A recent scientific study raised an alarm about glyphosate in the Paraná River. It revealed that the Las Conchas stream, a tributary in Entre Ríos, recorded the highest concentration of the substance measured in South America, with 5002 µg/kg in sediments.
In addition, bioassays showed a 100% fatality rate on tadpoles when using undiluted samples.
### Alert for glyphosate in the Paraná River: a multidimensional and widespread contamination
The study was conducted by the University Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Conicet, INTA, and INAL, and presented at the VIII International Congress on Socio-Environmental Health in Rosario.
In addition to Las Conchas, other streams such as Las Tunas, Espinillo, and Crespo were analyzed, showing alarming levels of agrochemicals, bacteria, and industrial toxins. (source)
In Las Tunas, for example, the results showed black water coloration, putrid odor, critically low dissolved oxygen, and Escherichia coli levels thousands of times higher than safe values.
## Glyphosate as a marker of an environmental crisis
Researchers warn that these compounds accumulate in sediments, turning the tributaries’ beds into toxic reservoirs. Previous studies confirm that, in many sections, glyphosate in sediments exceeds concentrations found in soybean fields.
The biologist Rafael Lajmanovich described the evidence as “alarming” and pointed out that it is a chronic and long-standing problem.
## Ecological and health consequences
The extreme toxicity detected not only endangers amphibians, on which the bioassays were conducted, but also fish and aquatic microorganisms.
The discharge of agrochemicals, sewage, and industrial waste compromises biodiversity and water quality, which in many cases is used for human consumption and agricultural production.
In addition, heavy metals and complementary pesticides—such as endosulfan, chlorpyrifos, and cypermethrin—were detected, worsening the contaminant cocktail.
## The urgent call to improve regulations
Scientists emphasize the urgent need to strengthen effluent regulation, implement periodic monitoring, and design public policies aimed at eliminating chemical and industrial discharges in water basins.
They also highlight the value of “one health,” which connects the well-being of ecosystems, animals, and people.
