Artículos científicos

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A biogeochemical comparison of three representative lakes of Costa Rica
(INLAND WATERS (Taylor and Francis), 2025-01-09) Esquivel-Hernández, Germain; Sánchez-Gutiérrez, Rolando; Arias Andrés, María.; Ugalde-Salazar, Rocío; Echeverría- Sáenz, Silvia
Lakes are widely distributed across Costa Rica, from coasts to the highest elevation regions and located in the main terrestrial biomes, yet updated biogeochemical information about the main types of lakes is still lacking. We present comparative biogeochemistry (water chemistry, stable isotopes, and picoplankton) for a coastal lake (Lake Madre de Dios), a volcanic lake (Lake Barva), and a glacial lake (Lake Ditkevi). Sampling was conducted between February and November 2022, including dry and rainy seasonal conditions. Hydrological and chemical conditions were evaluated using water and carbon stable isotopes, dissolved organic matter, major ions, and microbiota analysis. Isotopic data on water (δ2H and δ18O) and dissolved inorganic carbon (δ13CDIC) confirmed lower evaporative losses for the maar and tarn lakes and productivity response to precipitation inputs. Excitation/emission matrices confirmed the prevalence of fulvic and humic acids in the coastal and glacial lakes, mainly aromatic proteins and soluble microbial byproducts in the volcanic lake. Picophytoplankton (PPP, ∼0.2–10 μm) was mainly represented by phycocyanin-rich picocyanobacteria in the 3 lakes, but maar and tarn lakes had greater representation of phycoerythrin-rich picocyanobacteria. We confirmed fluctuations in PPP cell abundance in the lakes was lower than in comparable temperate lakes. For other eutrophic lakes, abundance of picocyanobacteria dominated over picoeukaryotic algae. This work aimed to promote an ecosystem approach to study the biogeochemical functioning of tropical lakes using a combination of chemical, hydrological, and biological data and to provide baseline information for future studies (e.g., climate change and pollution impacts) on tropical lakes of Costa Rica.
Acute toxicity and cholinesterase inhibition of the nematicide ethoprophos in larvae of gar Atractosteus tropicus (Semionotiformes: Lepisosteidae)
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2011) Mena Torres, Freylan; Pfennig, Sascha; Arias Andrés, María de Jesús; Márquez Couturier, Gabriel; Sevilla, Adrián; Protti, Maurizio
Biomarkers are a widely applied approach in environmental studies. Analyses of cholinesterase (ChE), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) are biomarkers that can provide information regarding early effects of pollutants at different biochemical levels on an organism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biomarker approach on a Costa Rican native and relevant species. For this, larvae of gar (Atractosteus tropicus) were exposed to the organophosphorus nematicide, ethoprophos. Acute (96hr) exposure was conducted with pesticide concentrations ranging from 0.1µg/L to 1 500µg/L. The 96hr LC50 calculated was 859.7µg/L. After exposure, three biomarkers (ChE, GST and LPO) were analyzed in fish that survived the acute test. The lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC) regarding ChE activity inhibition was 50µg/L. This concentration produced a significant inhibition (p<0.05) of the enzyme by 20%. The highest concentration tested without showing any effect on ChE activity and therefore considered as no observed effect concentration (NOEC) was 10µg/L. Ethoprophos concentration of 400µg/L caused a ChE inhibition by 79%. In this study, no significant variations (p>0.05) in GST activity and LPO were observed in A. tropicus larvae after exposure to ethoprophos.
