenced all physiological and morphological variables, promoting greater uniformity in emergence and stress tolerance. The type of binder directly affected shoot and root length and biomass. The formulations proved effective in stimulating early growth, representing sustainable alternatives to improve seed physiological quality. Overall, the three studies demonstrate the promising potential of Anomalocardia flexuosa shells as a sustainable agricultural input, both in improving seed physiological quality and stimulating early seedling development. In addition to adding value to an underutilized marine residue, the results highlight that its application can contribute to more efficient, ecological, and economically viable agricultural practices.
Resiliência socioecológica em recursos hídricos: identificação e aplicação de indicadores na bacia hidrográficа Piancó-Piranhas-Açú, UPH Seridó do Rio Grande do Norte
(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2025-04-04) Souza, Francimara Costa de; Cândido, Gesinaldo Ataíde; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3112-0254; http://lattes.cnpq.br/2771934125977891; Costa, Diógenes Felix da Silva; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4210-7805; http://lattes.cnpq.br/4149669138364420; Lima, Eduardo Rodrigues Viana de; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1116-9090; http://lattes.cnpq.br/2941361024141417; Sales, Luis Gustavo de Lima; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1186-2867; http://lattes.cnpq.br/4653438249128409; Taveira, Marcelo da Silva; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5174-7943; http://lattes.cnpq.br/3603092470145208
The concept of socio-ecological resilience in water resources (SERWR) addresses the ability of ecosystems and nearby populations to adapt and recover in the face of environmental pressures and changes. In the context of the Piancó - Piranhas - Açu River Basin (BHPPA), Seridó Hydrological Planning Unit (UPH), in the state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN), in the semi-arid Northeast, the practical application of SERWR as an integrated approach aims for more efficient and sustainable management of water resources, justified by the need to understand how local socio-ecological systems respond to disturbances, ensuring the sustainability of these resources. The main goal of this research is to evaluate the SERWR capacity of municipalities within the BHPPA, UPH Seridó RN, based on a set of indicators, which can assist in the formulation of more effective policies and management strategies that ensure SERWR in the face of adversities, such as extreme droughts and conflicts over water use. Based on these indicators, the research assumes that a better socio-ecological resilience capacity of water resources contributes to the management of water resources in municipalities within river basins, given the challenges and conflicts arising from the forms of access and use of water resources. Through a systematic literature review, 23 SERWR indicators were identified, divided into two categories (social and ecological), focusing on integrated and participatory management of water resources. To obtain these indicators, a systematized literature review was conducted with articles published in the last 12 years. This study represents a set of easily understandable information about the municipalities that make up the BHPPA, UPH Seridó, capable of providing society with adequate data for decision-making and supporting public interests related to the socio-ecological management of water resources. Thus, it was possible to apply and validate the identified indicators, analyzing them qualitatively through the perception of members of the BHPPA committee. The validity of the indicators was confirmed, reinforcing their suitability to the territorial scope's particularities. The Iramuteq® software was used to support the analysis, enabling the systematization of discourses in an objective and structured manner. The results indicate that socio-ecological resilience in water resources presents limitations, although it has shown progress over the past decades. However, access to these resources remains a significant challenge, especially due to the recurrence of drought periods, which worsen the conditions of water availability and management.
Saúde ambiental na microrregião Borborema Potiguar: vulnerabilidades humanas e potencialidades educacionais
(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2025-04-09) Araújo, Rodrigo Serafim de; Amaral, Viviane Souza do; Navoni, Júlio Alejandro; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9326-9054; http://lattes.cnpq.br/4440806451383783; https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7394-5378; http://lattes.cnpq.br/3656817593631764; Pontes, Cibele Soares; Vieira, Arthur Cássio de Oliveira; Melo, Abinadabe Jackson de; Soares, Maria José Nascimento
Environmental health is a field of public health that focuses on the interconnections between the spheres of human health and the environmental panorama that surrounds us. Because it presents an eminently ecological relationship with the health-disease process, the need to address the issue at various levels of knowledge has been highlighted, ranging from basic education to higher education. In this context, the city of Lajes Pintadas, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, is an example that deserves to be highlighted when it comes to environmental health. Since 2009, the city has been the subject of interdisciplinary scientific research due to a unique characteristic in the environmental, educational and public health dimensions. This particularity refers to exposure to radon gas, naturally emitted by rocks that contain uranium (U) in their composition, a phenomenon known as natural radioactivity. In order to broaden the understanding of the socio-environmental factors linked to the presence of radioactivity, scholars emphasize the need to collect additional information, covering both the environmental impacts and possible related diseases. Furthermore, they highlight the relevance of exploring the educational potential of the topic in the field of environmental health. In light of these considerations, this thesis aimed to evaluate the socio-environmental conditions related to the emission of natural radioactivity in the municipality of Lajes Pintadas/RN, including the potential risks to human health, and the challenges and educational potential of the topic of environmental health in the context of basic education. To achieve this objective, the following methodologies were adopted, organized in the four chapters of this thesis: conducting new analyses on the perception of risk by the exposed population, through the application of questionnaires and the evaluation of the effects at the genetic level, using genotoxicity tests with a chronic approach and comparing the results with previous studies carried out in Lajes Pintadas/RN between 2014 and 2016; content analysis on the approach to health and environmental topics, in addition to their interconnection described as environmental health in the main guiding documents of basic education; development, application and validation of socio-educational and formative actions in environmental health, with an emphasis on local topics. The results of the first chapter indicate that factors such as occupation, lifestyle, and exposure to chemical agents may be associated with the observed cellular changes, highlighting the relevance of integrated approaches for the analysis of these correlations. Additionally, a statistically significant association was identified between exposure to radon gas and the increase in the frequency of micronuclei, a key biomarker of DNA damage. These findings suggest that prolonged exposure to natural radiation may contribute to cytogenetic changes, reinforcing the need for monitoring and mitigation measures. Regarding the educational panorama explored, the results related to the second chapter indicate difficulties in the search for and clarity in the articulation of health and environment themes in the main guiding document for basic education, the BNCC, as well as in their integration, characterized as environmental health. Guided by these weaknesses, the third chapter showed that the implementation of socio-educational and training initiatives in the area of environmental health, using an approach based on local reality, presents educational potential. These results represent an unprecedented record of collaborative integration between the fields of teaching, research, and extension, aiming at the promotion and didactic exploration of topics related to environmental health in situ. However, despite the benefits emphasized, it was observed in the literature that the didactic-pedagogical exploration and the availability of educational resources for the thematic scope are limited. This research gap supported the fourth chapter, culminating in the proposal of strategies for the construction and validation of a didactic sequence for teaching environmental health topics. In summary, the consolidation of the four chapters of this thesis presented innovative contributions to the understanding of the impacts of natural radioactivity on human health and to the formulation of materials, reflections, and positions on the relevance of the theme of environmental health in the context of basic education.
