Learn about the main causes of pollution in rivers in Brazil

See what are the main causes of river pollution in Brazil

industrial effluents

Rivers are very important for life, both in urban and rural areas, as they are responsible for generating water for human consumption. This function, however, is being threatened due to the high level of pollution in Brazilian rivers (see more here).

Considering the definition used internationally that any object or substance that interferes with the balance of an ecosystem is a pollutant, the high level of pollution in Brazilian rivers has several causes. The main ones are:

domestic sewage

According to Instituto Trata Brasil, only 37.9% of all sewage produced in the country is treated and the untreated portion that goes to rivers is highly harmful. With sewage being dumped into rivers, there is an increase in organic matter in the water, which can result in an increase in certain microorganisms and make it difficult for others to reproduce. This process is known as eutrophication.

industrial effluents

It is the liquid waste produced by industrial activities that is released into rivers. The characteristics of these residues vary depending on the industrial activity in question, but they can cause toxic effects on local living beings and also harm the lives of human beings living in the region, causing disease and even death.

Heavy metals

Substances such as mercury, cadmium and lead are classified as heavy metals and are highly toxic and can accumulate in organisms and cause serious problems and diseases such as cancer. Generally these substances are released by companies that do not carry out the proper process with their tailings, discharging this type of metal directly into rivers, causing contamination and pollution of rivers.

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

POPs are compounds that do not degrade easily and persist in the environment, being spread through nature by air currents or water, and worst of all: without losing its contaminating capacity. Read more about these pollutants and their consequences here.

Trash

Misplaced garbage has serious consequences anywhere, but especially in rivers, as they are carried by the current to the sea, in addition to ships and sailboats that dump their waste directly into the water. It is in this type of situation that animals confuse tailings with food and end up dying suffocated or choking.


Sources: Electronic Journal of Water Resources, Tera, Uol


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