Age-, sex- and disease subtype–related foetal growth differentials in childhood acute myeloid leukaemia risk: A Childhood Leukemia International Consortium analysis
(ELSEVIER, 2020-03-09) Karalexi, Maria A.; Dessypris, Nick.; Ma, Xiaomei.; Spector, Logan G.; Marcotte, Erin.; Clavel, Jacqueline.; Pombo de Oliveira, Maria S.; Heck, Julia E.; Roman, Eve.; Mueller, Beth; Hansen, Johnni; Auvinen, Anssi; Lee, Pei-Chen; Joachim Schüz; Magnani, Corrado; Mora, Ana Maria; Dockerty, John; Scheurer, Michael; Wang, Rong; Bonaventure, Audrey; Petridou, Eleni Th
Evidence for an association of foetal growth with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is inconclusive. AML is a rare childhood cancer, relatively more frequent in girls, with distinct features in infancy. In the context of the Childhood Leukemia International Consortium (CLIC), we examined the hypothesis that the association may vary by age, sex and disease subtype using data from 22 studies and a total of 3564 AML cases. Pooled estimates by age, sex and overall for harmonised foetal growth markers in association with AML were calculated using the International Fetal and Newborn Growth Consortium for the 21st Century Project for 17 studies contributing individual-level data; meta-analyses were, thereafter, conducted with estimates provided ad hoc by five more studies because of administrative constraints. Subanalyses by AML subtype were also performed. A nearly 50% increased risk was observed among large-for-gestational-age infant boys (odds ratio [OR]: 1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–2.14), reduced to 34% in boys aged <2 years (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.05–1.71) and 25% in boys aged 0–14 years (OR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.06–1.46). The association of large for gestational age became stronger in boys with M0/M1subtype (OR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.15–2.83). Large birth length for gestational age was also positively associated with AML (OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.00–1.92) in boys. By contrast, there were null associations in girls, as well as with respect to associations of decelerated foetal growth markers. Accelerated foetal growth was associated with AML, especially in infant boys and those with minimally differentiated leukaemia. Further cytogenetic research would shed light into the underlying mechanisms.
Agriculture without paraquat is feasible without loss of productivity lessons learned from phasing out a highly hazardous herbicide
(Springer Nature Link, 2023-01-09) Ramírez-Muñoz, Fernando; Sánchez U., Jorge.; Stuart, Alexander M; Merfield, Charles N; Horgan, Finbarr G; Willis, Sheila; Watts, Meriel A.; Sánchez U., Jorge ; Utyasheva, Leah; Eddleston, Michael ; Davis, Mark L; Neumeister, Lars ; Sanou, Manoé R.; Williamson, Stephanie
A small proportion of the thousands of pesticides on the market today are associated with a disproportionately high incidence of severe acute pesticide poisoning and suicide. Paraquat stands out as one of the most lethal pesticides in common use, frequently involved in fatal incidents due to suicides or accidental exposure. Even though paraquat has been banned in over 67 countries, it is still widely used in many others, particularly in Asia and Latin America. Based on a literature review and consultations, this paper identifes options for replacing paraquat and distils practical lessons from numerous successes around the world. Our aim is to support regulators, policymakers, agronomists and the supply chain sector with practical information related to phasing out paraquat. Production data consistently failed to show any negative efects of banning paraquat on agricultural productivity. A wide range of alternative approaches to weed management and crop defoliation are available, many of which do not rely on herbicides. Over 1.25 million farmers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) successfully produce a range of crops for private voluntary standards (PVS) in food and fber supply chains which prohibit paraquat use. We conclude from the fndings of this study that eliminating paraquat will save lives without reducing agri- cultural productivity. Less hazardous and more sustainable alternatives exist. To enhance successful adoption and uptake of these methods on a wide scale, farmers require training and support within an enabling policy environment.
