Scientists from the Conicet, along with the Schmidt Ocean Institute, recently explored the depths of the Mar del Plata submarine canyon. At almost 4,000 meters below the sea, they identified over 200 species, many of which had never been seen before in their natural environment. Bioluminescent fish, giant squids, and carnivorous sponges were part of a discovery that amazed the world, momentarily leaving behind the environmental crisis.
This marine universe prompts an inevitable question: what would happen if a similar expedition were carried out in the Argentine rivers? Although they do not have the same depth, their beds also hold secrets, many of them linked to human impact.
The rivers of Entre Ríos, such as the Gualeguaychú or the Uruguay, are facing a delicate situation. Pollution, sewage discharges, the runoff of agrochemicals, and urban waste have severely deteriorated their ecosystem. Toxic algae blooms and fish mortality are visible signs of a profound problem.
Furthermore, the river bottoms are disturbed. The construction of infrastructure, dredging, and agricultural activities have altered the natural bed. These changes affect both the species that inhabit them and the water filtering and oxygenation processes, creating an imbalance that extends throughout the ecosystem.
The Uruguay River was one of the rivers studied to discover what lies at their bottom. Photo: Google Maps.[/caption>
A Step-by-Step Towards Recovery
To begin reversing the environmental crisis, a clear commitment is needed:
- Reduce pollution: control sewage effluents, limit the use of agrochemicals, and improve solid waste management.
- Protect biodiversity: establish fishing bans and limits respecting reproduction periods.
- Restore wetlands and riparian areas: they are natural filters that retain pollutants and regulate flows.
- Monitor river bottoms: use technologies like ultrasound to identify present species and materials.
- Raise awareness in the community: educate on the value of rivers as a source of life and not just an economic resource.
More Than Water: An Ecosystem at Risk
Exploring the river bottoms not only involves discovering hidden species but also recognizing the effects of human action. What is found there today largely reflects productive and urban practices.
Recovering from the environmental crisis is possible but requires political will, social commitment, and a change in how we relate to water. Preserving life in the river bottoms ensures the health of the entire ecosystem and guarantees a sustainable future for the communities that depend on them.
Gualeguaychú River. Photo: Google Maps.
What Do River Bottoms Really Hide?
At the bottom of rivers, organic matter remains, along with benthic species and filtering organisms that perform essential functions. However, these environments are saturated with contaminants. Plastic bags, heavy metals, and agrochemicals replace the biodiversity that should prevail.
The lack of water retention in cities also has a harmful effect. Rainwater quickly flows into rivers through drains, carrying urban contaminants. This causes drastic changes in flow and water quality. The bottom, instead of being a refuge for life, becomes a waste deposit.
A century ago, the outlook was very different. The bottoms harbored a wealth of species that sustained the basin’s balance. Currently, overfishing of key species like shad and the reduction in their population size demonstrate a deep deterioration. The ecosystem balance is disrupted when organisms that serve as food base for other fish like dorado, pacú, or surubí disappear.
