Occurrence of Pesticides and Emerging Contaminants in the Pampulha Lake: Anthropic Pollution of a UNESCO Heritage Site

A first-of-its-kind study reveals significant anthropogenic pollution in Pampulha Lake, a UNESCO-listed cultural heritage site in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The research identifies alarming levels of pesticides (e.g., imidacloprid and fipronil) and emerging contaminants—including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and hormones—that pose threats to aquatic life. Seasonal and spatial variations in contaminant concentrations point to specific sources tied to urban activities, with caffeine and herbicides like atrazine showing notable fluctuations. Risk assessments highlight imidacloprid and fipronil as particularly hazardous, underscoring the need for targeted monitoring to inform remediation strategies and protect this iconic site.

Domingues, R., Dias, M. A., Madeira, C. L., Starling, M. C. V. M., de A. Neves, T., & Montagner, C. C. (2025). Occurrence of Pesticides and Emerging Contaminants in the Pampulha Lake: Anthropic Pollution of a UNESCO Heritage Site. Emerging Pollutants, 11–33. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-71758-1_2