Aislamiento, identificación y caracterización de cepas bacterianas con potencial de degradación de los plaguicidas clorotalonil y clorpirifos
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2023) Estrada Gamboa, Joyce María; Umaña Castro, Rodolfo; Sancho Blanco, Carolina; Orozco Aceves, Martha
El uso indiscriminado de plaguicidas altamente tóxicos en la agricultura ha producido contaminación de los suelos y deterioro de los ecosistemas. Una solución prometedora para este problema ambiental es la biorremediación, que incluye el uso de bacterias para degradar sustancias contaminantes, incluidos los plaguicidas. [Objetivo] El presente trabajo tuvo por objetivo el aislamiento, identificación y caracterización de cepas bacterianas con capacidad de degradar los plaguicidas clorotalonil y clorpirifos, para su potencial uso en la biorremediación de suelos contaminados. [Metodología] Las cepas fueron aisladas de suelos agrícolas mediante cultivos de enriquecimiento, que contenían clorotalonil o clorpirifos (20 mg/L) como única fuente de carbono. Las cepas aisladas se caracterizaron por su morfología, fisiológicamente por su respuesta a 48 pruebas bioquímicas y frente a 15 antibióticos, cinética de crecimiento, y molecularmente (amplificación del gen 16S). [Resultados] Se aisló una cepa bacteriana capaz de utilizar (y degradar) clorpirifos como fuente de carbono, identificada como Stenotrophomonas maltophilia y dos cepas bacterianas con capacidad parcial de utilizar clorotalonil como fuente de carbono, identificadas como Enterobacter cloacae y Ochrobactrum anthropi. Las tres especies bacterianas son bacilos Gram negativo y presentaron características fisiológicas diversas, incluyendo resistencia variable a ciertos antibióticos. [Conclusión] Se concluye que las bacterias aisladas tienen potencial biotecnológico para ser incorporadas en una estrategia de biorremediación de suelos contaminados, especialmente para eliminación de clorpirifos. Finalmente, se plantean perspectivas de investigación a futuro para dilucidar procesos más eficientes de degradación de clorotalonil mediante cometabolismo.
Asociación entre la exposición ambiental a plaguicidas y cáncer en Costa Rica para los últimos 35 años
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2021) Santamaría Ulloa, Carolina.; Ortiz, Adolfo.; Ramírez, Fernando.; Salas, Denis.; Mora, A.; Montero López, Melina.; Gutiérrez, F.
Esta investigación tiene como objetivo determinar si existe en Costa Rica una asociación entre la exposición ambiental a plaguicidas y la incidencia de cáncer y su sobrevida en los últimos 35 años. En una primera etapa exploraremos todas las localizaciones anatómicas de cáncer según grandes grupos funcionales. Posteriormente nos centraremos en cáncer de mama, próstata, ovario y aquellas otras localizaciones que hayan mostrado asociaciones significativas en la etapa exploratoria previa. Las principales fuentes de información serán: Registro Nacional de Tumores (Ministerio de Salud), Estadísticas Vitales, Proyecciones Oficiales de Población y Censo Nacional Agropecuario 1984 y 2014 (Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos) y Boletines Estadísticos Agropecuarios (Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería). La metodología consiste en la utilización de técnicas de análisis espacio-temporal y Sistemas de Información Geográfica para determinar si existe una asociación entre la exposición ambiental a plaguicidas y la incidencia de cáncer, así como entre sta exposición y la sobrevida de los pacientes luego de su primer diagnóstico. La estimación de tasas de incidencia de cáncer se hará a nivel de distrito según quinquenio. Se estimará un índice de exposición ambiental a plaguicidas a partir de datos de los Censos Agropecuarios del INEC y de los Boletines Estadísticos agropecuarios del MAG. Mediante análisis de regresión espacial se determinará la magnitud de la asociación. El alcance de esta investigación es informar la política sanitaria en temas de exposición a plaguicidas y cáncer.
Benchmarking AI-based Plasmid Annotation Tools for Antibiotic Resistance Genes Mining From Metagenome of the Virilla River, Costa Rica
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2023-11-28) Rojas-Villalta, Dorian; Calderón-Osorno, Melany; Barrantes, Kenia; Arias-Andres, Maria; Rojas-Jiménez, Keilor
Bioinformatics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) stand as rapidly evolving tools that have facilitated the annotation of mobile genetic elements (MGEs), enabling the prediction of health risk factors in polluted environments, such as antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). This study aims to assess the performance of four AI-based plasmid annotation tools (Plasflow, Platon, RFPlasmid, and PlasForest) by employing defined performance parameters for the identification of ARGs in the metagenome of one sediment sample obtained from the Virilla River, Costa Rica. We extracted and sequenced complete DNA from the sample, assembled the metagenome, and then performed the plasmid prediction with each bioinformatic tool, and the ARGs annotation using the Resistance Gene Identifier web portal. Sensitivity, specificity, precision, negative predictive value, accuracy, and F1-score were calculated for each ARGs prediction result of the evaluated plasmidomes. Notably, Platon emerged as the highest performer among the assessed tools, exhibiting exceptional scores. Conversely, Plasflow seems to face difficulties distinguishing between chromosomal and plasmid sequences, while PlasForest has encountered limitations when handling small contigs. RFPlasmid displayed diminished specificity and was outperformed by its taxon-dependent workflow. We recommend the adoption of Platon as the preferred bioinformatic tool for resistome investigations in the taxon-independent environmental metagenomic domain. Meanwhile, RFPlasmid presents a compelling choice for taxon-dependent prediction due to its exclusive incorporation of this approach. We expect that the results of this study serve as a guiding resource in selecting AI-based tools for accurately predicting the plasmidome and its associated genes.
