- Lake Junín is in the Peruvian highlands.
- The basin is at 4,100 meters altitude.
- Researchers tested more than 200 soil samples.
- They found toxic metals in the soil.
- Arsenic, lead and cadmium are very high.
- Most of the area has very high risk.
- Animals eat contaminated fodder and get exposed.
- Old mines, farming and towns cause pollution.
- About 50,000 people live near the lake.
- Water use from the basin affects 1.3 million people.
Difficult words
- lake — A large area of water surrounded by land.
- metals — Strong materials like iron or lead.metal
- lead — A heavy metal that can be dangerous.
- cadmium — A toxic metal used in batteries.
- health — The state of being free from illness.
- risk — The chance of something harmful happening.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What do you think can be done to improve the health of the lake?
- Why is it important to monitor metal levels in water?
- How can people living around the lake protect themselves?
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