Dam Rupture Research Articles

MINING AND PRODUCTIVE SPECIALIZATION: ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF THE COLLAPSE OF THE DAM OF FUNDÃO IN MARIANA/BRAZILzil

This paper analyzes the economic impacts in the municipality of Mariana from the Fundão Dam rupture occurred at the end of 2015. The central hypothesis is that economic dependence on the mineral extraction sector makes this municipality more vulnerable to adverse shocks affecting this productive sector, compromising its job recovery capacity. In order to calculate the impacts of this disaster, datas on formal employment estimated through the Synthetic Control Method were used. The results showed that, although Mariana and its synthetic version show similar formal employment trajectory in the pre-shock period, Mariana recovered employability in the second year after the dam rupture, unlike the control group. However, this result is not due to the recovery of formal employment based on sustainable economic diversification strategies, but essentially by dependence of the mining activity and the post-disaster remediation actions that has been gradually implemented in order to recover affected areas.

Assessment of fire resilience in subtropical wetlands using high spatial resolution images.

Resilience is the ability of a system to absorb disturbances, rearrange itself, and adapt in order to maintain its functionality, structure, identity, and feedback. Research involving fire resilience in subtropical wetlands (SW) allows us to understand the dynamics of these ecosystems, measure impacts on fauna and flora, and promote policies for the management and protection. The aim of the present study is to assess the fire resilience of SW. The study was divided into three steps: (i) burned area classification, (ii) vegetation pattern classification, and (iii) temporal analysis of SW fire resilience based on NDVI calculation. Our results show that (a) high resilience potential of emerging plants, which developed green leaves in less than 90days after the fire; (b) poor recovery of peatlands with underground fire history. Daily coverage of high spatial resolution PlanetScope images has great potential for classification and monitoring of land use in areas where there are rapid changes, such as after a fire event, explosions, and dam ruptures with ore tailings, for example.

A partial least squares-path model of causality among environmental deterioration indicators in the dry period of Paraopeba River after the rupture of B1 tailings dam in Brumadinho (Minas Gerais, Brazil)

This study investigated the collapse of B1 mine-tailings dam that occurred in 25 January 2019 and severely affected the Brumadinho region (Minas Gerais state, Brazil) socially, economically and environmentally. As regards water resources, the event impacted the Paraopeba River in the first 155.3 km counted from the dam site, meaning nearly half the main water course downstream of B1. In the impacted sector, high concentrations of tailings-related Al, Fe, Mn, P in river sediment-tailings mixtures and water were detected, as well as changes to the reflectance of riparian forests. In the river water, the metal concentrations raised significantly above safe levels. For caution, the water management authorities declared immediate suspension of Paraopeba River as drinking water source to the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte (6 million people), irrespective of representing nearly 30% of all supply. In this study, the main purpose was to assess potential links between tailings distribution, river water composition and reflectance of forest vegetation, which worked out as latent variables in regression models. The latent variables were represented by numerous physical and chemical parameters, measured 4 times in 22 sites during the dry period of 2019. The modeling results suggested the release of aluminum and phosphorus from sand fractions in the mine tailings as major cause of water contamination. The NDVI changes were interpreted as environmental deterioration. Changes in redox potential may have raised manganese concentrations in surface water further affecting the forest NDVI. Distance from the B1 dam and dissolved calcium appear to attenuate deterioration. Overall, the regressions allowed robust prognoses of environmental deterioration in the Paraopeba River under low flow conditions. More importantly, they can be transposed to similar dam ruptures helping environmental authorities to decide upon measures that can bring the affected rivers to pre-rupture conditions.

Structure and putative function of a soil microbial community impacted by the deposition of tailings and subsequent revegetation after the rupture of the Fundao Dam

AbstractThe rupture of the Fundão Dam containing iron‐rich mining tailings, in 2015, was one of the worst environmental disasters in Brazil. The deposition of tailings has generated serious impacts on the soil and, as microorganisms play an important role in these environments, the recovery of the microbial community is a critical step in restoring the soil for sustainable use. Soil microorganisms and their activities are recognized as sensitive bioindicators for environmental changes; however, few experiments have been conducted to investigate the response of the microbial community to the magnitude of the impact caused by the Fundão Dam rupture and the effect of the use of revegetation natural or induced for ecosystem recovery, especially in Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the dynamics of community structure and putative functions, over time, in response to the deposition of the tailings on the soil by bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing. We evaluated an area affected by tailings, covered with natural and induced revegetation. The results revealed a temporal dynamic of the soil microbiota, which demonstrates that the microbial community structure of these areas differed, mainly in less abundant taxa, and the induced revegetation area was closer to the forest than natural revegetation. These results reveal the importance of implementing revegetation programs to accelerate the initial recovery. Functions related to the use of alternative electron acceptors differed, possibly due to the greater compaction of the affected soil. Despite the improvement of the impacted areas over time, the strong effect of tailings deposition on the bacterial community structure can still be noticed.