Early life exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and mid-childhood lipid and alanine aminotransferase levels
(ELSEVIER, 2018-02-01) Mora, Ana Maria; Fleisch, Abby F.; Rifas-Shiman, Sheryl L.; Woo Baidal, Jennifer A.; Pardo, Larissa; Webster, Thomas; Calafat, Antonia M.; Ye, Xiaoyun; Oken, Emily; Sagiv, Sharon
Growing evidence suggests that exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) may disrupt lipid homeostasis and liver function, but data in children are limited. We examined the association of prenatal and mid-childhood PFAS exposure with lipids and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in children. We studied 682 mother-child pairs from a Boston-area pre-birth cohort. We quantified PFASs in maternal plasma collected in pregnancy (median 9.7 weeks gestation, 1999–2002) and in child plasma collected in mid-childhood (median age 7.7 years, 2007–2010). In mid-childhood we also measured fasting total (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and ALT. We then derived low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) from TC, HDL-C, and TG using the Friedewald formula. Median (interquartile range, IQR) perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), and perfluorodecanoate (PFDeA) concentrations in child plasma were 6.2 (5.5), 4.3 (3.0), and 0.3 (0.3) ng/mL, respectively. Among girls, higher child PFOS, PFOA, and PFDeA concentrations were associated with detrimental changes in the lipid profile, including higher TC and/or LDL-C [e.g., β per IQR increment in PFOS = 4.0 mg/dL (95% CI: 0.3, 7.8) for TC and 2.6 mg/dL (−0.5, 5.8) for LDL-C]. However, among both boys and girls, higher plasma concentrations of these child PFASs were also associated with higher HDL-C, which predicts better cardiovascular health, and slightly lower ALT, which may indicate better liver function. Prenatal PFAS concentrations were also modestly associated with improved childhood lipid and ALT levels. Our data suggest that prenatal and mid-childhood PFAS exposure may be associated with modest, but somewhat conflicting changes in the lipid profile and ALT levels in children.
Exposure to an environmentally relevant concentration of chlorpyrifos induces transcriptional changes and neurotoxicity in Poecilia gillii without clear behavioral effects
(Elsevier, 2025-02-12) Sánchez-González, Daniel; Blanco Peña, Kinndle; Solano-Campos, Frank; Solano Díaz, Karla; Mena Torres, Freylan Gerardo
Overusing chlorpyrifos (CPF) in tropical countries such as Costa Rica poses a potential risk to freshwater ecosystems. This study investigated the effects of transient exposure to an environmentally relevant CPF concentration on the native fish species Poecilia gillii, employing a comprehensive approach that evaluated multiple levels of biological organization. Using RT-qPCR, we quantified transcript changes in genes involved in various biological processes, including inflammation and apoptosis; annexin A1 (anxa1b), cytokine regulation; cytokine-inducible SH2-containing protein (cish), redox reactions; NADH oxidoreductase subunit A2 (ndufa2), protein translocation; Sec61 gamma subunit (sec61g), and biotransformation; glutathione S-transferase rho (gstr). Additionally, we measured biochemical biomarkers such as phase I; 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) and phase II; glutathione S-transferase (GST) biotransformation enzymes, oxidative stress markers; catalase (CAT) and lipid peroxidation (LPO), and conducted behavioral tests to assess swimming fitness and antipredator reactions. Neurotoxicity was assessed by measuring brain and muscle tissue cholinesterase (ChE) activity. Following 48 h of exposure to 5.5 µg/L CPF, we observed significant downregulation of the sec61g and gstr genes, decreased CAT activity, and neurotoxic effects, as indicated by reduced ChE activity in muscle. Although no significant behavioral changes were detected, our results suggest that short-term exposure to environmentally relevant CPF concentrations can disrupt gene expression, compromising biotransformation and protein synthesis in P. gillii juveniles. Moreover, the observed neurotoxicity, which is consistent with the mechanism of action of CPF, may lead to subtle behavioral changes. This study provides evidence of the sublethal effects of CPF on nontarget organisms, highlighting the importance of considering gene expression changes when assessing CPF toxicity.
