Boa Vista Research Articles

ESBL-Positive Enterobacteriaceae from Dogs of Santiago and Boa Vista Islands, Cape Verde: A Public Health Concern.

Antimicrobial resistance is a public health threat with an increasing expression in low- and middle-income countries such as Cape Verde. In this country, there is an overpopulation of dogs, which may facilitate the spread of resistant bacteria, including extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae. To clarify the role of dogs as reservoirs for the dissemination of this bacterial group, 100 rectal swab samples were collected from confined (n = 50) and non-confined (n = 50) dogs in Santiago and Boa Vista Islands, Cape Verde. These were analyzed using conventional bacteriological techniques for the detection of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae and characterization of their pathogenic and resistance profiles. Twenty-nine samples displayed ESBL-positive bacteria, from which 48 ESBL-producing isolates were obtained and mostly identified as Escherichia coli. Multiple antimicrobial resistance indexes ranged from 0.18 to 0.70 and half of the isolates were classified as multidrug-resistant. Isolates were capable of producing relevant virulence factors, including biofilm, showing virulence indexes between 0.29 and 0.71. As such, dogs in Cape Verde may act as reservoirs of resistant bacteria, including pathogenic and zoonotic species, representing a public health concern. Although further investigation is needed, this study proposes the periodical analysis of dogs' fecal samples to monitor resistance dissemination in the country, in a One-Health perspective.

Breeding habitat of poorly studied humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Boa Vista, Cape Verde

The waters surrounding Cape Verde comprise one of two known breeding grounds for humpback whales in the North Atlantic. The population remains very small and has apparently failed to recover since the cessation of whaling there. During the breeding seasons of 2011 and 2012, sighting surveys were carried out for humpback whales off Boa Vista, the easternmost island of the Cape Verde Island archipelago. The distribution and relative abundance of humpback whales and mother-calf pairs was investigated by plotting effort-corrected sightings using a 2km2 grid-square. The study area, a 206km2 region from the coastline up to 8km offshore, covered the western half of Boa Vista where whales have previously been regularly recorded. Following 1,954km of search effort, 117 sightings of humpback whales were made. An encounter rate of 0.11 whales per km was recorded for both years. It is hoped that these data may assist in implementing conservation measures to protect humpback whales and the habitat of Baia Sal Rei, which appears to be the single most important bay for winter breeding, calving and nursing humpback whales in the eastern North Atlantic.

Evidence for the first multi-species shark nursery area in Atlantic Africa (Boa Vista Island, Cabo Verde)

This study describes the first potential multi-species shark nursery area in Atlantic Africa (Sal Rei Bay – SRB, Boa Vista Island, Cabo Verde). From August 2016 to September 2019, 6162 neonates and juveniles of 5 different shark species were observed in SRB using beach gillnet-based bycatch surveys, namely milk (Rhizoprionodon acutus; n= 4908), scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini; n= 1035), blacktip (Carcharhinus limbatus; n=115), Atlantic weasel (Paragaleus pectoralis; n= 93) and nurse (Ginglymostoma cirratum; n= 12) sharks. Except for nurse sharks, significant seasonal variations in shark relative abundance were observed, with higher levels being recorded during summer and autumn. These findings, together with local knowledge (interviews to fishermen), denote the consistent use of SRB by juvenile sharks and its preference relative to other areas in the region. Ensuring the protection and conservation of SRB nursery area is especially relevant as, according to IUCN, all identified shark species are threatened with extinction over the near-future – in particular, scalloped hammerheads (critically endangered) and Atlantic weasel sharks (endangered). The effective protection of SRB will not only support the conservation of shark populations, but also of other charismatic fauna (e.g., loggerhead turtles) and broader benthic and pelagic ecosystems.

The mental health of Basic Health Unit nurses in times of pandemic

Objective: To know the mental health of nursing professionals from a Basic Health Unit exclusively for patients with COVID-19 in the municipality of Boa Vista, Roraima. Methods: This is an exploratory and descriptive study, with a qualitative and quantitative approach, carried out with 19 nursing professionals. The data was collected between April and June 2022, using a semi-structured script of 21 mixed questions. The interviews were analyzed using Bardin's method and the quantitative variables were submitted to the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. Results: The issue of stressors that interfere with mental health, associated with work activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, became evident. These factors had as a consequence the prevalence of psychological alterations such as fear, insecurity, anxiety, and stress. Concerning the diagnoses of mental disorders, anxiety and depression were the ones that stood out. Physical activity, psychotherapy, and religion were the coping measures adopted by the professionals interviewed. Conclusion: During the pandemic and their work practice, the professionals in this study were exposed to various stressors, developed psychological pathologies, but sought to maintain some level of mental health.

