Research led by CONICET specialists and the National University of La Plata revealed the presence of pesticides and veterinary drugs in watercourses of the fruit and vegetable belt. In this context, monitoring was carried out in the Carnaval, El Gato, and El Pescado streams.
Furthermore, the work incorporated a novel dimension by analyzing emerging contaminants. Therefore, it expands the understanding of the environmental fate of these substances.
Additionally, the results were published in the journal Chemosphere. Consequently, the study is integrated into the global discussion on water pollution.
New contaminants and their circulation in the environment
The analysis included residues of pesticides and drugs used in intensive animal production. In particular, compounds from the so-called “chicken litter”, used as organic fertilizer, were identified.
On the other hand, these residues contain medication remnants that are not completely metabolized by birds. In this way, they can incorporate into the soil and be transported by water.
Moreover, the research confirmed the presence of these substances in aquatic plants. Consequently, there is evidence of an accumulation process that complicates the assessment of actual pollution.
Findings in the streams and the role of aquatic vegetation
The team surveyed eight points in the three studied streams. In this sense, species such as Lemna gibba, Pistia stratiotes, and Eichhornia crassipes showed the ability to absorb contaminants.
Additionally, this characteristic can hide the magnitude of the pollution in the water. Therefore, the detected levels could be lower than the actual ones.
However, it also opens the possibility of using these plants in remediation strategies. Consequently, the development of artificial wetlands is proposed as an ecological solution.
Impacts on health and the environment
The presence of pesticides and drugs in water bodies poses significant environmental risks. Firstly, it affects aquatic biodiversity by altering essential biological processes.
Moreover, some compounds can promote microbial resistance. Therefore, they represent an indirect threat to human health.
Additionally, contamination can enter the food chain. Consequently, it increases people’s exposure to potentially harmful substances.
Production, practices, and management challenges
The use of organic amendments provides benefits to the soil and is part of a circular economy. However, its application without prior treatment can introduce unwanted contaminants.
On the other hand, specialists highlight the need to improve management practices. In this sense, they propose composting processes before use.
Furthermore, the objective is to generate public policies that regulate these practices. Consequently, the aim is to align agricultural production with environmental protection.
Towards sustainable solutions and prevention
The research does not aim to blame producers but to provide scientific evidence. In this way, it promotes the adoption of safer strategies.
Additionally, the development of constructed wetlands appears as a viable alternative. Therefore, it would allow reducing the entry of contaminants into the streams.
Finally, the study reinforces the importance of continuous environmental monitoring. Thus, the generation of knowledge becomes a key tool for protecting health and ecosystems.