Exposure to pesticides and health effects on farm owners and workers from conventional and organic agricultural farms in Costa Rica : Protocol for a cross-sectional study
(JMIR Publications, 2019-01-25) Fuhrimann, Samuel; Winkler, Mirko S.; Staudacher, Philipp; Weiss, Frederik T.; Stamm, Christian; Eggen, Rik IL; Lindh,Christian H; Menezes-Filho, José A; Baker, Joseph M; Ramírez-Muñoz, Fernando; Gutiérrez-Vargas, Randall; Mora, Ana M
Background: Pesticide use is increasing in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) including Costa Rica. This increase poses health risks to farm owners, farm workers, and communities living near agricultural farms. Objective: We aimed to examine the health effects associated with occupational pesticide exposure in farm owners and workers from conventional and organic smallholder farms in Costa Rica. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 300 owners and workers from organic and conventional horticultural smallholder farms in Zarcero County, Costa Rica. During the baseline study visit, we administered a structured, tablet-based questionnaire to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, pesticide exposure, and health conditions (eg, respiratory and allergic outcomes and acute pesticide intoxication symptoms) and administered a neurobehavioral test battery (eg, Finger Tapping Test and Purdue Pegboard); we measured blood pressure, anthropometry (height, weight, and waist circumference), and erythrocytic acetylcholinesterase activity and also collected urine samples. In addition, a functional neuroimaging assessment using near-infrared spectroscopy was conducted with a subset of 50 study participants. During the follow-up study visit (~2-4 weeks after the baseline), we administered participants a short questionnaire on recent pesticide exposure and farming practices and collected hair, toenail, and urine samples. Urine samples will be analyzed for various pesticide metabolites, whereas toenails and hair will be analyzed for manganese (Mn), a biomarker of exposure to Mn-containing fungicides. Self-reported pesticide exposure data will be used to develop exposure intensity scores using an exposure algorithm. Furthermore, exposure-outcome associations will be examined using linear and logistic mixed-effects regression models. Results: Fieldwork for our study was conducted between May 2016 and August 2016. In total, 113 farm owners and 187 workers from 9 organic and 83 conventional horticultural smallholder farms were enrolled. Data analyses are ongoing and expected to be published between 2019 and 2020. Conclusions: This study is one of the first to examine differences in health effects due to pesticide exposure between farm owners and workers from organic and conventional smallholder farms in an LMIC. We expect that this study will provide critical data on farming practices, exposure pathways, and how occupational exposure to pesticides may affect farm owners and workers’ health. Finally, we hope that this study will allow us to identify strategies to reduce pesticide exposure in farm owners and workers and will potentially lay the groundwork for a future longitudinal study of health outcomes in farm owners and workers exposed to pesticides.
Health Risk Indicators for Pesticide Use: Banana in the Atlantic Region of Costa Rica, 2006
(Wolters Kluwer, 2007-09) Bravo, Virya; Partanen, Timo; Wesseling, Catharina
Pesticide use is a severe agricultural public health problem in developing countries. Surveillance of health risks is difficult. During decades, banana has been one of the crops where pesticides have been most intensively used in Costa Rica. The aim of the study was to establish a basis for surveillance of pesticide use in relation to potential health risks, by means of toxicity indicators, using banana cultivation in Costa Rica as an example.
Indicators of Health Risks to Promote Sustainability in Agro-Food Chains
(Wolters Kluwer, 2007-09) Bravo, Virya; Partanen, Timo; Pelupessy, Wim; Wesseling, Catharina
Techniques to identify potential health risks of pesticide use are useful to promote and follow up sustainability in export agro-food chains, especially in production segment in developing countries. The aim of the study was to differentiate crop production technologies, based on the quantity of pesticides applied, grouped by toxicity criteria as health risk indicators.