Vulnerability of Venezuelan immigrants living in Boa Vista, Roraima

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar as vulnerabilidades sociais e de saúde de imigrantes venezuelanos residentes em Boa Vista, Roraima. Método: Pesquisa de métodos mistos, com estratégia transformativa concomitante. Na fase quantitativa, foram realizadas análises de documentos de gestão do estado de Roraima e da capital Boa Vista. Na qualitativa, entrevistas abertas com 16 imigrantes venezuelanos, 14 profissionais de enfermagem e 8 gestores públicos e um grupo focal com 12 profissionais de enfermagem. Utilizou-se o software webQDA para organização dos dados, e as análises de conteúdo e de discurso foram baseadas em Bardin e na hermenêutica-dialética, segundo Minayo. Resultados: As principais vulnerabilidades identificadas foram a ausência de políticas públicas para imigrantes, a fragilidade dos vínculos com os serviços de saúde e as diferenças de idioma. Conclusão: As vulnerabilidades dos imigrantes venezuelanos encontram-se vinculadas aos seus modos de viver e de trabalhar. As instituições e organizações de saúde não se encontram plenamente qualificadas para atendê-los. São necessárias políticas específicas para esse grupo social e qualificar instituições e profissionais de saúde para execução dessas políticas.

Mapeamento de Risco em Áreas Urbanas Ambiental Protegidas: Parque Nacional da Tijuca

Abstract Tijuca National Park (Parque Nacional da Tijuca - PNT), in the Carioca Hills, Rio de Janeiro, faces often landslides. This threatens the environment and the infrastructure, such as Estrada do Redentor, which connects the Paineiras Visitor Center (CVP) to the Floresta Visitor Center Sector. Due to the lithological-structure characteristics and the status of urban protection area, many methodologies are not suitable for risk mapping and management. Therefore, a methodological adjustment was developed to identify landslide-prone areas by quantifying, understanding, and spatializing events and conditioning factors. Using GIS tools, we collected data on geological structures and infrastructure to assess risk. As a result, a concentration of high-risk areas was identified near the CVP. Medium risk areas are centralized, while from the middle of the road to Alto da Boa Vista, the predominant areas range from low to medium risk. The most common factors are cracks in the road, loose blocks on the slopes, and cuts in the road. Therefore, on Redeemer Road, there is a combination of factors affecting safety, such as lithological-structure and geomorphological aspects, rainfall, slope and lack of maintenance of existing structures.

Vulnerability of Venezuelan immigrants living in Boa Vista, Roraima.

To identify the social and health vulnerabilities of Venezuelan immigrants living in Boa Vista, Roraima. Mixed methods research, with concomitant transformative strategy. In the quantitative phase, analysis of management documents for the state of Roraima and the capital Boa Vista were carried out. In the qualitative, open interviews with 16 Venezuelan immigrants, 14 nursing professionals and 8 public managers and a focus group with 12 nursing professionals. The webQDA software was used to organize the data and the content and discourse analyzes were based on Bardin and on dialectic-hermeneutics, according to Minayo. The main vulnerabilities identified were the absence of public policies for immigrants, the fragility of links with health services and language differences. The vulnerabilities of Venezuelan immigrants are linked to their ways of living and working. Health institutions and organizations are not fully qualified to serve them. Specific policies are needed for this social group and to qualify institutions and health professionals to implement these policies.

Padrão histo-anatômico, degradabilidade e compostos secundários em diferentes acessoes de maniçoba (Manihot spp.) e diferentes estágios de maturação

ABSTRACT The objectives of this work were to characterize the histo-anatomical pattern and degradability and to determine the secondary compounds of maniçoba in the different accessions and maturation stages (young, mature and senescent). For the research, three accessions were selected (AC002, AC004 and AC038) from the municipalities of Barra de Santa Rosa, Monteiro and Boa Vista, respectively, which showed distinct genetic characteristics, such as morphological and agronomic characteristics, chemical composition and hydrocyanic acid content. The leaf blades showed a cuticle that covers the entire epidermis, with papillose cells in the abaxial region and in a tabular shape in the adaxial region. The cells on the abaxial side are thinner than on the adaxial side. In the phytochemical screening of maniçoba leaves, the presence of steroids, tannins, flavonoids and saponins was observed. The leaves of maniçoba (Manihot ssp.) showed absence of alkaloids in all stages and accessions evaluated. All accessions evaluated showed positivity for the presence of steroids, with superiority in accession 04 in all stages, while for the other accessions it decreased with the maturation of the plant, especially in accession 02. The presence and concentration of secondary metabolites vary between accessions and maturation stages.