Dimensionality Reduction in EH&S Data Analysis

The article discusses the lawsuit resulting from the collapse of the dam in the city of Brumadinho. The author is a judge in Brazil and was responsible for the Brumadinho Dam Rupture judicial process in the years 2019 and 2020. The judicial process had a significant influence on the choices of individuals that can be better understood with the identification of rewards and punishments, considering rational motivations and Cost-effective Calculation. Keywords: Game Theory applied to Law, Environmental and Economic Disaster, Brumadinho.

Ecotoxicological impacts of the Fundão dam failure in freshwater fish community: Metal bioaccumulation, biochemical, genetic and histopathological effects

This study investigates the ecotoxicological impacts of the Fundão dam rupture, one of the major environmental disaster that occurred in Brazil and in the world mining industry history, through multi-biomarkers responses and metals bioaccumulation in the fish community of different trophic levels. Specimens of the fishes (omnivorous/herbivorous and carnivorous) were collected along the Doce River channel and its affluent Guandú River, and in different lakes and coastal lagoons adjacent to the river channel, in the Espirito Santo State, Southeast of Brazil. Four sampling collections were carried out over two years (2018 to 2020, during dry and rainy seasons). For both trophic groups the biomarkers responses indicated physiological alterations related to metals exposure and showed strong seasonal variations. The principal component analysis and integrated biomarker response index showed that DNA damage and lipid peroxidation were more associated with dry season 2 (Sep/Oct 2019) and the oxidative damage in proteins, metallothioneins concentration and the activity of superoxide dismutase in the gills showed a greater association with rainy season 2 (Jan/Feb 2020). On the other hand, the enzymes of energy metabolism, catalase and histological damage in the liver and the gills, were more associated with the dry and rainy campaigns of the first year of monitoring. The multivariate approach also suggested a temporal intensification in the bioaccumulation of metals and biological effects in the lacustrine environments. Thus, these results demonstrate that the release of mineral residues from the rupture of the Fundão mine dam affects the health status of the fish from the Doce River basin, provoking metals bioaccumulation, hepatic and branchial damage in the fish besides inducing of enzyme activity related to metal contamination, even four years after the rupture.

Subcellular metal partitioning as a novel tool in ecotoxicological elasmobranch assessments: The case of lesser numbfish (Narcine brasiliensis) affected by the Mariana dam disaster in Southeastern Brazil

This study comprises a novel report on subcellular metal partitioning and metallothionein (MT) metal detoxification efforts in lesser numbfish (Narcine brasiliensis) electric ray specimens, as well as the first assessment on MT contents in any ray electric organ. Individuals sampled from an area in Southeastern Brazil affected by the Mariana dam rupture disaster were assessed concerning subcellular metal partitioning and MT metal-detoxification in the liver, gonads, electric organ and muscle of both adults and embryos. Yolk was also assessed when available. Relative total and heat-stable (bioavailable) metal and metalloid comparisons between adults and embryos in different developmental stages demonstrates maternal transfer of both total and bioavailable metals and significant MT associations demonstrate the detoxification of As, Ag, Mn, Ni, Cd, Co, Cu, Se and V through this biochemical pathway. Our findings expand the lacking ecotoxicological assessments for this near-threatened species and indicates significant ecological concerns, warranting further biomonitoring efforts.

Impacts of tailings of Fundão dam (Brazil) rupture on marine fish: Metals bioaccumulation and physiological responses

This study evaluated the impacts of the mining tailings after the rupture of the Fundão dam on fish communities on the Atlantic Ocean southeast coast. Four sample collections were carried out over two years (2018–2020), in seasonal periods. Omnivorous/herbivorous and carnivorous fish were collected for analysis of metal bioaccumulation, multibiomarkers of environmental contamination and histopathology. Metal bioaccumulation was stronger correlated in carnivorous fish in the dry-2018 collection, besides higher activity of antioxidant enzymes, energy metabolism and higher morphological damage; however, there was less oxidative damage and less metallothioneins induction, and these variables were strongly associated with the wet-2020 collection. In a temporal view, it was possible to observe a reduction in metal levels in fish, except in the mouth of the Doce River. These events can be explained by seasonal natural events, which tend the resuspension and boost metal levels, mainly in the mouth region during the rainy season.