Índice de buen desempeño del sistema de Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo (Índice ECoTES), resultados de un estudio piloto en seis países de Iberoamérica
(Sociedad Española de Epidemiología, 2024-09) Silva-Peñaherrera, Michael; Astete, Jonh; Cornelio, Cecilia; Gimeno, David; Itatí Iñiguez, María José; Carmenate, Lino; Vives, Alejandra; Rojas, Marianela; Barraza, Douglas; Palomo Cordero, Luis Diego; López, María; Funcasta, Lorena; Orta, Lida; Amable, Marcelo; Benavides, Fernando G.
Resumen del Congreso XLII Reunión Anual de la Sociedad Española de Epidemiología (SEE) de los Roles de la epidemiología ante los nuevos paradigmas en salud
Microplastic pollution increases gene exchange in aquatic ecosystems
(Environmental Pollution, 2018) Arias Andres, Maria; Klumper, Uli; Rojas Jimenez, Keilor; Grossart, Hans Peter.
Pollution by microplastics in aquatic ecosystems is accumulating at an unprecedented scale, emerging as a new surface for biofilm formation and gene exchange. In this study, we determined the permissiveness of aquatic bacteria towards a model antibiotic resistance plasmid, comparing communities that form biofilms on microplastics vs. those that are free-living. We used an exogenous and red-fluorescent E. coli donor strain to introduce the green-fluorescent broad-host-range plasmid pKJK5 which encodes for trimethoprim resistance. We demonstrate an increased frequency of plasmid transfer in bacteria associated with microplastics compared to bacteria that are free-living or in natural aggregates. Moreover, comparison of communities grown on polycarbonate filters showed that increased gene exchange occurs in a broad range of phylogenetically-diverse bacteria. Our results indicate horizontal gene transfer in this habitat could distinctly affect the ecology of aquatic microbial communities on a global scale. The spread of antibiotic resistance through microplastics could also have profound consequences for the evolution of aquatic bacteria and poses a neglected hazard for human health.
Microplastics Increase Impact of Treated Wastewater on Freshwater Microbial Community
(ELSEVIER, 2018-03-01) Eckert, Ester M.; Di Cesare, Andrea.; Therese Kettner, Marie; Arias Andrés, María de Jesús; Fontaneto, Diego; Grossart, Hans-Peter; Corno, Gianluca
Plastic pollution is a major global concern with several million microplastic particles entering every day freshwater ecosystems via wastewater discharge. Microplastic particles stimulate biofilm formation (plastisphere) throughout the water column and have the potential to affect microbial community structure if they accumulate in pelagic waters, especially enhancing the proliferation of biohazardous bacteria. To test this scenario, we simulated the inflow of treated wastewater into a temperate lake using a continuous culture system with a gradient of concentration of microplastic particles. We followed the effect of microplastics on the microbial community structure and on the occurrence of integrase 1 (int1), a marker associated with mobile genetic elements known as a proxy for anthropogenic effects on the spread of antimicrobial resistance genes. The abundance of int1 increased in the plastisphere with increasing microplastic particle concentration, but not in the water surrounding the microplastic particles. Likewise, the microbial community on microplastic was more similar to the original wastewater community with increasing microplastic concentrations. Our results show that microplastic particles indeed promote persistence of typical indicators of microbial anthropogenic pollution in natural waters, and substantiate that their removal from treated wastewater should be prioritised.
Pesticide Exposure and Neurological Effects in Children of Nicaraguan Agricultural Workers, With an Ecosystem Approach
(Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc., 2007-09) Rodríguez, T; van Wendel de Joode, Berna; Soto, A; Rojas, M; Wesseling, Catharina
Las familias de trabajadores agrícolas en Nicaragua suelen tener mayor contacto con plaguicidas en el entorno general debido a que viven cerca de los campos tratados con plaguicidas. Los niños suelen jugar y trabajar en o cerca de los campos tratados. Un estudio previo reportó TCPY en aplicadores y sus hijos (LOD 146.82 μg/L y LOD 125.13 μg/L, respectivamente). Además, los niveles urinarios de los metabolitos generales de los piretroides, PBA, cis-DCCA, trans-DCCA y DBCA, superan los niveles de referencia publicados en niños. El objetivo principal de este estudio es determinar el contexto económico y social de la exposición infantil a plaguicidas y sus efectos neurológicos.