Assessment of biological hazards in a laboratory in Boa Vista, Roraima.

Safety in health care should be a priority of all health professionals. The occurrence of occupational accidents is many times attributed to a failure in following established standards, and identifying and correcting the risks to which professionals are exposed is important. The aim of this study was to assess the level of understanding on the biological hazards to which workers of a clinical analysis laboratory are exposed. We applied a questionnaire for assessing knowledge on biological hazards, comprising an assessment of the understanding of biosafety and biological hazards, an investigation of the occurrence, types, and causes of accidents with biological material, and the employment of preventive measures. Data were tabulated in spreadsheets. All qualitative variables were tested with the chi-square test. We verified that 100% of the workers reported having some knowledge on biosafety; 25% of them reported they had suffered an occupational accident; and 81% of the workers reported having received training on biosafety measures. As to the level of exposure of workers and the community to biological agents, we noticed a very low level of exposure in one of the laboratory sectors. Considering our results, we concluded that professionals at a clinical analysis laboratory are prone to occupational hazards, facing a low risk of exposure despite carrying out hazardous activities with potential exposure, which requires caution and exposure prevention measures.

Adsorption of Heavy Metals on Bentonitic Soil for Use in Landfill Liners

Hazardous heavy metal ions such as copper, zinc, nickel, chromium, cadmium, and lead engender a potential risk to human health. Among the processes involved in the retention of these contaminants, adsorption is advantageous for removing toxic metals because of its environmentally friendly aspect, efficiency, and low-cost operation. Information on the adsorption of heavy metals in soils from the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil is still scarce. In this study, the adsorption of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Zn, Ni, and Pb) by a semiarid Brazilian bentonitic soil is investigated. This soil has been used as a bottom liner in an experimental municipal solid waste (MSW) cell located in Campina Grande, State of Paraíba, Brazil. The experimental cell consists of a landfill unit on an experimental scale, with the same constructive elements of a sanitary landfill. Disturbed and undisturbed samples of the investigated soil were collected at a quarry in the rural zone of Boa Vista (state of Paraiba, Northeast Brazil). Sorption attributes were determined via batch tests with a soil-solution ratio of 1 : 12.5 (4 g of dry soil to 50 mL of solution). Linear, Freundlich, and Langmuir isotherms were fitted to the experimental data, using as fitting parameters Pearson correlation coefficient ([Formula: see text]) and [Formula: see text] value with a significance level [Formula: see text]. The ascending order of maximum adsorption capacity for heavy metals followed the series Ni < Cr < Zn < Cd < Cu < Pb. The maximum adsorbent capacities obtained were similar to those of other Brazilian soils and other adsorbents. Therefore, the studied soil has a high potential to be used in the retention of heavy metals.

Triatoma rubrovaria (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) in the Pampa biome, Brazil: a retrospective study of its occurrence and abundance.

Triatoma rubrovaria has been captured in some areas of Rio Grande do Sul State (RS), Brazil, as this species can be found in the Pampa biome. Its distribution across this biome should be described in detail to verify the potential of this vector to transmit Trypanosoma cruzi. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of T. rubrovaria in the Pampa biome and transitional areas of RS. The collected information resulted from the analysis of secondary data provided by the Centro Estadual de Vigilancia em Saude (CEVS - State's Center of Health Surveillance). The following aspects were taken into consideration: the year in which the insect was captured, the city, the number of specimens captured, invasion or domiciliation, the notification in the household, surroundings or both, and T. cruzi infection. The data comprised the period from 2009 to 2020, in 109 cities located in the Pampa biome and 98 located in transitional areas. The Pampa biome exhibited 85% of the occurrences of T. rubrovaria, while 1.2% of specimens were T. cruzi-like positive. Both the first and second biennia concentrated 64.6% of captures. Alegrete city, Cangucu city and Piratini city were the locations in the Pampa where the largest numbers of specimens were found. Regarding the transitional areas, Roque Gonzales city, Santiago city and Santana da Boa Vista city exhibited the largest numbers. Most insects were adults, which were found in households. Even though positivity for T. cruzi-like was low, the species still has epidemiological importance in the region.

