Heavy Metals in Surface Waters in A State of The Brazilian Amazon: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Objective: The aim was to carry out a systematic literature review on studies and research into heavy metals (traces) in rivers in the Amazon region of Pará.   Theoretical Framework: To have a chronological understanding of the situation of possible contamination by trace metals, affecting the quality of water in the Amazon, impacting ecosystems and public health. Industrial, agricultural and urban development has had a negative impact on rivers in Pará, contributing to the degradation of water resources.   Method: This is a review, with a descriptive, qualitative and quantitative approach, using literature searches (descriptors) of research carried out in the state of Pará, published between 2005 and 2023. Articles with solid evidence were considered, in accordance with the parameters recommended by resolutions 274/2000 and 357/2005 and ordinance 888/2021 of the National Environment Council - CONAMA, expressing the results through descriptive statistics.   Results and Discussion: It was possible to demonstrate the main environmental impacts of pollutant and contaminant sources in rivers in the Amazon region of Pará, such as high concentrations of Pb, Cu, As, Cd, Cr and Hg, especially Pb and Hg, which were present in 60% of the studies carried out in different aquatic environments over the last 20 years in the state of Pará.   Research Implications: It helps to visualize the little research carried out in the Pará Amazon, as well as providing a better understanding of land use in the region, correlating it with the contamination of surface water by heavy metals.   Originality/Value: It is of socio-environmental and scientific importance, as it provides a better understanding of the level of contamination and frequency of heavy metals in the surface waters of the state of Pará.