Farmacopoluição: análise da ocorrência de fármacos e sua relação com o padrão ecotoxicológico
(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2024-08-30) Barbosa, Andreza Miranda de Andrade; Navoni, Júlio Alejandro; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8715-0527; http://lattes.cnpq.br/4452348339839616; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6227-6748; http://lattes.cnpq.br/0311170283502126; Ferreira, Douglisnilson de Morais; Medeiros, Luciana de Castro; Silva, Maria Cristina Basilio Crispim da; Souza, Raquel Franco de
Emerging contaminants (EC) are chemical substances (drugs, among others) that are present in the environment as a result of human activity and the lack of adequacy of conventional water and sewage treatment processes that do not manage to remove them efficiently. Currently, the widespread and excessive use of drugs in the treatment of the COVID 19 pandemic has increased concern about the impacts resulting from contamination by drugs in aquatic environments, as a result of the release into the environment of large amounts of these compounds. Thus, aquatic ecotoxicity studies are essential to evaluate the effect of toxic chemical substances in the analysis of environmental impacts, especially when using representative organisms of the local aquatic biota, thus ensuring greater reliability and representativeness of the results obtained. In view of this, the objective of this work was to validate the usefulness of Dendrocephalus brasiliensis (Branchoneta), an autochthonous species from northeastern Brazil as a test organism for ecotoxicity studies of drugs used in the treatment of COVID 19. Ecotoxicological tests using D. brasiliensis were performed using drug solutions paracetamol, hydroxychloroquine, ivermectin and ibuprofen, in concentrations from 0.0025 to 600.0 mg/L following the protocols described by the Brazilian Association for Technical Norms (ABNT) for acute toxicity, standardized protocol for carrying out the ecotoxicological assay using as a test organism Daphnia magna, which was used as a reference to compare the response pattern. Based on the results obtained, the LC50-48h was calculated considering the death of organisms, ivermectin (< 0.0025 - < 0.0025), hydroxychloroquine (3.70 - 14.09), ibuprofen (12.25 - 107.52), paracetamol (8.53 - 9.61), results LC50-48h mg/l D. magna and D. brasiliensis respectively. The results obtained showed a differentiated pattern depending on the species and the analyzed drug, observing a sensitivity to exposure of D. brasiliensis compared to D. magna, demonstrating the value of D. brasiliensis as a test organism. Future research aimed at analyzing the potential interactions of these drugs at real environmental concentrations is necessary to complete the validation and to have an approximation of the events affected in environments impacted by these drugs.
Condicionantes da participação da sociedade civil nos conselhos municipais do Natal/RN, no processo de regulamentação de uma zona de proteção ambiental
(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2023-07-31) Costa, Ana Celecina Lucena da; Souza, Raquel Franco de; Silveira, Raquel Maria da Costa; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8818-0605; http://lattes.cnpq.br/5181465668193577; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7985-1996; http://lattes.cnpq.br/4712908555683418; Medeiros, Joana Darc Freire de; Silva, Sebastiao Milton Pinheiro da; Gomes, Edvânia Torres Aguiar; Costa, Franklin Roberto da
The Environmental Protection Zone 9 (ZPA-9) was established in the municipality of Natal, capital of the State of Rio Grande do Norte, aiming at environmental protection, reconciled with the uses and occupations of the region. The zoning of that Environmental Protection Zone took place through participatory and deliberative processes of regulation within the scope of the public policy management councils of Natal and counted on the action of segments of civil society and the government. With the conclusion of the administrative procedure for the regulation of ZPA-9, in 2019, and the forwarding of its bill to the Natal City Council, in April 2022, the public policy management councils that acted in that process fulfilled, in theory, the role for which they were created. In this scenario, the research in question aims to analyze the deliberative process and the influence of social participation via public policy management councils in the regulation of Environmental Protection Zone 9, in the municipality of Natal/RN, between the years 2014 and 2019. Methodologically, it was an empirical study, with deductive, exploratory and qualitative-quantitative approaches. The four chapters of the thesis addressed the urban changes in the Northern Administrative Region of Natal, from the establishment of ZPA-9 to the completion of the processing of its administrative regulation process, in 2019. As the main result of these chapters, it should be noted that the political-administrative guidelines for territorial organization and planning, including in the recent period, when the ZPA-9 regulation was finalized in 2019, were conditioned to the interests of hegemonic agents (political and economic), disregarding the natural and ecosystem aspects of the region. The results showed that the community branch of civil society had little influence on the zoning definitions of Environmental Protection Zone 9, a fact ratified by the institutionalization of participation and the deliberative effectiveness in the public policy management councils that acted in the regulatory process of that area, respectively. It was also found that the Municipal Councils of Natal were classified with a high degree of institutionalization. However, the levels of democratization and representation were considered to be of medium degree, affecting the effectiveness of those institutional spaces of social participation. It was