Problems
The Iguaçu is an affluent river that starts in Paraná and is the largest in the state. It is 1.320 kilometers long and shares the border with Argentina. In the municipality of Foz do Iguaçu, the river has the biggest waterfalls in terms of water volume. They are called Cataratas do Iguaçu.
Causes of water pollution in the Iguazu River
Sewage is one of the main causes of pollution in Iguazu River. According to a report by the National Water Agency (ANA), only 39% of Brazilian sewage receives proper treatment, while the rest is discharged directly into rivers and bays. This leads to high levels of organic matter, bacteria, viruses, and parasites in the water, posing serious health risks for humans and animals. Sewage also contributes to eutrophication, which is the excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants that deplete oxygen and affect aquatic life. Industrial effluents are another source of pollution in Iguazu River. The river basin hosts many industries, including metallurgy, paper, textiles, chemicals, and food processing. These industries generate waste that contains heavy metals, petroleum hydrocarbons, acids, bases, and other toxic substances that contaminate the water and the soil. Some of these pollutants are persistent and bioaccumulative, meaning they do not degrade easily and can accumulate in the food chain. In 2000, Petrobrás leaked 4 million liters of oil into the river, causing an environmental disaster. A study conducted on the bioavailability of pollutants in reservoirs from the Iguazu River found high levels of bioavailable metals in all reservoirs, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were detected in the bile of three different fish species. The study also found that the environmental quality of the reservoir farthest from the river's source was the poorest, contrary to reports by the local environmental agency. The presence of hazardous chemicals in the five reservoirs of the Iguazu River, their bioaccumulation in fish muscle, and biological responses showed the impacts of human activities on this area.
Consequences of water pollution
The pollution of the Iguazu River negatively impacts the environment and human well-being. It reduces the availability and quality of water for domestic, industrial, agricultural, and recreational uses. It also affects the biodiversity and ecosystem services of the river and its surroundings. It causes health problems such as diarrhea, hepatitis, cholera, typhoid fever, skin infections, and cancer for people who depend on the river for drinking or bathing. It also reduces the river's economic potential for tourism, fishing, hydroelectricity generation, and transportation.
Gallery
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Timelines
2022
A campaign called “Iguaçu River Without Borders” is launched by a coalition of civil society organizations, academic institutions, and local governments from Brazil and Argentina. The campaign aims to promote cross-border cooperation and dialogue for the conservation and sustainable use of the Iguaçu River basin. The campaign also organizes several activities to raise awareness and engage citizens in protecting the river.
2021
A report by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) ranks the Iguaçu River as one of the most threatened rivers in the world due to its high exposure to climate change, biodiversity loss, and water scarcity. The report warns that the river could lose up to 30% of its flow by 2050, affecting its hydroelectric potential, tourism attraction, and ecosystem services.
2018
A study by the Federal University of Technology - Paraná (UTFPR) reveals that the Iguaçu River has high levels of microplastics, small pieces of plastic that can harm aquatic organisms and enter the food chain. The study also identifies the main sources of microplastics in the river, such as plastic bags, bottles, and packaging.
2016
The Brazilian government launches a project to monitor and improve the water quality of the Iguaçu River basin. The project involves installing sensors, collecting samples, and implementing actions to reduce pollution sources. The project aims to restore the ecological balance and protect the natural resources of the river
2010
A Federal University of Paraná study reveals that the Iguaçu River has high levels of fecal coliform bacteria, indicating contamination by untreated sewage. The study also finds traces of pesticides, heavy metals, and pharmaceuticals in the water. The pollution poses a risk to human health and aquatic life.
2000
More than 4 million liters of crude oil spilled into the river from a state-run oil refinery in Araucária, causing one of the worst environmental disasters in Brazil. The oil slick reaches the Iguaçu Falls and threatens the region's biodiversity. The cleanup operation takes several months and costs millions of dollars.
1992
The Iguaçu National Park, which protects part of the river and its falls, has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The park is home to many endangered species, such as the giant otter, the jaguar, and the harpy eagle.
1986
A fire at a petrochemical plant in Araucária, near Curitiba, releases toxic substances into the river, killing thousands of fish and affecting the water supply of several municipalities.