Mid-Holocene lateral collapse of Antuco volcano (Chile): debris avalanche deposit features, emplacement dynamics, and impacts

Antuco (37.4°S, 71.4°W; Chile) is a dominantly basaltic stratovolcano whose original ~ 3300 m altitude main cone experienced a catastrophic sector collapse at ~ 7.1 cal ka BP, producing a volcanic debris avalanche deposit (VDAD) with hummocky surface and ~ 6.4 km3 of volume. We carried out geological studies of its debris avalanche deposit, which was distributed to the W and displays a longitudinal facies transformation from edifice’s megablocks and block to mixed facies in distal areas (up to 25 km from the scar). Our observations support the behavior of the avalanche beginning as a translational slide, and then as plug flow when confined within the Laja River valley. Clay abundance and high content of hydrothermally altered material may suggest active participation of water; flow velocities are estimated to ~100 m s−1. We primarily identify the steep-sided flanks of the cone, and hydrothermal alteration promoted the edifice instability, while basement seismogenic structures may have ultimately triggered the landslide. Subsequent landslide-led events include the transformation of the volcanic activity with explosive eruptions producing a sequence of dilute pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) ending ~3.4 ky BP, and extensive lava effusion rapidly reconstructing the collapsed edifice. Moreover, the Antuco VDAD also blocked the natural output of the Laja Lake, increasing its level by ~200 m and then triggering cataclysmic outburst floods by dam rupture, preserved as high-energy alluvial beds with ages between 2.8 and 1.7 ky BP. The Antuco constitutes an excellent example of a critical chain of events initiated by a stratovolcano lateral collapse and warns for detailed hazard investigations to better comprehend its related impacts.

Problematizing the wickedness of the Fundão dam rupture: Are cross-sector partnerships enough to bring about the Doce river basin recovery process?

This paper aims to draw attention to the intricacies of hybrid network governance in a challenging institutional landscape. The empirical focus is a case study of the recovery process from the Fundão dam rupture, Brazil’s most significant environmental disaster, and the largest in the world involving tailings dams. To drill into the barriers to cross-sector partnerships, we adopted a multi-methods approach, including interviews, grey materials and documents, participant observation and social network analysis. We identified interrelated barriers and grouped them into institutional, power and knowledge barriers, which act through a positive feedback loop leading to a structural arrangement that is inadequate for collaboration in disaster management. As a result, the Doce river basin’s recovery process has taken the form of a wicked industrial disaster, enabling a “chain reaction” of increasing wickedness. We thereby advance cross-sector partnership research by drawing attention to the underlying causes of failure and offer guidance to public and private managers on possible strategies to address the barriers to cross-sector partnerships.

Brumadinho Health Project: food and nutrition insecurity versus socioeconomic statuses and dimensions of the food system after the dam rupture.

To describe the situation of food insecurity of families according to the socioeconomic characteristics and dimensions of the food system in Brumadinho, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, after the dam rupture in Córrego do Feijão mine. This is a descriptive study focused on households carried out from the baseline of the Brumadinho Health Project. Food insecurity, the main outcome, was assessed by the short version of the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale. Other investigated variables were: socioeconomic data; geographic stratum of the households; family's assets; income; expenses; cultivation of food and animal husbandry for consumption. Descriptive analyses were performed comparing the food insecurity of the household according to the other variables by the χ2 test to compare the proportions. Of the investigated households (n=1,441), 35.1% were facing food insecurity. facing food insecurity had: lower prevalence of masonry households with coating (91.4%; 95%CI 87.7%-94.1% vs. 96.7%; 95%CI 94.9%-97.8%); highest proportion of rudimentary cesspit (16.9%; 95%CI 13.3%-21.2% vs. 9.4%; 95%CI 7.4-11.9); lower prevalence of own and paid-off homes (63.9%; 95%CI 56.8-70.5 vs. 77.3%; 95%CI 72.3-81.7); and income reduction after the dam rupture (33.0%; 95%CI 27.1-39.6 vs. 14.1%; 95%CI 11.2-17.6), when compared with those in a food security situation. The prevalence of food insecurity was high, with report of a reduction in household income after the dam rupture. Moreover, most of the households had worse structural quality and sewage outfall. These results evidence the vulnerability of families and possible violation of the human right to adequate food, denoting the urgency of continuous reparative actions.

Chronic respiratory diseases and respiratory symptoms after a mining dam rupture: Brumadinho Health Project.

