Dredging and the Subaquatic Pit of Piaçaguera Canal: a bibliographic review on possible impacts on the health of the population of the city of Santos/SP. Sandra de Oliveira Soares Cardoso, Fagner Evangelista Severo, Rafael Pedrosa, Reinaldo de Jesus Nascimento, Tiago Ribeiro de Souza, Patrícia Cristina V. de Souza Gorisch

Abstract

Dredging is a crucial activity for maintaining the navigability of a port; however, the sediments removed during these operations can be harmful to health if not properly treated. One solution implemented by authorities and companies operating in the Port of Santos is the creation of an underwater pit located near the Piaçaguera Channel, encompassing the Santos/Cubatão estuary. In this pit, sediments resulting from port dredging and industrial activities in the region are deposited. The aim of this article was to investigate the impacts of this underwater pit on the health of the population in the city of Santos/SP. A literature review methodology was employed to address this objective, seeking information already published on the subject. It was found that there are currently no records of specific illnesses in the population of Santos directly related to the existence of the underwater pit. However, this topic has raised concerns across various sectors of civil society regarding potential negative health effects on the population. Guiding questions included: What are the impacts of the underwater pit on the health of the Santos population? What are the economic impacts resulting from the underwater pit on the population of the city of Santos? Thus, the underwater pit in the estuary of Santos has raised concerns due to potential environmental impacts and public health implications.