The surface waters of the North Zone, in places where pineapple crops are concentrated, show a frequent presence of certain pesticides such as bromacil, ametryn, and diuron, despite the fact that these agrochemicals are banned in Costa Rica.
In the case of groundwater, the pesticide most frequently detected was bromacil, with higher concentrations than those allowed in the Drinking Water Quality Regulation.
This was revealed by an investigation by the University of Costa Rica (UCR). The study analyzed the ground and surface waters of the North Zone of the country. Specifically, the research focused on the presence of agrochemicals in 10 wells and springs (underground) and 22 rivers and streams (superficial) of Pital, Venecia, Agua Zarcas and other communities with pineapple production. In addition, fruits and sediments were also analyzed.
These subterranean waters with the presence of bromacil are seen as drinking water and were analyzed prior to treatment, before they were consumed by humans. The researcher Greivin Pérez assured that in the first year (2015) the UCR reported the results to the authorities, but these were not made public.
In this country, importing bromacil is prohibited by Executive Decree 9945, published in La Gaceta on June 5th, 2017.
When analyzing the pineapple, the researchers found that the presence of pesticides did not exceed the maximum levels allowed. This study was conducted by the agreement between the Center for Research in Environmental Pollution (CICA) of the UCR and the State Phytosanitary Service (SFE) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG).
The samples were taken in three periods during the year:
February-March in the dry season
June-July for the transition
September-October in the rainy season
The UCR notified the SFE of the results for more than a year. However, the Government did not alert the inhabitants of the North Zone nor did it refer to an investigation that began more than three years ago and no decisions were made. However, yesterday the Phytosanitary Service only stressed that it invested ¢ 247 million to carry out the investigation.
Frente Amplio legislator José María Villalta presented a motion before the Environment Commission to open an investigation on the contamination: “I don’t know what is more serious, that the presence of agro-poison in the water of these communities is confirmed, or that public institutions such as the MAG and the Ministry of Health hide this information while there are people drinking contaminated water. In addition to the audience, we will investigate both ministries for not taking immediate and decisive actions to protect the health of the people living in the affected areas. “
The presence of metalixil and carbendazim was detected in smaller volumes.
Regarding microbiological parameters, coliforms were detected under variable conditions and depending on the dry or rainy season.
The majority of surface water points showed “no contamination” or “incipient contamination” values. But in 2016 and 2017 in El Suspiro stream there was “moderate pollution”. That is, it was maintained and repeated.
Laura Brenes, coordinator of the research, said that they seek to generate a “baseline” for good agricultural practices in the area. It has been done since 2015 to date. The researchers pointed out that new analyzes can be generated from this baseline.