Last September, residents and fishermen from the Mangrullo area, at the southern end of Rosario, and in the neighboring Villa Gobernador Gálvez, reported the unusual fish mortality on the shore of the Paraná River.
After analyzing water samples and tissues from the affected fish, abnormal concentrations of the insecticide cypermethrin and piperonyl butoxide, used as enhancers of other pesticides, were detected.
Research and Results
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change of Santa Fe, together with the University of Litoral (UNL) and the University of Rosario (UNR), conducted studies indicating that the concentrations of these compounds exceed the recommended limits for the protection of aquatic fauna.
Although surveys in industries in the area did not detect the presence of these compounds, it is being investigated whether trucks dumping waste nearby could be the source of contamination.
Impact and Reactions to the Fish Mortality
The phenomenon, described as “disoriented fish,” surprised fishermen and families on the shore of the Paraná in El Mangrullo. They tried to return the fish to the water, but most of them died.
Initial hypotheses attributed the mortality to low oxygen levels in the water, but the analyses confirmed the presence of contaminants.
Actions and Measures
The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Enrique Estévez, highlighted that resources and technical teams have been deployed to conduct a complete and accurate analysis.
The studies were carried out in collaboration with the UNL, the Faculty of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences of the UNR, and the Aquarium of the Paraná River. The results were presented to the Public Ministry of Accusation (MPA) to continue the investigation and determine the origin of the contamination.
The situation in the Paraná River highlights the need to strengthen environmental protection measures and ensure the safety of aquatic ecosystems. The community remains attentive to the progress of the investigation to prevent future fish mortality episodes and protect the natural heritage of the region.
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