São Paulo - Polluted water is changing. In some places, it appears as dirty water, dark and smelly. In others, it takes on a monstrous aspect. This is the case in the city of Pirapora do Bom Jesus, located 60 km from the capital (SP).
Two days ago, a thick polluting layer of foam covered a stretch of the Tiete river that runs through the city. The biggest source of this problem is sewage and all that will dilute in it: the organic and chemical loads that are dumped by the cities along the river.
This foam - which often exudes a cesspool stench not conducive to health - is accentuated by the presence of non-biodegradable detergents containing phosphorus and nitrate.
When the polluted water approaches the dam, these detergents cause foaming due to the water turbulence, a phenomenon that is aggravated in times of drought, characteristic of winter.
In addition to the potential health risks, the presence of this foam mat affects tourism in the region, which receives a significant number of pilgrims both on religious dates as well as normal weekends.