demonstrated the little influence of community representatives of civil society in the definitions and decisions on the regulation, and subsequently, the little deliberative effectiveness of the councils, particularly CONCIDADE. This council was limited to exercising a merely advisory function in the process of regulating the Environmental Protection Zone 9. The other councilors who made up civil society had a more effective participation. The perception of civil society representatives about the ZPA-9 regulation process is the last stage of the research. The semi-structured formal individual interview was the data collection instrument. In addition to the socioeconomic profile and the participatory process, the interview addressed issues related to the institutional design of the Councils, ZPA-9 and its protection, and the participatory profile. The prevalence of the governmental segment and its speeches and manifestations in the deliberations was verified, especially due to the absence of real parity in the composition of the councils, less capacity for vocalization, reduction of the possibilities of inclusion of matters on the agenda and incongruity in the representation of the councilors of the civil society segment, as well as the informational and knowledge imbalance about the institutionalization of the participation of the councils and about the peculiarities of the Environmental Protection Zone 9. In addition to these factors, vacancies in the CONCIDADE seats and logistical difficulties for social participation in the meetings of both collegiate bodies were detected. In view of this, as a result and product of the thesis, there is the request to make Decree No. 8,243/2014 back in force and the legislative amendment to include items in articles 102 of Law No. 8,112/1990 and 473 of the Consolidation of Labor Laws, guaranteeing the performance in participatory institutions to those who work in public and private initiatives, without prejudice to salary/remuneration and employment.
Impactos por agrotóxicos na piscicultura: alterações na morfologia reprodutiva de tilápia, atores sociais e alternativa para a sustentabilidade
(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2024-08-16) Silva, Glaucia Moisés Marques e; Oliveira, Jorge Eduardo Lins; Farias, Naisandra Bezerra da Silva; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2841-7102; http://lattes.cnpq.br/4496687596469933; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0067-3024; http://lattes.cnpq.br/2142443061433308; Moura, Carlos Eduardo Bezerra de; Albuquerque, Cristiano Queiroz de; Silva, Flávio José de Lima; Stracieri, Juliana
The use of pesticides has grown worldwide and represents an environmental risk, with impacts on the social, human, and biotic spheres. Insecticides commercially available in the market present toxicity to non-target organisms such as fish and other aquatic organisms, potentially causing losses to aquaculture and other crops. In this context, this thesis work aims to: (i) Evaluate the gonadal morphology of freshwater fish exposed to pyriproxyfen and fenthion; (ii) Present the social actors involved with pesticides and understand the dynamics and contributions of these actors; and (iii) Report the experience of achieving sustainability for an interactive production activity of Aquaculture-Agriculture, focusing on verifying the environmental, economic, social dimensions, and the management of aquaculture. For the objectives of each article, the following methodologies were adopted: (i) For the experimental study approved by the Ethics Committee on Animal Use of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (protocol No. 066/2017, Certificate No. 154.066/2017), forty-five juvenile male Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were used, divided into control, exposed to pyriproxyfen (0.01 g/L), and exposed to fenthion (0.001 g/L) groups evaluated at three time points (30, 60, and 90 days). The analyzed variables were gonadosomatic index (GSI), weight/length ratio, tubule morphometry (diameter and height), tissue damage, and immunohistochemical analysis for caspase-3, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF- ), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); (ii) The exploratorydescriptive research is based on pesticide descriptors and social actors around the theme, and, in light of the understanding of Hannigan's social arena; and (iii) field visit conducted in the territory of Mato Grande in the State of Rio Grande do Norte, Municipality of Pureza, at an interactive aquaculture and agriculture production unit, with the research based on the MESMIS proposal and the model of experience report to bring dialogical and experienced communication of sustainable productive practice and literature review. The results showed that: (i) Pyriproxyfen and fenthion damaged the seminiferous tubule tissue, and the damage progressed with the exposure time. Additionally, the GSI gradually decreased over time in all groups compared to the first time point (30 days), while caspase-3, TNF- , and VEGF values increased only in the fenthion-exposed group. Therefore, pyriproxyfen and fenthion altered the gonadal morphology of Oreochromis niloticus males, which may affect their reproduction in nature or captivity; (ii) The well-defined role in the social arena is that of the risk bearer, constituted by rural workers, residents, and consumers. Other actors (risk advocates and investigators) have roles that will converge due to the effects and damages of pesticides that complexly radiate risks to different actors in society; and (iii) Based on the on-site visit to the agroecosystem production unit aquaculture-agriculture, we visualize that the more production units there are, the more interactive processes can be formed, directing a sustainable and productive cycle since damages and impacts can be transformed into input for another productive system.
