Pollution in the “Riachuelo”, two centuries of neglect

The Matanza basin it is located to the northeast of the province of Buenos Aires, it has an area of 2240 square kilometers in which lie some 3 million inhabitants and is one of the most polluted river, threatens not only Argentina but the world is becoming a serious for the inhabitants of the Federal Capital and the suburbs.


As is it contaminated?
The main sources of pollution in the basin are land filled terms and industry especially in the food sector, these highly toxic, as lead, mercury, zinc, cadmium, copper, magnesium or nickel; hydrocarbons and their derivatives.
They are discarded River 8,500 tons of hierro-chatarra, including hulls of boats, skeletons of cars, trash of all sorts and a lethal Fund formed by numerous heavy metals settled in concentrations high and far from the rates internationally tolerated, with a thickness which reaches 7 meters deep. There is a surplus of 4,000,000 cubic meters of contaminated mud resulting volcanic organic waste dumps by industries in la Noria Bridge and La Boca from two centuries ago.


What consequences bring pollution?
The main effects of pollution are diseases, dominated by cardiovascular disease and the dermal tumors and diarrhea, caused by the breathing of nauseating odors and by contact or consumption of polluted water between other substances possessing heavy metals and nitrates. Poor sanitary conditions, the deterioration of the quality of groundwater and the recurrent floods that affect low-lying areas underscore the transmission and contagion.
But no less important are the consequences on the environment. The rivers, by its ability to drag and the movement of water, are able to withstand greater amount of pollutants. However, the presence of so many waste, fertilizers, pesticides and industrial waste alter aquatic flora and fauna. In unpolluted waters there is balance between animals and plants, which is broken by the presence of foreign material. Thus, some species will disappear while others breed in excess. In addition, waters purchased appearance and smell unpleasant.


Why is it important to help?
The rivers are the main source of drinking water of human populations. Pollution limits the availability of this vital resource for life. This is why it is necessary to support and promote campaigns requiring the rulers takes concrete steps for cleaning the rivers, in this case the Riachuelo, and the prohibition for the industries cessation spills, discharges, emissions and losses of hazardous substances in the same.

Yésica Gomez