Assessing the pollution and ecotoxicological status of the Iguaçu River, southern Brazil: A review

A review of pollution and ecotoxicological status in the Iguaçu River basin, home to UNESCO World Heritage Site Iguaçu National Park, reveals significant contamination by emerging contaminants, persistent organic pollutants, toxic metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The upper basin shows the highest levels due to untreated industrial and urban effluents, while agricultural practices contribute downstream pollution, particularly pesticides. Ecotoxicological data links micropollutants to fish pathologies, posing risks to endemic biodiversity and human health. This study highlights the need for improved water management to mitigate ecological and public health threats in this critical watershed.

Morais, T. P., Barreto, L. S., Souza, T. L., Pozzan, R., Vargas, D. Á. R., Yamamoto, F. Y., Prodocimo, M. M., Neto, F. F., Randi, M. A. F., & Ribeiro, C. A. d. O. (2024). Assessing the pollution and ecotoxicological status of the Iguaçu River, southern Brazil: A review. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management, 20(5), 1280–1305. https://doi.org/10.1002/ieam.4865