Avaliação de abordagens para divulgação científica de impactos à fauna marinha em comunidades litorâneas do Rio Grande do Norte
(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2024-03-27) Santana, Vinícius Gabriel da Silva; Araújo, Magnólia Fernandes Florêncio de; Gavilan, Simone Almeida; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6790-1696; http://lattes.cnpq.br/6556168670883302; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8811-7921; http://lattes.cnpq.br/4511989641459455; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9474-1189; http://lattes.cnpq.br/5134985293427059; Duarte, Fábio Teixeira; Silva, Flávio José de Lima; Menezes, Maria da Conceição Vieira de Almeida; Soares, Maria José Nascimento
The scientific dissemination of anthropogenic impacts on marine fauna, through scientific exhibitions in the Cetaceans of Costa Branca Project (PCCB-UERN) and the Partners of the Sea Project, was studied. We aimed to evaluate the dissemination to the population of coastal communities about impacts on marine fauna and sustainability, and specifically, to characterize the actions of the Cetaceans of Costa Branca Project (PCCB-UERN); reflect on aspects of the Science of Sustainability that have been incorporated into the educational actions of the Partners of the Sea Project; analyze how teachers of early childhood education and science in elementary education identify themes of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the scientific exhibition of the Partners of the Sea Project and their possibilities of contribution to school education. For this, 17 members of the PCCB-UERN filled out a questionnaire and participated in interviews about education and training experiences, planning and execution of actions, and difficulties and solutions found. In addition, 29 teachers from early childhood education and science in elementary education from Areia Branca/RN evaluated the scientific exhibition of the Partners of the Sea Project, through a questionnaire. They pointed out the presence/absence of the themes of the Sustainable Development Goals in each element of the exhibition and answered what caught their attention the most. Data analysis included descriptive statistics for closed questions and qualitative investigation for open questions, using the Technique of Elaboration and Analysis of Units of Meaning. Results were quantified in graphs and tables. As results, the actions of the PCCB-UERN occur throughout the coast of Rio Grande do Norte, especially in urban areas, fishing communities, and riverside areas, for a predominantly young audience. The expository-dialogical approach was adopted by 14 members, and game and booklet strategies and playful activities were adopted by 16 members. 24% of the participants identified dispersion as a challenge. Regarding the actions of the Partners of the Sea Project, aspects of the Science of Sustainability that are contemplated include active public participation, contextualization of socio-environmental issues on spatial and temporal scales, interdisciplinarity in the content addressed, and knowledge co-production with communities. For the teachers who visited the scientific exhibition, the Sustainable Development Goals most contemplated were 4, focused on Quality Education, and 14, on Protecting Marine Life. Teachers conceived other SDGs throughout the exhibition indicating a holistic approach that includes socio-environmental, economic, and cultural aspects. Gaps were noted in issues related to gender equality and reducing inequalities. Twelve teachers mentioned that the exhibition enriches knowledge about marine biodiversity. Nine highlighted its contribution to addressing local socio-environmental issues. Three recognized its role in stimulating environmental care practices, while two mentioned its adaptation for early childhood education. It is concluded that the scientific exhibitions carried out by the Partners of the Sea Project and the educational actions of the PCCB-UERN have been effective in promoting awareness of the conservation of marine fauna, demonstrating that sustainability can be effectively addressed in spaces like these.
Análise da influência de fatores ambientais e antrópicos sobre a saúde ambiental no estado do Rio Grande do Norte
(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2024-04-26) Medeiros, Amanda Nogueira; Navoni, Júlio Alejandro; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8715-0527; http://lattes.cnpq.br/4452348339839616; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8532-1089; http://lattes.cnpq.br/8623302671219196; Ximenes, Maria de Fátima Freire de Melo; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7173-5416; http://lattes.cnpq.br/4231925509338101; Cândido, Gesinaldo Ataíde; Medeiros, Luciana de Castro; Silva, Maria Cristina Basílio Crispim da
Environmental Health covers all aspects of human health that are determined by environmental factors. Unbalanced, degraded or polluted environments exert their impacts in different ways, including depending on geographic regions and are related, for example, to numerous socioeconomic variables that describe human development itself. In this sense, the complexity of the environment and its relationships with anthropogenic factors pose a challenge in the analysis of environmental quality, recognizing the diversity of approaches and the lack of a universal methodological standard. Therefore, it is important to select methods that suit the particularities of the object of study which, in this case, was the state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN), whose majority of the population faces challenges arising from living with droughts in the semiarid northeastern region. and that, with socioeconomic development, emerges the need to deal with dynamics linked to growth, especially those with the potential to generate health and environmental impacts. Thus, environmental health emerges as a crucial factor for development from a macro view of natural characteristics and anthropogenic impacts on different environmental matrices. The research was based on the premise that environmental deterioration affects the health profile of the population, proposing to characterize environmental quality and its relationship with health. The objectives covered the analysis of water quality, human exposure to natural radiation and integration of environmental, social and economic data with the health profile. The thesis sought to contribute to the discussion about the Sustainable Development Goals, especially those related to health and sanitation. In the first chapter, the analysis of water quality in municipalities in RN revealed a relationship between pollution and waterborne diseases, highlighting priority areas for interventions. In the second chapter, the association between the occurrence of cancer and exposure to natural radioactivity was examined, highlighting the need for additional studies to understand and mitigate the impacts. The third chapter adopted a multidisciplinary approach, using the FPSEEA Model to build the theoretical framework underlying the concept of environmental health. Based on this model, environmental quality was analyzed at municipal and micro-regional levels and its relationship with outcomes of regional interest. The study highlighted the association of environmental degradation with the prevalence of different health problems at a regional level, such as snakebites, arboviruses, and the occurrence of respiratory diseases and cancer. This research also highlighted the relevance of monitoring water quality and understanding the impacts of natural radioactivity on public health, regarding the occurrence of diseases linked to the loss of environmental quality, linking socioeconomic data with the mitigation of potential environmental impacts, promoting health and sustainability in RN. It is expected that the results presented here will contribute to the formulation of effective environmental and health policies, in addition to providing support for the planning of sanitation and health surveillance actions.