To identify factors associated with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and respiratory symptoms, in Brumadinho, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, after a dam rupture. This is a cross-sectional study, including a representative sample of adults (aged 18 years and over) in the municipality. Associations were assessed between dependent variables (medical diagnosis of asthma and COPD; symptoms of wheezing, dry cough, and nose irritation) and exploratory variables (sex, age group, smoking habit, having worked at Vale S.A. company before the dam rupture, time and area of residence in relation to the dam rupture). Logistic regression models with odds ratio (OR) calculation and 95% confidence interval were used. We identified a prevalence of 7.2% of asthma; 3.5% of COPD; 8.8% of wheezing; 23.6% of dry cough; and 31.8% of nose irritation. We observed a greater chance of asthma among women and residents in the affected and mining regions, while a greater chance of COPD was observed in smokers and in those with longer time of residence in the municipality. Among the symptoms, we verified a higher chance of nose irritation among women, while a higher chance of wheezing and dry cough were found among smokers (current and former). Residents of regions affected by the mud reported a greater chance of presenting all the analyzed symptoms. Conversely, level of education was negatively associated with wheezing and dry cough. We found respiratory changes and identified the groups most vulnerable to developing them, which could contribute to directing actions to reduce the population's respiratory problems.

Expanded health “accident” resulting from a dam rupture in Brumadinho (BRAZIL): workers’ deaths surveillance

Expanded health “accident” resulting from a dam rupture in Brumadinho (BRAZIL): workers’ deaths surveillance

The Brumadinho Mining Disaster: Immediate Impacts of Mine Tailings 5 Days after the Dam Rupture

The Brumadinho Mining Disaster: Immediate Impacts of Mine Tailings 5 Days after the Dam Rupture

Brumadinho Health Project: food and nutrition insecurity versus socioeconomic statuses and dimensions of the food system after the dam rupture

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever a situação de insegurança alimentar das famílias segundo as características socioeconômicas e dimensões do sistema alimentar em Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, Brasil, após desastre. Métodos: Estudo descritivo com foco no domicílio realizado pela linha de base do Projeto Saúde Brumadinho. A insegurança alimentar, desfecho principal, foi avaliada pela Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar curta. Outras variáveis investigadas foram: socioeconômicas; estrato geográfico do domicílio; ativos (bens); renda; despesas familiares; cultivo de alimentos e criação de animais para consumo. Foram realizadas análises descritivas comparando a insegurança alimentar do domicílio segundo as demais variáveis pelo teste χ2 para comparação das proporções. Resultados: Dos domicílios investigados (n=1.441), 35,1% estavam em situação de insegurança alimentar. As famílias em insegurança alimentar apresentavam: menores prevalências de domicílios de alvenaria com revestimento (91,4%; IC95% 87,7%−94,1% vs. 96,7%; IC95% 94,9%−97,8%); maior proporção de fossa rudimentar (16,9%; IC95% 13,3%−21,2% vs. 9,4%; IC95% 7,4−11,9); menor prevalência de domicílios próprios e quitados (63,9%; IC95% 56,8−70,5 vs. 77,3%; IC95% 72,3−81,7); e redução da renda após o rompimento da barragem (33,0%; IC95% 27,1−39,6 vs. 14,1%; IC95% 11,2−17,6), quando comparadas àquelas em segurança alimentar. Conclusão: A prevalência de insegurança alimentar foi elevada, com relato de redução da renda das famílias após o rompimento da barragem. Ademais, boa parte dos domicílios apresentava pior qualidade estrutural e escoamento de esgoto. Esses resultados evidenciam a vulnerabilidade das famílias e possível violação do direito humano à alimentação adequada, denotando a urgência de ações reparadoras contínuas.

Chronic respiratory diseases and respiratory symptoms after a mining dam rupture: Brumadinho Health Project

RESUMO: Objetivo: Identificar fatores associados a asma, doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) e sintomas respiratórios em Brumadinho (MG), após rompimento de barragem. Métodos: Estudo transversal com amostra representativa de adultos. Verificaram-se associações entre variáveis dependentes (diagnóstico médico de asma e DPOC e os sintomas chiado no peito, tosse seca e irritação nasal) e variáveis exploratórias (sexo, faixa etária, tabagismo, ter trabalhado na Vale S.A. antes do rompimento da barragem, tempo e área de residência em relação ao rompimento da barragem). Modelos de regressão logística com cálculo da odds ratio e intervalo de confiança de 95% foram empregados. Resultados: Identificou-se prevalência de asma de 7,2%, de DPOC de 3,5%, de chiado no peito de 8,8%, de tosse seca de 23,6% e de irritação nasal de 31,8%. Maior chance de asma foi observada no sexo feminino e nos residentes em área diretamente atingida pela lama e área de mineração, enquanto maior chance de DPOC foi vista nos fumantes e naqueles com maior tempo de residência no município. Entre os sintomas, maior chance de irritação nasal foi observada no sexo feminino, e de chiado no peito e tosse seca em fumantes (atuais e no passado). Residentes em área atingida pela lama relataram maior chance de apresentarem todos os sintomas analisados. Já a escolaridade apresentou associação negativa com chiado no peito e tosse seca. Conclusão: O estudo mostrou alterações respiratórias e identificou os grupos com maior vulnerabilidade para desenvolvê-las, podendo contribuir com o direcionamento de ações para a redução de problemas respiratórios da população.

