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Aquatic vegetation advances over a section of the Rio Dourados in Lins, impedes navigation, causes destruction of wooden structures, and increases residents’ concern over the rise of eutrophication in São Paulo rivers monitored by environmental agencies.
Large masses of aquatic plants have taken over part of the Rio Dourados in Lins (SP), and have begun to block the navigation of vessels and damage structures installed on the banks of the watercourse, according to reports from residents and ranch owners in the region.
In addition to hindering the movement of boats and jet skis, the accumulation of vegetation has created barriers in sections used for leisure, tourism, and access to riverside properties, increasing the inconveniences faced by residents.
Unlike the common water hyacinths in cities like Barra Bonita, the plants observed in Lins are noted to be larger, denser, and heavier, a circumstance that increases the pressure exerted by the current on piers, docks, and wooden structures.
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Aquatic plants block navigation on the Rio Dourados
Images captured by residents show the riverbed practically taken over by an extensive layer of vegetation, which slowly advances over the water and ends up accumulating in front of ranches installed along the riverbanks.
Driven by the current, the green mass is said to have already broken wooden structures, destroyed parts of piers, and compromised docks used by owners who keep vessels in the area.
According to residents’ reports, the problem worsens near the bridge that connects Lins to Sabino, where the plants find it difficult to pass under the structure and end up forming a sort of natural blockage.
As a result, the vegetation starts to concentrate in specific areas, reduces water circulation in certain sections, and increases the losses for those who depend on the river for leisure, navigation, or property maintenance.
Auren Energia says proliferation occurs naturally
Responsible for the Promissão Hydroelectric Plant, Auren Energia stated that the proliferation of macrophytes, the technical name given to aquatic plants, occurs naturally in tributary rivers and is not related to energy generation.
According to the concessionaire, factors such as high temperature, rainy periods, and availability of nutrients in the water favor the growth of vegetation, which later detaches and follows the river’s flow.
The company also stated that it constantly monitors water quality and maintains dialogue with public agencies about the situation, while residents claim to have already contacted the concessionaire and the Navy seeking action.
By the time the report was published, the Navy had been contacted but had not sent a position on the case.
Cetesb links the advancement of plants to eutrophication
The Environmental Company of the State of São Paulo reported that the advancement of vegetation is linked to eutrophication, a process in which excess nutrients in the water favor the multiplication of algae and aquatic plants.
According to the environmental agency, high temperatures and rainy periods can accelerate this phenomenon, especially when there is organic load or nutrients available in the aquatic environment.
Cetesb stated that it maintains inspection actions in the region, under the coordination of the State of São Paulo’s Secretariat of Environment, Infrastructure, and Logistics.
Since last year, according to the agency, more than 400 inspections have been carried out on the Tietê River and its tributaries, with fines totaling R$ 13.8 million for environmental irregularities.
Environmental monitoring continues to be analyzed in the region
Technical teams are analyzing the situation to identify the predominant species and define removal methods that do not cause further damage to the local ecosystem.
Identification is considered necessary because different aquatic plants require specific management methods, and removal without planning can spread fragments, displace organisms, and alter the river’s dynamics.
While the assessment progresses, residents continue to report difficulties in navigating the affected section and concern about the possibility of further damage to structures installed on the banks.
The case also reignites the alert about the quality of water in São Paulo rivers, as eutrophication is usually associated with environmental imbalance caused by excess nutrients.
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