Pesticide contamination of water for human consumption in Sergipe, Brazil (2014-2022)

Abstract

The presence of pesticides in drinking water is a growing concern worldwide. In Brazil, and especially in Sergipe, few studies evaluate pesticide contamination in rivers. The study assessed the presence of pesticides in water intended for human consumption in municipalities in Sergipe between 2014 and 2022. Information on pesticides was extracted from the Water Quality Monitoring System for Human Consumption (SISAGUA). To carry out the analysis of pesticide contamination in each municipality, the concentrations, absolute and relative frequency of pesticide occurrence, and the number of times the maximum allowed values (MAV) established by Brazilian and European legislation were exceeded were considered. Contaminated samples were found in 60% of the municipalities, of which 8.8% exceeded the MAV for Brazil and 80% for Europe. In 41 municipalities, the most common pesticides are classified as Class I (extremely toxic). Among the pesticides most frequently found in the samples, "DDT+DDD+DDE" stands out with concentrations 3.6 times above the MAV for Brazilian legislation. For European legislation, the pesticides that presented values above the established limits were 2,4D + 2,4,5T, Chlorpyrifos, Carbendazin, Glyphosate, Manconzeb, Methamidophos, Profenophos and Tebuconazole, which presented values between 35 and 92 times. The results of this study provide a comprehensive overview of pesticide contamination in water intended for human consumption in Sergipe and highlight the urgency and importance of effective control and monitoring measures to reduce contamination and protect the health of Sergipe’s population.

Keywords: public health, water for public supply, water quality.