First record of plant macrofossil from the Boa Vista Formation, Takutu Basin, Roraima State, Brazil

Clayey intraclasts containing leaves preserved as impressions and compressions were collected from the Takutu River channel in the State of Roraima, Brazil. In the present study, 23 leaf fragments are described (morphologically and anatomically) and their taxonomic identity is proposed. These fossiliferous intraclasts were suggested in previous studies as coming from the Boa Vista Formation (Upper Pleistocene–Holocene). With the aim of finding new evidence to support this correlation, X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and Laser induced-breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) analysis were performed, comparing the fossiliferous sample with two outcrops from the Boa Vista Formation. The results evidenced the chemical and mineralogical similarity between the fossiliferous intraclasts and both outcrops, suggesting their correlation with the Boa Vista Formation. Taxonomically, the specimens were recognized as fossil representatives of Dilleniaceae Salisb., Byrsonima Rich. ex Kunth (Malpighiaceae), Zanthoxylum L. (Rutaceae), and other six morphotypes. These taxa represent typical elements of the savanna (lavrados) of Roraima. The anatomical-cutillary characters of the mummified leaves indicate the dominance of xeromorphic plants, similar to the predominant woody species in the “lavrado” today, thus suggesting the same climatic-environmental conditions. Keywords: fossil leaves, leaf architecture, cuticular anatomy, angiosperm, Cenozoic.

Perceptions of nurses regarding the management of snakebite envenomations: Limits and possibilities

Snakebites can be caused by harmless or venomous snakes and, according to their severity and frequency, can be considered events of medical importance. In health facilities in remote areas, nurses work in the first line of care of patients that are victims of these envenomations. The aim was to discover the perception of nurses regarding the management of snakebites, its limitations and possibilities, with a view to professional empowerment in the context of primary health care. This is exploratory and descriptive research, with a qualitative approach, developed at FMT-HVD in Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil, in the year 2021. The participants were nurses who work in basic health units in the municipalities of Careiro da Várzea, Ipixuna and Boa Vista do Ramos in the state of Amazonas. For data collection, the focus group strategy was adopted. Thematic content analysis was employed, which was carried out in the stages of pre-analysis; exploration or coding of the material; treatment of the results, inference and interpretation. After processing the data obtained, four topics emerged from the coding: Topic 1 – limitations in the primary care. Topic 2 – the need for infrastructure and personnel. Topic 3 – the need for continuing education. Topic 4 – the perception of training regarding the management of snakebite envenomations. The results showed a lack of antivenom in the healthcare units where nurses work. Another aspect highlighted by the nurses is the absence of a doctor in situ to perform the primary care or out of hours care in the units. The nurses' perceptions regarding the management of snakebite envenomations revealed the existence of failures in relation to the subject, such as the lack of antivenom, poor infrastructure in the units and the lack of a doctor, which must be solved, since the nurses are the most active professionals in primary health care, in addition to the high incidence of snakebite envenomations in the Brazilian Amazon.

PEG2009 PRE-SYMPOSIUM FIELD TRIP GUIDE: EASTERN BRAZILIAN PEGMATITE PROVINCE (MINAS GERAIS)

Pegmatite gemstones became officially known in the Brazil history since the last decades of the 17th century, when green tourmalines were found in the central-northeastern Minas Gerais region by Fernão Dias Paes Leme, one of the most famous leaders of Brazilian colonizers. Later, pioneer naturalists and geologists of the 19th century first decades, such as von Eschwege, von Spix & von Martius and Saint-Hilaire, referred to pegmatite gem deposits and/or trading of coloured gems in regions of the Araçuaí, Jequitinhonha, Doce and Mucuri river valleys. However, only in the 20th century, particularly during and after the Second World War, pegmatites became important mineral deposits in Brazil owing to efforts to increase the production of mica, beryl and quartz for the USA military industry. This mining development was accompanied by pioneer geologic studies and several new mineral specimens were discovered. Accordingly, the Brazilian pegmatite populations were grouped into the Eastern, Northern and Southern Brazilian pegmatite provinces. These provinces were defined mainly based on the geographical distribution of pegmatites, because at that time Brazil lacked geological maps even for a regional approach. This guide was elaborated for a pre-symposium field trip held before 2009 PEG - 4th International Symposium on Granitic Pegmatites, and focused on different aspects of pegmatites located in three important districts of the Eastern Brazilian Pegmatite Province (EBPP), namely São José da Safira, Conselheiro Pena and Araçuaí pegmatite districts. The field trip included from primitive garimpos for mineral exploitation to a very organized mine, showing pegmatites with different mineral (beryl, phosphate, spodumene or tourmaline) specializations that are related to distinct geologic settings and genetic conditions. A visit to a quarry for dimension stone on a pegmatite body was also scheduled. This guide also presents a synthesis on the geologic setting of the main EBPP pegmatite districts and their main features, followed by brief descriptions of the field trip stops. Those were the Ipê Pegmatite in Governador Valadares town, Sapucaia Pegmatite in the town of Galileia, Boa Vista and Cigana Pegmatites in the town of Conselheiro Pena, K2 Ornamental Pegmatite Quarry in Itinga town, CBL Spodumene Mine in Araçuaí town, Água Santa Mine and a pegmatite swarm which occurs along a road cut of the BR-342, both located in the town of Coronel Murta.