Pesticide use in banana plantations in Costa Rica - A review of environmental and human exposure, effects and potential risks.
(Elsevier, 2023) Bruhl, Carsten A.; Arias Andrés, María; Echeverría Sáenz, Silvia; Bundschuh, Mirco; Knabel, Anja; Mena, Freylan; Petschick, Lara L.; Ruepert, Clemens; Stehle, Sebastian
Biodiversity is declining on a global scale. Especially tropical ecosystems, containing most of the planetary biodiversity, are at risk. Agricultural monocrop systems contribute to this decline as they replace original habitats and depend on extensive use of synthetic pesticides that impact ecosystems. In this review we use large-scale banana production for export purposes in Costa Rica as an example for pesticide impacts, as it is in production for over a century and uses pesticides extensively for more than fifty years. We summarise the research on pesticide exposure, effects and risks for aquatic and terrestrial environment, as well as for human health. We show that exposure to pesticides is high and relatively well studied for aquatic systems and humans, but hardly any data are available for the terrestrial compartment including adjacent non target ecosystems such as rainforest fragments. Ecological effects are demonstrated on an organismic level for various aquatic species and processes but are not available at the population and community level. For human health studies exposure evaluation is crucial and recognised effects include various types of cancer and neurobiological dysfunctions particularly in children. With the many synthetic pesticides involved in banana production, the focus on insecticides, revealing highest aquatic risks, and partly herbicides should be extended to fungicides, which are applied aerially over larger areas. The risk assessment and regulation of pesticides so far relies on temperate models and test species and is therefore likely underestimating the risk of pesticide use in tropical ecosystems, with crops such as banana. We highlight further research approaches to improve risk assessment and, in parallel, urge to follow other strategies to reduce pesticides use and especially hazardous substances.
Pesticides in soil, groundwater and food in Latin America as part of one health
(Springer Nature Link, 2024-02-08) Ramírez Muñoz, Fernando; Hilber, Isabel; Bahena‑Juárez, Fernando; Chiaia‑Hernández, Aurea C.; Elgueta, Sebastián ; Escobar‑Medina, Arturo; Friedrich, Karen ; Peña‑Suárez, Brizeidi ; Pérez‑Consuegra, Nilda ; Sosa‑Pacheco, Dayana ; Bucheli, Tomas D.
We here report of a conference about “Pesticides in Soil, Groundwater and Food in Latin America as part of One Health” that took place at the “IV Seminario Internacional de Sanidad Agropecuaria (SISA)” in Varadero, Cuba, 8–12 May 2023. Researchers of Latin America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico) and Switzerland (workshop initiator) held presentations about occurrence and efects of pesticides on the environment, human health, the replacement of highly hazardous pesticides (HHP) by agroecological alternatives and the agri-food value chain. In a subsequent round table discussion, the presenters identifed defcits, needs, interests and opportunities. According to them, the lack of awareness of pesticide use afects the health and safety of workers applying the chemicals. Despite Latin America representing the main agricultural area in the world with a very intense pesticide use, monitoring data of pesticides in soil, surface and groundwaters, food, as well as in humans are missing. Risks of pesticides to humans should be assessed so that authorities can withdraw or limit within “short time” the access to corresponding formulations on the market. Also, communication is not state of the art and should be improved as, e.g. the teaching of workers and farmers, how to correctly use and apply pesticides or the briefng of decision makers. Pollinators sufer from multiple stressors not the least due to pesticides, and alternatives are badly needed. On the technical side, the diferent analytical methods to determine residues of active ingredients and transformation products in matrices of concern should be harmonized among laboratories. Seven future actions and goals were identifed to overcome the above defcits. Next steps after the publishing of this conference report are to harmonize and complete the information status of the presenters by exchanging the results/data already present. Therefore, a platform of interaction to address issues described above and to enhance collaboration shall be created. Samples of diferent matrices shall be exchanged to harmonize the chemical analysis and establish interlaboratory comparisons. Such activities might be facilitated by joining international associations or organizations, where researchers can ofer their expertise, or by forming a new pesticide network for Central and South America that could present tailored projects to national and international organizations and funding agencies
