Frequencies of micronuclei in buccal cells and their spatial distribution in a population living in proximity to coal mining areas in southern Brazil

• Published in: Mutation research. Genetic toxicology and environmental mutagenesis 2024-07, Vol.897, p.503783, Article 503783
• Main Authors: Moraes, Niely Galeão da Rosa, Bonifácio, Alicia da Silva, Reis, Fernanda Oliveira, Velho, Thais dos Anjos, Ramires, Paula Florencio, Brum, Rodrigo de Lima, Penteado, Julia Oliveira, Da Silva Júnior, Flávio Manoel Rodrigues
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Brazil; Candiota region; Coal; Coal Mining; DNA Damage; Environmental Exposure - adverse effects; Female; Genotoxicity; Humans; Male; Micronuclei; Micronuclei, Chromosome-Defective - chemically induced; Micronuclei, Chromosome-Defective - statistics & numerical data; Micronucleus Tests; Middle Aged; Mouth Mucosa - cytology; Oral mucosa; Spatial Analysis; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1383-5718; 1879-3592; 1879-3592
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2024.503783

The extraction and burning of coal release genotoxic pollutants, and understanding the relationship between genetic damage and the spatial distribution of residences in coal-using regions is crucial. The study aimed to conduct a spatial analysis of genotoxic damage through the of micronuclei (MNs) number and their proximity to coal mining/burning in the largest coal exploration region in Brazil. In this study, the detection of genotoxic damage was performed using the MN assay in oral cells of residents exposed to coal mining activities. Spatial analysis was conducted using QGIS 3.28.10 based on information obtained from a questionnaire administered to the population. Multiple linear regression analysis was carried out to assess the influence of the distance from residential areas to polluting sources on the number of MNs found. Additionally, Spearman's correlation was performed to identify the strength and direction of the association between the frequency of MNs and each of the polluting sources. A total of 147 MNs were quantified among all participants in the coal mining region. Notably, residents living within 2 km and 10 km of pollution sources exhibited the highest prevalence of MNs. The analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between closer proximity to pollution sources and increased MN frequency, underscoring the spatial relationship between these sources and genotoxic damage. Environmental pollutants from anthropogenic sources present a major health risk, potentially leading to irreversible damage. The spatial analysis in this study highlights the importance of targeted public policies. These policies should aim for a sustainable balance between economic development and public health, promoting effective measures to mitigate environmental impacts and protect community health. •Coal waste use releases genotoxic compounds into the environment.•The presence of micronuclei is amplified in individuals residing within a distance of 2–10 km from pollutant sources.•Spatial analysis allows the identification of areas exposed to pollutants, contributing to the mapping of health hazards.