Forçantes meteoceanográficas e desastres costeiros no Litoral Oriental do Rio Grande do Norte, Nordeste Brasileiro
(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2023-07-28) Pinheiro, Lívian Rafaely de Santana Gomes; Souza, Raquel Franco de; Amaro, Venerando Eustaquio; http://lattes.cnpq.br/4215328958233942; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8818-0605; http://lattes.cnpq.br/5181465668193577; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6606-8807; http://lattes.cnpq.br/6518933055394823; Scudelari, Ada Cristina; Galvíncio, Josiclêda Domiciano; Navoni, Julio Alejandro; Matos, Maria de Fátima Alves de
Intense unplanned urbanization in coastal zones brings risks and environmental disasters through the interaction of meteorological and oceanographic factors, in addition to human activities, which impacts vulnerable populations and ecosystems. The coast of Rio Grande do Norte State (RN), Northeast Brazil, has experienced successive flood and erosion events that cause damage to infrastructure, traditional populations and sensible ecosystems such as estuaries, mangroves and sandbanks. The study area is the Eastern Coast of RN, mainly the urban beaches Ponta Negra-Via Costeira, city of Natal, and Barra de Maxaranguape, city of Maxaranguape. This study aims assess environmental drivers related to extreme events, disasters and public calamities in urban beaches of the area. It were obtained both observed and hindcasted wind, precipitation tide and wave time series, from meteorological gauges of the Brazilian National Institute of Meteorology, Agricultural Research Company of Rio Grande do Norte, AVISO satellite altimetry and global hindcasts (ERA5 and Wavewatch III), from 1979 to 2021. Generalized Pareto Distribution (GPD) fittings of wave significant high (Hs) and precipitation were performed. Registers of disasters along the coast of study area were collected from online local media. Offshore waves were propagated shoreward on Barra de Maxaranguape through SMC-Brasil model. Wave average energy flux (EF) was estimated at closure depth along Ponta Negra and Via Costeira beaches (PN-VC) with SMC-Brasil. On the Eastern RN continental shelf, waves have reached Hs maximum of 3.30 m, average of 0.76 m, coming from east-southeast and southeast. Winter and spring seasons have presented higher waves, related to action of trade winds. GPD estimated Hs increasing till 2.7 times over its average each 10 years. Increasing of wind speed is more important than its scalar value, to form an extreme wave. Hs at the virtual station had its upper peak either at the same day or one-two days before of coastal damage, which indicates that offshore ocean storms can quickly propagate coastward. On Barra de Maxaranguape, each 10 years, it is likely to happen a precipitation event of 138,71 mm at least once. Talus deposits laid on the beach face reduce incident wave energy. The Ponta Gorda headland receives the highest waves, thus, these are the most energetic sea states. In the urbanized stretch of Barra de Maxaranguape beach, average wave energy flux reaches 2.08 x 104 J/ms with an increasing trend since the 70’s. PPN-VC incident EF are between 8.55*103 and 20.54*103 J/ms, decreasing in Morro do Careca’s bay and stronger in Via Costeira, coming from east and east-southeast, causing damages to waterfront urban facilities. Variations of EF in the 70’s and 2000’ decades are associated to erosional tipping points in PN. The several disasters that had happened on PN-VC are likely to repeat on Barra de Maxaranguape, serving as a decision-making reference for the entire Eastern Coast of Rio Grande do Norte.
Extrativismo de anomalocardia flexuosa (linnaeus, 1767) em uma área de proteção ambiental, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil: aspectos sociais, econômicos e ambientais
(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2023-12-11) Gonçalves Júnior, Tarcísio Augusto; Pontes, Cibele Soares; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1993-0032; http://lattes.cnpq.br/3943018673158703; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0776-7848; http://lattes.cnpq.br/2569216883829122; Costa, Diógenes Felix da Silva; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4210-7805; http://lattes.cnpq.br/4149669138364420; Costa, Jailton de Jesus; Silva, Gustavo Henrique Gonzaga da; Sodré Neto, Luiz
The collection of bivalve molluscs is considered one of the main activities in several fishing communities that live in coastal areas, since the human occupation of these areas, it is a practice transmitted from generation to generation that serves as a source or alternative of income and food. The objective of this work is to analyze social, economic and environmental aspects related to the exploitation of the bivalve mollusk Anomalocardia flexuosa in the environmental protection area, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The focus of the research was qualitative-quantitative, exploratory and descriptive, combining different methodological perspectives based on bibliography and field research. The study sought the primary recognition, survey and organization of data for interpretation, analysis, understanding of the activity and related environmental, economic and social aspects. Among the 43 participating shellfish gatherers, 67.4% are men and 33.6% women. 41.8% have been practicing the activity for over 20 years. None of the participants completed higher education. The collection of A. flexuosa takes place inside the Guaraíras lagoon, 79.1% try to alternate the extraction sites, 16.3% have an engine to move the canoe. 83.7% of participants changed the way they collect and process A. flexuosa to obtain meat. Three extraction techniques are used: 11.7% manually, 20.9% using dragging and 67.4% using nets with scythes. 86% of the interlocutors process A. flexuosa to obtain the meat in the ranches that are on the edge of the lagoon and from these all discard the skins in the same place. 86% sell meat to intermediaries and 44.2% claimed to collect more than R$ 1,000.00 per month with the activity, the mean and standard deviation (SD) of daily landings per shellfish gatherer is 100 ± (40.55). The research also evaluated the microbiological pattern of A. flexuosa meat in the Bonfim Guaraíras Environmental Protection Area, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The count of mesophiles, psychotrophs and Escherichia coli was within the limits used as a parameter, the biochemical coagulase test was negative, the presence of coliforms was detected at 45°C, the absence of salmonella sp and the presence of twelve species of Gram negative bacteria with the use of matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization source mass spectrometry – MALDI and the mass analyzer of the type time-of-flight - TOF. Essential and non-essential metals to were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry - ICP-OES in samples of A. flexuosa meat and sediment collected at the studied site. The presence of the metals Cadmium, Lead, Chromium and Zinc was verified in the sediment within the limits established by current legislation. The elements Iron, Copper, Manganese and Zinc were found in the mollusc meat within the limits established by legislation and it was observed that the concentration measured indicates that the meat of A. flexuosa can contribute to an adequate and healthy diet. The seafood activity in the researched location is representative, but it is permeated by challenges such as the lack of information for regulation, regulation, decent conditions to practice the activity, social organization, structure for processing with guaranteed quality and customer service. legislation, flow logistics, marketing at fair prices through different channels that meet legal requirements, in addition to the coexistence of fishing with other economic activities and anthropogenic actions that can generate social and environmental implications related to this production system. It is essential to mention that there are multiple interrelationships in the shellfishing activity, with a plurality of situations involving elements of a political, social, economic and environmental nature. This context indicates the need for research that seeks to understand the various aspects that involve the activity in order to improve the conditions related to it. The expectation is that the new data collected during the research will help to raise awareness about the need to develop instruments for regulating and supervising local activity. Studies on shellfishing activities on the coast of Rio Grande do Norte are commonly derived from specific and/or short-term projects. The reality observed during the work indicates the need to monitor shellfishing activity in a planned, coordinated and continuous manner.
