Biomonitoramento da genotoxicidade na Bacia do Rio Doce: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract

The collapse of the Fundão dam in Mariana (MG), Brazil, in 2015 released a large amount of mining waste into the Doce River, causing significant environmental impacts. Among the various effects observed, genotoxicity stands out as an important indicator of environmental and human health risk. This article aimed to review the studies that assessed genotoxicity in the Doce River after the disaster, understand the effects of the dam failure on the genetic material of exposed organisms, and suggest directions for future investigations. The databases Lilacs, PubMed, SciELO, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were consulted using the following descriptors: “Genotoxicidade” and “Rio Doce” or “Genotoxicity” and “Doce River”; “Mutagênese” and “Rio Doce” or “Mutagenesis” and “Doce River”; “Mutagenicidade” and “Rio Doce” or “Mutagenicity” and “Doce River.” Seven articles met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. The results highlight genotoxic effects at different points along the basin, with emphasis on regions near the disaster’s epicenter, such as Bento Rodrigues, the Gualaxo do Norte River, and Governador Valadares, where significant DNA damage, micronucleus formation, and nuclear abnormalities were observed in fish and exposed cells. In contrast, more distant areas, such as Regência and Colatina, showed less intense effects or distinct patterns. Cumulative genotoxic effects were also observed over time. Despite the methodological relevance, broader conclusions are limited due to the scarcity of studies. It is recommended that investigations be expanded to include assays such as the Ames test and that continuous genetic monitoring be reinforced at strategic locations, such as Governador Valadares, to better understand the long-term genetic impacts of mining waste exposure.