Physiological stress and habitat selection in earthworms (Amynthas gracilis) exposed to different pesticide regimes in a tropical horticultural area
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2025-07-29) Brenes-Bravo, Gabriel; Reinhard, Lukas; Ruepert, Clemens; Solano-Campos, Frank; Mena, Freylan
Agricultural landscapes are constantly exposed to pesticides. Such permanent exposure threatens the ecosystem and the services that it provides to sustain agriculture. Earthworms are key components of soil macrofauna that can be susceptible to such contamination. To assess if the presence of pesticides in horticultural soils can induce physiological stress and evasive behavior in resident earthworms, we evaluated pesticide residues and soil physical and chemical characteristics across a gradient of land use: conventional farming, farming with good environmental practices, organic farming and forest. Stress was assessed by measuring biomarkers of neurotoxicity, biotransformation and oxidative stress in individuals of the earthworm Amynthas gracilis inhabiting sites of the mentioned gradient during dry and rainy seasons. An avoidance test was conducted where a group of A. gracilis was offered with soil samples from the studied gradient, and 48 h later their selection was counted. 1 Pesticide residues were registered in all the sites and seasons. Conventional farming site contained the highest number (43) and concentration of pesticides, with peak values during the transition and rainy season (Chlorpyrifos 38.1 ng g dw, Boscalid 8.4 ng g 1 dw and Linuron 7.8 ng g 1 dw). However, the highest concentration of an individual pesticides was found in forest soil (Chlorpyrifos 71.9 ng g 1 dw). Earthworms from Conventional farming site showed over 50 % inhibition of cholinesterase activity and diminished glutathione S-transferase activity compared to the other sites, while seasonal variation was clear in GST, CAT and EROD activities in all the sites. A. gracilis significantly avoided (90 %) the soil from the conventional farming site and preferred good environmental practices and organic soils. Our results provide evidence that intensive pesticide use induces physiological stress in A. gracilis and provokes their escape from contaminated soils, potentially affecting the soil macrofauna community and ecosystem services.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Costa Rican Air and Soil: A Tropical/Temperate Comparison
(ELSEVIER, 2007-11-07) Daly, Gillian L.; Lei, Ying D.; Castillo, Luisa Eugenia; Muir, Derek C.G.; Wania, Frank
Surface soil and passive air samples from a network of 23 sampling sites across Costa Rica were analyzed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), allowing for an evaluation of absolute levels, spatial distribution patterns, air/soil concentration (A/S) ratios and relative composition. Annual mean concentrations of four-ring PAHs in air were low (median of approximately 40 pgm 3), except in Costa Rica’s densely populated central valley (approximately 650 pgm 3). PAH concentrations in soil were also low (median of 5 ng g 1 dry weight) and comparable to those reported for other tropical regions. These low soil concentrations result in A/S ratios of four-ring PAHs in Costa Rica that are higher than the equilibrium air–soil partitioning coefficients and also higher than A/S ratios reported for temperate locations. A series of model calculations of increasing complexity were used to seek an explanation for variable A/S ratios of PAHs under tropical and temperate conditions. Temperature-driven changes in air–soil artitioning and differences in PAH degradability under temperate and tropical conditions are insufficient to explain the higher soil concentrations and lower A/S ratios in temperate regions. However, these can be explained by atmospheric deposition of PAHs during historical periods of much higher emissions and air concentrations and by persistence of PAHs in soils on the order of decades. Low PAH concentrations in tropical soils were found to be consistent with constant or increasing emissions, and in particular, do not require that degradation rates in soil are much faster than in temperate areas. In comparison to temperate soils, soils from Costa Rica and other tropical regions have a higher relative abundance of the lighter PAHs. This likely reflects a higher source contribution from biomass burning in the tropics, as well as the preferential loss of lighter PAHs from temperate soils that experienced high PAH deposition in the past.

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