Anfíbios como biomarcadores de exposição a fármacos emergentes: uma perspectiva interdisciplinar
(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2023-09-13) Palmeira, Cristiane Nikely Silva; Amaral, Viviane Souza do; Navoni, Júlio Alejandro; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8715-0527; http://lattes.cnpq.br/4452348339839616; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9326-9054; http://lattes.cnpq.br/4440806451383783; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7085-3741; http://lattes.cnpq.br/9142573931707808; Luchiari, Ana Carolina; Pontes, Cibele Soares; Silva, Maria Cristina Basílio Crispim da; Kolodiuk, Miguel Fernandes
Eutrofização em corpos hídricos do semiárido no Rio Grande do Norte: perspectivas da educação para a sustentabilidade
(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2023-09-29) Oliveira, Carmem Sara Pinheiro de; Araújo, Magnólia Fernandes Florêncio de; Amaral, Viviane Souza do; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9326-9054; http://lattes.cnpq.br/4440806451383783; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8811-7921; http://lattes.cnpq.br/4511989641459455; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9896-3144; http://lattes.cnpq.br/1983398735995533; Ruiz, Simone Cecilia Paoli; Amorim, Aline de Souza; Lima, Allison Ferreira de; Soriano, Eliane Marinho
Amid exponential population growth, water management has been largely affected. In this way, the quantity and quality of inland waters present in nature have undergone significant changes due to the anthropic pressure around these sources. Based on this, the need to sensitize different subjects is justified, mediated here by discussions with an emphasis on water sources (with regard to water consumption) and in connection with educating for sustainability (as an integrative practice capable of transforming environmental knowledge). In this sense, the general objective of the thesis was to verify the quality of water in water bodies in the tropical semi-arid region of the State of Rio Grande do Norte, correlating it with the emerging needs of the society-environment problem, favoring the construction of knowledge about water through education for sustainability, at the same time seeking the understanding of teachers about the objective of sustainable development 6 (drinking water and sanitation) and its articulation with sustainability, aiming at a critical reflection on environmental citizenship in science teaching practices. In the methodological path, quali-quantitative approaches, conceptual and reflective analysis were adopted, in addition to exploratory and descriptive study. The first chapter had as its main objective to evaluate the density of cyanobacteria and the indices that infer water quality in the Piancó-Piranhas-Açu Hydrographic Basin, as well as to identify the factors with the greatest influence on the occurrence of flowering of these aquatic organisms. The density of potentially toxic cyanobacteria (DC) was high, surpassing CONAMA Resolution 357/2005, which recommends a maximum value of 50,000 cells/mL, as well as Ministry of Health Ordinance 2914/2011, which indicates 20,000 cells/mL as a limit value. Chapter 2 aimed to present discussions about the role of Education for Sustainability (ES) as an instrument in the development and construction of knowledge in society, through democratic management in the use and management of water. Education for Sustainability is an important tool that goes beyond the traditional educational models employed, helping in the subject's training process and in terms of understanding human needs in the face of the problem of sustainable use of water resources. In this way, moral and ethical values articulated to educational actions in the perspective of Sustainability, in a continuous way, for different groups of society, are essential to guarantee the sustainable maintenance of the environment. The third chapter aimed to investigate how the articulation between educating for sustainability and the objective of sustainable development 6 (drinking water and sanitation) in science teaching has been worked on in schools in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. When asked about the ease of working with the theme of water, an important theme of the SDGs, some teachers indicated difficulties, these data correlate with part of the target audience of the research stating that they do not understand the SDGs satisfactorily, with regard to educating for sustainability, the responses of the participants showed a negative correlation, demonstrating that there is a greater need to insert effective methods of sustainable thoughts so that they can be disseminated in a didactic way. Conclusively, this research points out that it is extremely important to invest in education for sustainability, since it prioritizes the integration of all knowledge from an interdisciplinary perspective, articulating social needs, meeting the complexity of environmental sustainability and the issues that permeate the theme of water.