Temperatures and substrates on the germination and vigor of seeds of Pilosocereus catingicola subsp. salvadorensis in the Caatinga biome of Paraíba

The Caatinga biome is presented in the vegetation where the Brazilian semiarid region predominates, with a great variety of native species, and facheiro is one of the most important species because of its wide range in the semiarid region in northeastern Brazil. Therefore, the knowledge of the germinative behavior of the Caatinga species is essential to subsidize conservationist actions in this ecosystem. This study aimed to determine the effect of temperature and substrate on the germination and vigor of facheiro’s seeds. These seeds were obtained from ripe fruits collected in three localities of the Agreste of Paraíba: Arara, Bananeiras, and Boa Vista. After extraction, the seeds were placed to dry on paper for one week in a laboratory environment. Subsequently, the experiment was started by testing four temperatures: 20, 25, 30, and 20-30 °C. The germination test was conducted with four replications of 50 seeds distributed in “gerbox” boxes and placed in bio-oxygen demand (BOD) chambers using as a substrate the germitest paper, with a photoperiod of 12 hours. The statistical design was randomized in a 3 × 4 factorial arrangement (3 localities and 4 temperatures). A significant effect was observed for populations and substrates. The best substrate for germination was the germitest, while the substrate vermiculite presented a good performance, and the substrate soil presented low germination. Therefore, seeds presented the best vigor in the germitest paper, mainly with a temperature of 25 °C where the best performance for all localities was found. The vigor of seeds in the localities of Bananeiras and Boa Vista, temperatures of 25, 30, and 20-30 °C, and substrate germitest paper provided the highest vigor. The germitest substrate is the recommended substrate for the germination of the species, maximizing its physiological potential and being able to accelerate conservation projects for the species.

Plastic pollution can affect the emergence patterns of loggerhead turtle hatchlings

AbstractCoastal urbanization, plastic pollution and climate change are increasingly affecting marine turtles' nesting habitats. In addition to facing risks of mortality due to saltwater inundation or predation, their eggs and hatchlings' might also be affected by plastic debris accumulation on beaches, but no studies to date have analysed such impact. To analyse whether plastic pollution on nests' surfaces affects the embryos' and hatchlings' survival odds, we designed a field experiment in a turtle hatchery on a nesting beach of the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) in Boa Vista Island (Cabo Verde). We applied three treatments with distinct plastic levels (18 nests per treatment): control (no added plastics), low density (64 plastic fragments with 24.5 g of plastic weight per nest) and high density (128 plastic fragments with 49.0 g of plastic weight per nest). Then, we tested 16 variables related to the incubation period, emergence period and hatchlings' fitness. Our results suggest that nests with high plastic density have a significantly lower probability of successful emergence. Moreover, plastics also affected the synchronized emergence of hatchlings, with more scattered and smaller emergent groups, which might increase the predation risk. Considering that turtle nesting habitats are becoming increasingly threatened, this additional threat might compromise the survival of turtle hatchlings on beaches.