Prevalence of psychiatric symptoms and associated factors in the adult population from the area affected by the tailings dam rupture – Brumadinho Health Project

RESUMO: Objetivo: Examinar a prevalência dos sintomas psiquiátricos e seus fatores associados na população adulta de Brumadinho (MG), após o rompimento da barragem. Métodos: Foram incluídos 2.740 participantes com informações coletadas em 2021 sobre os sintomas de estresse pós-traumático (TEPT), depressão, ansiedade, ideias de morte/automutilação e pior qualidade do sono. Estimaram-se as prevalências de todas as condições. Para a comparação das prevalências dos sintomas psiquiátricos e as características sociodemográficas e local de moradia, empregou-se o teste χ2 de Pearson, com correção de Rao-Scott. Regressões logísticas brutas e ajustadas estimaram os odds ratios e intervalos de confiança de 95%, permitindo a avaliação da associação entre os sintomas psiquiátricos e as características dos participantes. Resultados: Os sintomas depressivos foram a condição mais prevalente (29,3%), seguidos pelos sintomas de TEPT (22,9%) e sintomas ansiosos (18,9%). Com relação à investigação da associação entre as características dos participantes na análise ajustada, observou-se que o sexo feminino e os moradores da área de mineração apresentaram relação positiva com os sintomas de TEPT, depressivos, ansiosos, ideia de morte e pior qualidade de sono. Também se encontraram associação positiva entre a escolaridade de nível médio e os sintomas de TEPT e associação negativa entre aqueles com ≥60 anos e os sintomas de TEPT, depressivos e ansiosos. Conclusão: Altas prevalências foram encontradas para todos os sintomas psiquiátricos após a ruptura da barragem em Brumadinho. Sexo feminino, local de moradia na área de mineração, ≥60 anos e escolaridade foram associados aos sintomas psiquiátricos investigados.

Living and health conditions after a mining dam rupture: Brumadinho Health Project and Bruminha Project

Living and health conditions after a mining dam rupture: Brumadinho Health Project and Bruminha Project

Use of psychotropic drugs by population in an area affected by the tailings dam rupture: Brumadinho Health Project

RESUMO: Objetivo: Descrever o consumo de psicofármacos pela população adulta residente em Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, após o rompimento da barragem da Vale, ocorrido em 2019. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, inserido no Projeto Saúde Brumadinho, desenvolvido em 2021, junto a uma amostra representativa da população adulta (18 anos ou mais) residente no município de mesmo nome. Foram incluídos na análise 2.805 indivíduos com informações sobre o uso autorreferido de psicofármacos (antidepressivos e ansiolíticos-hipnóticos/sedativos) nos últimos 15 dias. A prevalência do uso de psicofármacos foi estimada e os psicofármacos mais utilizados foram identificados. O teste do qui-quadrado de Pearson (com correção de Rao-Scott) foi utilizado para testar as associações entre exposições e o uso de psicofármacos, considerando-se o nível de significância de p<0,05. Resultados: O uso de antidepressivos (14,2%) foi mais comum do que o uso de ansiolíticos ou hipnóticos/sedativos (5,2%), sendo a sertralina e a fluoxetina os antidepressivos mais utilizados. O uso de ansiolíticos e hipnóticos/sedativos foi maior entre os moradores que residiam em área diretamente atingida pela lama da barragem, e o uso de algum psicofármaco foi maior entre aqueles que perderam algum parente/amigo no desastre e que avaliaram que sua saúde piorou após o desastre bem como entre mulheres. Conclusão: Os resultados do estudo corroboram o observado em outras populações expostas a tragédias semelhantes no que concerne às associações identificadas e ao padrão de utilização desses psicofármacos.

Brumadinho Dam Rupture Judicial Class Action Case Study

The article discusses the lawsuit resulting from the collapse of the dam in the city of Brumadinho. The author is a judge in Brazil and was responsible for the Brumadinho Dam Rupture judicial process in the years 2019 and 2020. The judicial process