A new study published in Science of the Total Environment reports heavy contamination around Lake Junín. The lake basin sits at 4,100 meters and is the source of the Mantaro River. Researchers tested more than 200 surface soil samples and measured 14 heavy metals, metalloids and trace elements.
The study found that 99 per cent of the area has "very high to ultra-high" ecological risk. It reports a "100 per cent carcinogenic risk" for adults, and says children are highly exposed to arsenic. In agricultural areas some toxins exceed ecological thresholds by more than 100 times.
Local pollution is linked to old abandoned mines, agriculture and urbanisation. About 50,000 people live in the area and water use from the basin reaches 1.3 million people downstream. The authors say more work is needed to measure the full impact, especially on children and pregnant women.
Difficult words
- contamination — the act of making something dirty or unsafe
- arsenic — a harmful chemical element
- lead — a heavy metal that is harmful to health
- cadmium — a toxic metal found in some polluted areas
- exposed — being in a place where something is dangerous
- health — the state of being free from illness
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why is contaminated water a problem for communities?
- How can people protect themselves from these toxins?
- What steps can be taken to clean up bodies of water like Junín Lake?
Related articles
Africa uses AI to strengthen health systems and self-reliance
At the CPHIA conference in Durban, Africa CDC said AI and digital tools can help protect 1.4 billion people, improve surveillance and support primary health care. Data governance, infrastructure and domestic financing are key concerns.
New drug pair helps fight rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis
Scientists paired rifampicin with a probe called AAP-SO2 that binds bacterial RNA polymerase at a different site and slows transcription. The pair killed resistant mutants in culture and was especially effective in a rabbit model.
Study: Industrial Revolution pollution affected people unevenly in England
A study in Science Advances used bones and historical records to track pollution exposure during the Industrial Revolution. Researchers analysed remains from 94 people in industrial South Shields and rural Barton-upon-Humber and found uneven, gendered exposure.