Fatores ambientais que direcionam as respostas ecológicas da comunidade fitoplanctônica em reservatórios de uma região semiárida tropical brasileira
(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2022-10-27) Rangel Júnior, Adjuto; Costa, Ivaneide Alves Soares da; Lacerda, Sírleis Rodrigues; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1606-5015; http://lattes.cnpq.br/2971840301895348; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4958-433X; http://lattes.cnpq.br/3619824881502698; Cavalcante, Kaoli Pereira; Silva, Gustavo Henrique Gonzaga da; Navoni, Júlio Alejandro; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8715-0527; http://lattes.cnpq.br/4452348339839616; Silva, Maria Cristina Basílio Crispim da
The intrinsic climatic characteristics of the Brazilian Semiarid Region (BSR) promote a scenario of vulnerability to water scarcity, which throughout the century encouraged the creation of artificial reservoirs to guarantee water security, especially in periods of drought. The multiple uses of water are one of the factors that can lead to an increase in the load of nutrients in the reservoirs, which, associated with the high evaporation rates in the region and the high residence time, makes these systems more susceptible to eutrophication, contributing to the deterioration of water quality. Such conditions favor the excessive growth of the phytoplankton community, with the dominance of toxic cyanobacteria, resulting in significant risks to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Thus, the functional approach of the phytoplankton community can be useful to establish relationships between species characteristics and ecological processes that occur in the aquatic system. Thus, the present thesis aims to evaluate the environmental factors that influence water quality and the phytoplankton community in seven reservoirs with different trophic levels, in the semi-arid region of Ceará, Northeastern Brazil. Surface water samples (n = 56) were collected quarterly over two years (February 2018 to November 2019) in the lacustrine zone, where the catchment for human supply is located. In each sampling, hydroclimatic variables, physical-chemical variables of the water, and biological components were investigated. The limnological variables were strongly influenced by the seasonal effect (between the rainy and dry seasons) and the results were variable among the reservoirs, indicating that intrinsic responses must be considered. In addition to precipitation, the morphometric characteristics (size and depth) and the land use of the reservoirs were important factors in determining the limnological characteristics. With the reduction in the volume of water, there was an increase in the concentrations of nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) and algae biomass (chlorophyll-a) in the reservoirs, regardless of the period of drought or rain. Eutrophication intensified during the rainy season, probably due to the loading of allochthonous material from the basin. The relatively low concentrations of nutrients associated with good water quality conditions in the Tatajuba and Cachoeira reservoirs and moderate concentrations in Prazeres, Olho D'Água, and Rosário seem to be limiting phytoplankton growth and, consequently, primary production in these systems. On the other hand, the Lima Campos and Ubaldinho reservoirs showed the highest concentrations of nutrients, chlorophyll-a, and turbidity regardless of weather conditions, showing that the sources are continuous and the water quality of these reservoirs is more threatened. A total of 159 phytoplanktonic taxa were identified in the investigated reservoirs, distributed mainly in Green algae (77 spp.), Cyanobacteria (52 spp.), and Diatoms (15 spp.), but also Euglenophyceae (eight spp.), Cryptophyceae (three spp.), Xanthophyceae (three spp.) and Dinophyceae (one spp.). The identified taxa were included in 23 functional groups, of which 13 (F, H1, J, K, Lm, Lo, M, MP, N, P, S1, Sn, and W1) were considered reservoir descriptors and contributed > 70% of the total biovolume. In turn, a decrease in richness and diversity was observed towards the higher trophic gradient (eg Lima Campos and Ubaldinho), while the opposite occurred for phytoplankton biovolume. The functional groups were representative of the trophic state of the investigated reservoirs and showed signs of eutrophication in oligo to mesotrophic conditions. Light availability and nutrient concentration were the main factors that determined the environmental threshold for dominance and abundance of functional groups. This approach proved to be a robust tool to distinguish the water quality of reservoirs according to their trophic state. The higher biomass and dominance of cyanobacteria in Lima Campos and Ubaldinho were probably driven by conditions of high turbidity, stable water column, and eutrophication. In these reservoirs, specific taxa of cyanobacteria represented > 98% of the phytoplanktonic biomass and were influenced by different abiotic factors. For example, total nitrogen and phosphorus were positively associated with Microcystis aeruginosa and nitrate with Dolichospermum solitarium, while pH and nitrite were positively associated with Raphidiopsis raciborskii and Planktolyngbya limnetica. Microcystins were detected throughout the study in both reservoirs, with 100% of the samples from Lima Campos above the limit established by Brazilian legislation (> 1 µg L-1) and 50% of the samples from Ubaldinho. Thus, our findings show the need for mitigation measures and better water management in the studied reservoirs, avoiding the deterioration of water quality and compromising its uses since potential cyanotoxin producers are becoming more frequent due to adaptive capacities within the current scenario of global climate changes.
