Biomonitoramento da genotoxicidade na bacia do Rio Doce após o rompimento da barragem de Fundão: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract

The collapse of the Fundão dam in Mariana (Minas Gerais, Brazil) in 2015 released large amounts of mining tailings into the Doce River basin, producing significant environmental damage. Among various outcomes, genotoxicity stands out as an important indicator of ecological and human health risk. This review aims to collate studies assessing genotoxicity in the Doce River post-disaster, summarise the detected genetic effects, and propose avenues for future research. Literature searches were conducted in Lilacs, PubMed, SciELO, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar, using the descriptors “Genotoxicity” and “Doce River”; “Mutagenesis” and “Doce River”; “Mutagenicity” and “Doce River”. Seven studies met inclusion criteria. The evidence indicates genetic damage across various points in the basin, especially near the dam collapse epicentre — including Bento Rodrigues, Rio Gualaxo do Norte and Governador Valadares — where DNA strand-breaks, micronucleus formation and nuclear alterations in fish and exposed cells were observed. More remote areas, such as Regência and Colatina, exhibited less intense or different patterns of effect. A temporal accumulation of genotoxic effects was also noted. Despite methodological relevance, the limited number of studies hinders broader conclusions. We recommend expanding investigations — including the Ames test — and reinforcing continuous monitoring at key sites such as Governador Valadares, to understand the long-term evolution of genetic impacts of mining tailings.