Environments and substrates for “pimenta-de-cheiro” (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) seedling production in the Amazon savana

Quality seedlings production is one of the most important steps in the cultivation of vegetable species. In this sense, the objective was to evaluate the influence of different environments and substrates on the production of “pimenta-de-cheiro” (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) seedlings in Boa Vista, Roraima. An experiment was installed in a completely randomized design (CRD), with treatmentsarranged in subdivided plots. Five environments were evaluated: AG - agricultural greenhouse; TV35 - red shading net with 35% shading (red ChromatiNet®); TV50 - red shading net with 50% shading (red ChromatiNet®); TP35 - silver shading net with 35% shading (ChromatiNet® silver) and TP50 - silver shading net with 50% shading (ChromatiNet® silver) and four substrates: O -OrganoAmazon®; OP - OrganoAmazon® and PuroHumus®; OPSE (OrganoAmazon®, PuroHumus®, soil and manure) and OPSEC (OrganoAmazon®, PuroHumus®, soil, manure and carbonized rice husk). On the TP35 and TP50 shading nets, the C. Chinense grown on the OP substrate showed high Dickson’s quality index (DQI). The combination agricultural greenhouse (EA) and OPSE substrate promoted superior quality Capsicum chinense seedlings. The substrates OPSEC and OPSE are more affordable alternatives for the production of Capsicum chinense seedlings. Shading nets, associated with the alternative substrates, do not favor the production of quality Capsicum chinense seedlings under Amazon savanna conditions.

The guitar in imperial Rio de Janeiro: 
a fashion among the elite

Abstract Introduced in Brazil at the beginning of the 19th century and widely accepted by the economic and social elite of the time, the guitar was played in aristocratic venues such as the Quinta da Boa Vista palace, where the Empress Leopoldina would practice music daily. Beginning in the 1840s in the hands of foreign artists, who fostered the development of Rio de Janeiro’s 19th-century musical life, a busy agenda of musical performances allows us to become acquainted with the guitar’s repertory, which was composed of original works and, especially, transcriptions of opera arias. This information is in stark contrast with the highly negative image of the instrument in Brazilian society during the advent of the Republic, due to the guitar’s unshakeable association with the cultural practices of the urban poor.

EFFECT OF AMAZON CACTUS (Cereus jamacaru) AS A NATURAL COAGULANT FOR THE REMOVAL OF TURBIDITY FROM SURFACE WATER

Background: Brazil suffers from a lack of basic sanitation in many regions, intensified in the Amazon region due to its difficult access. The application of natural coagulants is a promising alternative since it eliminates the use of chemicals, is a simple, low-cost method that is easy to reproduce, and is accessible to any community, thus promoting health and environmental improvements. On the other hand, the use of chemical coagulants can cause harm to the environment and human health. Aim: Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the coagulation effect of a species of Amazonian cactus applied in the treatment of water for human consumption. Methods: For the study, about 500 grams of the aerial part of the Cereus jamacaru was collected on the banks of the BR 174 in the region of Roraima. The spines were removed in the laboratory, the plant material was washed, cut to a thickness, dried in an oven at 60 °C for 36 hours, then ground and sieved until obtaining a powder, which was tested as a natural coagulant. The water used in the study was collected from the Branco River in Boa Vista, Roraima, and characterized its initial turbidity. Results: The dosage of 0.2g of the natural cactus coagulant showed a significant reduction in the turbidity of the study water, leaving it within the potability standards established for groundwater. Discussion: Coagulation in the sanitary context is evidenced by the removal of microscopic particles associated with pathogenic microorganisms, normally found in raw water and with very low sedimentation speed. Replacing polluting chemical substances with natural coagulants in the treatment of water for human consumption contributes to the quality of life. Conclusion: The Amazonian cactus Cereus jamacaru demonstrated coagulation efficiency for analyzing the turbidity parameter of water for human consumption.

Debilitating mobilities: the logic of governance in Brazil’s military-humanitarian response

The recent political and economic crisis in Venezuela has given rise to an increase in Venezuelan migrants and refugees to Brazil. Situated in the northern state of Roraima, bordering Venezuela, this research explores the military-humanitarian response coordinated by the Brazilian government. Investigating the underpinning logic of such a humanitarian approach highlights the ways in which vulnerable mobile groups are offered support, while at the same time, are tightly governed for the protection of state security. I argue that Brazil’s military-humanitarian approach to mobility governance reflects a logic of debility that works to control migrants. This logic emerges through subtle forms of violence and consequently reinforces migrant vulnerabilities, keeping them in a cyclical loop of exclusion. This paper addresses the militarisation of the response across the urban streetscape of the city of Boa Vista, including humanitarian spaces of care, to investigate processes of securitisation and hygienisation. By doing so, this paper contributes to timely discussions on military-humanitarianism and draws attention to South-South mobilities and the salient geographies of Brazil and Latin America more broadly.