Contaminantes emergentes: uma abordagem ecológica, sanitária e social da poluição por fármacos
(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2023-02-27) Costa, Rafaela dos Santos; Navoni, Júlio Alejandro; Amaral, Viviane Souza do; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9326-9054; http://lattes.cnpq.br/4440806451383783; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8715-0527; http://lattes.cnpq.br/4452348339839616; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1777-6094; http://lattes.cnpq.br/3991965798614522; Vidal, Noelia Gonzales; Alves, Daniel Durante Pereira; Soriano, Eliane Marinho; Silva, Maria Cristina Basílio Crispim da
Among the numerous compounds that are considered emerging pollutants, drugs gained prominence, as they began to be detected in small concentrations in different environmental matrices. These substances are widely used in veterinary and human medicine. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase in the consumption of these compounds and, consequently, in the environmental and health impacts. These contaminants can be introduced into the environment by different routes. Given this scenario, it is essential to understand the consequences of drugs on different organisms, as well as the causes that lead to their occurrence at an environmental level. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of pharmaceutical products on cyanobacteria as an ecological and sanitary representation of this problem, in addition to analyzing the perception and habits of the Brazilian population regarding this environmental issue, as well as investigating the quality and means of dissemination of scientific information on this topic. Additionally, the object of study is used as a means of contextualizing the environmental injustices observed in Brazil. The first chapter of this thesis aimed to describe the effects and risks of these compounds in the environment, having cyanobacteria as a representative, due to their role as primary producers and implications for human health. It was evidenced that different therapeutic classes, depending on the tested concentrations, can affect its physiology, as well as the potential effects on public health, due to the production of cyanotoxins. In addition, to understand the consequences at an ecological level, it is necessary to understand the causes that favor the incorporation of drugs into the environment. Thus, the second chapter aimed to describe how the Brazilian population perceives and acts in relation to the life cycle of drugs from an environmental perspective through a study carried out online. The results showed that the main way to dispose of medicines for human and veterinary use is common waste. The information obtained also revealed the self-medication habit of the interviewees and that the most consumed therapeutic classes of drugs could be associated with the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the period in which the research was conducted. The work also highlighted the incipient implementation of reverse logistics laws and the need to understand how the theme of emerging contaminants is reaching society. Therefore, the third chapter of the thesis aimed to investigate, through an analysis of Brazilian scientific dissemination sites, how scientific information was conveyed and its quality considering the lay public as the final recipient. The results obtained showed limitations in the dissemination process to the detriment of the current speed of content sharing. Therefore, it is emphasized that education is essential for the reader to have a solid foundation that allows the identification and quality of the information disclosed, establishing a critical view on issues of environmental relevance, such as those involving the theme of emerging contaminants. There was also a lack of texts aimed at children and youth, which are fundamental pillars for building a sustainable future. As a result, the fourth chapter of the thesis consists of two scientific dissemination articles for children on topics covered in this research, as a way to remedy one of the previously found gaps. Finally, and aiming at the findings obtained in the course of this research, the problem of drug contamination was fully addressed from the perspective of environmental justice and used as a representation of social inequalities already observed in the Brazilian context. The critical review raised issues such as lack of basic sanitation, educational quality, lack of inspection and/or implementation of environmental legislation, food insecurity, and public health in a segregationist, ethnic-racial context, with mainly ideological implications, associated with pollution by these substances, and aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic condition. The historical issue of social inequalities in Brazil is reaffirmed by the occurrence of drugs in the environment and their implications for marginalized and susceptible social groups. In view of the above, it is clear that drug contamination needs to be understood from a transdisciplinary perspective on its effects on the environment, going through legal issues in environmental issues and including the social sphere not only as waste generators but also as vulnerable beings of the own consequences of their acts, aggravated especially by the lack of environmental education at all educational levels as well as other factors of socio-environmental inequalities already observed.
Contaminantes emergentes em sistemas de tratamento de esgoto doméstico: impacto da carbamazepina na saúde e no meio ambiente
(Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2022-12-15) Medeiros, Úrsula Thais de Paula; Amaral, Viviane Souza do; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9326-9054; http://lattes.cnpq.br/4440806451383783; http://lattes.cnpq.br/6478394140113089; Pontes, Cibele Soares; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1993-0032; http://lattes.cnpq.br/3943018673158703; Medeiros, Joana Darc Freire de; Medeiros, Luciana de Castro; Cavalcanti, Mônica Tejo
Emerging micropollutants are contaminants, of natural or anthropogenic origin, not monitored or environmentally legislated, which may affect the quality of aquatic ecosystems and public health. Such microcontaminates include a variety of substances, including drugs, which draw attention, both for their occurrence in the environment and for their potential to cause adverse effects. The increasing use of medicines and their inappropriate disposal, which in turn persist in the effluents even after the treatments received, in the most diverse technologies, and return to the aquatic matrices is what contributes to environmental contamination. Studies coupling the occurrence of drugs in treated domestic effluents and the ecotoxicological representation of the consequences arising from environmental exposure are essential to understand the potential threats to public health, as there are still few studies on the relationship of damage to the genetic material of organisms exposed to these drugs -contaminants and their metabolites that may have biological action even at low concentrations. In this work, we observed the presence of a psychoactive drug, Carbamazepine-CBZ, which is widely used in the five continents of the world. Despite the extensive use of this compound, there is a lack of information about genetic toxicity, which makes the indirect consumption of this substance, through the aquatic matrix, a risk for populations. Given this context, the present work aimed to investigate the toxic potential of CBZ at the cellular level. In vitro assays in HepG2 cells for the evaluation of cytotoxicity and mutagenicity were performed, using the cell viability assay through the [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium] bromide reduction test – MTT and the Micronucleus Assay with Cytokinesis Blockade – CBMN, respectively, in addition to discussing the advances and challenges for the implementation of regulations to establish limits for the release of drugs into the environment through the action of this compound, mainly involving the disposal of these compounds through domestic effluents and the contribution to surface water bodies. The results show that, even understanding the environmental and health consequences of drug contamination, there was insufficient practical implementation of knowledge through pro-environmental attitudes. The results also show that psychotropic compounds present in different environmental compartments, mainly aquatic matrices, have the potential to cause alterations in the genetic material of human liver cells. Therefore, this study as a whole leads to the conclusion that all these factors associated with the problem of the social and environmental policy presented - increasing use, inappropriate disposal and lack of regulation - may be contributing to contamination and, consequently, to the probable deregulation of proper functioning. genetics of the exposed organisms.

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