info:eu-repo/semantics/article
Toward sustainable environmental quality: Identifying priority research questions for Latin America
Fecha
2018-05Registro en:
Furley, Tatiana Heid; Brodeur, Celine Marie Julie; Assis, Helena C. Silva de; Carriquiriborde, Pedro; Chagas, Katia R.; et al.; Toward sustainable environmental quality: Identifying priority research questions for Latin America; Wiley Blackwell Publishing, Inc; Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management; 14; 3; 5-2018; 344-357
1551-3793
CONICET Digital
CONICET
Autor
Furley, Tatiana Heid
Brodeur, Celine Marie Julie
Assis, Helena C. Silva de
Carriquiriborde, Pedro
Chagas, Katia R.
Corrales, Jone
Denadai, Marina
Fuchs, Julio Silvio
Mascarenhas, Renata
Miglioranza, Karina Silvia Beatriz
Miguez Caramés, Diana Margarita
Navas, José Maria
Nugegoda, Dayanthi
Planes, Estela Ines
Rodriguez Jorquera, Ignacio Alejandro
Orozco Medina, Martha
Boxall, Alistair B.A.
Rudd, Murray A
Brooks, Bryan W.
Resumen
The Global Horizon Scanning Project (GHSP) is an innovative initiative that aims to identify important global environmental quality research needs. Here we report 20 key research questions from Latin America (LA). Members of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) LA and other scientists from LA were asked to submit research questions that would represent priority needs to address in the region. One hundred questions were received, then partitioned among categories, examined, and some rearranged during a workshop in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Twenty priority research questions were subsequently identified. These research questions included developing, improving, and harmonizing across LA countries methods for 1) identifying contaminants and degradation products in complex matrices (including biota); 2) advancing prediction of contaminant risks and effects in ecosystems, addressing lab-to-field extrapolation challenges, and understanding complexities of multiple stressors (including chemicals and climate change); and 3) improving management and regulatory tools toward achieving sustainable development. Whereas environmental contaminants frequently identified in these key questions were pesticides, pharmaceuticals, endocrine disruptors or modulators, plastics, and nanomaterials, commonly identified environmental challenges were related to agriculture, urban effluents, solid wastes, pulp and paper mills, and natural extraction activities. Several interesting research topics included assessing and preventing pollution impacts on conservation protected areas, integrating environment and health assessments, and developing strategies for identification, substitution, and design of less hazardous chemicals (e.g., green chemistry). Finally, a recurrent research need included developing an understanding of differential sensitivity of regional species and ecosystems to environmental contaminants and other stressors. Addressing these critical questions will support development of long-term strategic research efforts to advance more sustainable environmental quality and protect public health and the environment in LA.