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The coast of Ubatuba, in São Paulo, is facing an unprecedented pollution crisis. A study by USP found cocaine, painkillers and other compounds in the waters of Ubatuba Bay. In addition to the environmental impact, the contamination is affecting the health of residents and tourists. The city is also facing disorderly growth, making the situation worse.
It is difficult to imagine that the tranquility of a paradisiacal beach could hide a serious and unsuspected problem.
However, while residents and tourists enjoy the northern coast of São Paulo, something alarming is spreading across the waters.
According to the portal The Tribune, recent studies have revealed the presence of unexpected and dangerous chemical substances, pointing to a pollution crisis that threatens not only the environment, but also the health of those who frequent these beaches.
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The shocking data comes from a study conducted by the Oceanographic Institute of the University of São Paulo (USP), as part of the doctoral thesis of researcher Luciana Rocha Frazão.
The research analyzed samples from Ubatuba Bay, located on the northern coast of São Paulo, and found traces of cocaine, caffeine, painkillers and other chemical compounds at worrying levels.
The collection took place between 2019 and 2020, but the results are being released now, after the completion of the thesis.
Study in Ubatuba: the details of the research
The investigation began with collections at three specific points in Ubatuba Bay, including Itaguá and Cruzeiro beaches.
These places are already known for having high contamination levels throughout most of the year, often signaled by red flags.
The analysis revealed that water pollution is composed not only of urban waste, but also of unexpected substances, such as illicit drugs and medicines, which are generally found in places close to large urban centers, industries and ports, such as Santos.
Luciana Rocha Frazão, responsible for the study, highlighted that it was surprising to find these chemical substances in a region like Ubatuba, which is famous for its biodiversity and natural beauty.
According to the researcher, the presence of compounds such as cocaine and painkillers indicates the impact of human activity and poor waste management, which silently but devastatingly contaminate the environment.
Health problems associated with contamination
Chemical pollution on Ubatuba's beaches is not limited to environmental damage. Residents and tourists have frequently reported health problems ranging from gastrointestinal viruses to infections caused by bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus.
This bacterium, naturally present in the human microbiota, is used as an indicator of contamination by domestic sewage due to its high adaptability and resistance.
According to Luciana, infections by S. aureus can range from simple skin irritations, such as pimples and boils, to more serious illnesses, including pneumonia, meningitis, toxic shock syndrome and septicemia.
These health problems reflect the serious environmental situation of the region's beaches, as constant contact with contaminated water increases the risks for bathers.
Urban growth and lack of planning worsen the crisis
In addition to chemical contamination, another factor has intensified environmental degradation in Ubatuba: the disorderly growth of city.
In recent years, the construction of buildings has increased rapidly, often without taking environmental impacts into account.
“The City Hall has been alerted. We expect urgent action, especially in view of the intense and unbridled construction of buildings in the city. Ubatuba, the national capital of the Atlantic Forest and surfing, will not be able to hold out for much longer. The city is asking for help,” stated Luciana Rocha Frazão.
The lack of urban planning results in an increase in the dumping of domestic sewage, one of the main factors responsible for the pollution of Ubatuba Bay.
Environmental and social impacts
Water contamination directly affects the marine ecosystem, putting local biodiversity at risk.
Substances such as cocaine and painkillers can cause imbalances in aquatic organisms, interfering with the reproduction, growth and survival of several species.
There are also significant social consequences. Ubatuba, known as the “surfing capital” and one of Brazil’s most sought-after tourist destinations, could face a drop in visitor numbers due to growing concerns about the quality of its waters.
What needs to be done?
The alarming situation demands immediate action. The municipality needs to invest in basic sanitation infrastructure to prevent urban waste from continuing to contaminate the beaches.
Furthermore, disorderly growth needs to be controlled through effective public policies and rigorous monitoring.
According to experts, raising awareness among the population is also essential. Improper disposal of medicines, for example, directly contributes to the presence of these substances in water.. Environmental education campaigns and selective collection can help mitigate the problem.
What was supposed to be a natural and healthy refuge is becoming a threat to those who frequent the northern coast of São Paulo.
The contamination of Ubatuba beaches with drugs and painkillers is not just an environmental problem, but a warning about the impacts of human carelessness on the environment.
Is there still time to save Ubatuba from environmental degradation? What do you think can be done to reverse this worrying scenario? Leave your opinion in the comments!
