CETESB found E. coli bacteria in water samples from the Tietê River, although the cause of the recent death of thousands of shrimp remains inconclusive.
Nearly a month after the mass death of thousands of freshwater shrimp along the Tietê River in Igaraçu do Tietê, São Paulo, laboratory results from CETESB (Environmental Company of the State of São Paulo) have not definitively identified the environmental issue causing the incident. A report released on February 27 states that water samples collected on February 3 and 12 did not show irregularities in parameters such as pesticides, heavy metals, or cyanobacteria, suggesting no direct link to the death of the shrimp. Despite lacking an explanation for the shrimp deaths, the water analysis revealed the presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli), typically associated with sewage contamination, which raises concerns regarding water safety for bathers. Authorities have issued an alert warning against potential health risks for visitors to the area due to the presence of this bacteria, indicating a need for further investigation into the water quality. This situation highlights broader environmental concerns in the region, as the Tietê River has faced significant pollution challenges over the years. The unclear cause of the mass shrimp die-off reflects ongoing ecological problems that require urgent attention from environmental regulators to ensure the health of both aquatic life and public safety in recreational areas.
