In a startling revelation, recent studies have confirmed the presence of highly toxic heavy metals in the water supply of La Paz, El Alto, and Viacha, Bolivia. These findings raise significant concerns about public health and the potential for cancer, as experts warn that contaminants like mercury, arsenic, cobalt, nickel, and lead are infiltrating drinking water and agricultural irrigation sources.
Conducted by the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés (UMSA) and independent institutions, ongoing research highlights the alarming levels of these carcinogenic metals, which are linked to mining activities, industrial waste, and improper disposal of human and animal waste. Jorge Vásquez, director of the Chemical Engineering program at UMSA, emphasizes, "In El Alto, there are high concentrations of cadmium, lead, and cobalt. The untreated discharge from tanneries introduces chromium-6 into the water, posing a severe cancer risk. This happens daily, and the danger is real."
The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and nickel as Group I carcinogens, underscoring the urgency of addressing these contaminants. While Bolivia lacks specific studies linking mercury exposure to cancer, international research indicates a concerning correlation among miners in other countries.
In May 2023, a study titled "Environmental Conflicts in the Hampaturi Microbasin" revealed the presence of heavy metals such as zinc, arsenic, iron, manganese, and copper in local water bodies. Rommel Aruquipa, a chemist at UMSA, stated, "We've evaluated major cations and anions to assess the hydrochemical models, revealing the alarming presence of these toxic elements. The area is a hotspot for mining activities, exacerbating the contamination issue."
Further investigations in October 2023 by UMSA students and faculty confirmed the ongoing presence of heavy metals in Hampaturi. Civil engineering professor Waldo Vargas noted, "The current treatment plants are not equipped to handle heavy metal separation, leaving us at risk. The situation is critical."
In Viacha, the situation is equally dire. The presence of cyanide, used in mining operations, poses a significant threat. The director of UMSA's Chemistry program highlighted that improper handling of cyanide leads to its infiltration into water sources, forming highly toxic compounds. "Cyanide turns into hydrocyanic acid upon contact with water, which is extremely dangerous," he warned.
Despite these alarming findings, Jaime Gutiérrez, from the Empresa Pública Social de Agua y Saneamiento (Epsas), reassured the public that water quality is being monitored rigorously. However, experts believe immediate action is necessary. Rodrigo Castedo, a specialist in environmental monitoring, advocates for improved water surveillance and treatment protocols to ensure safety. He stated, "We must control industrial discharges, particularly from open-pit mining, and establish local laboratories capable of detecting heavy metals in water."
While large-scale prevention of contamination is challenging, experts recommend household water filters as a practical measure to reduce exposure to heavy metals. Additionally, stricter regulations in the mining sector and enhanced environmental protections are crucial to mitigate the release of these harmful substances into water sources.