Three-meter-thick layer of foam found on Tietê River in São Paulo

A three-meter-thick layer of foam has covered the Tietê River and taken over the streets of the city of Pirapora do Bom Jesus, in metropolitan São Paulo. Despite its impressiveness, the foam, which went as far as to reach the doorsteps of a few houses, is by no means a novelty among the city's 16 thousand residents this time of year. Formed by the pollution throughout the river, the foam is the result of the accumulation of, among other substances, non-biodegradable detergent, which has phosphorus and nitrate in its composition – components found in most cleaning and hygiene products manufactured in the country. The stench from the river makes the situation even worse.

According to city officials, the problem, which is over 30 years old now, has also taken its toll on the city's religious tourism. In addition to the leisure activities in the river, Pirapora is known as a place of pilgrimage for Catholics.

In a note, the Company for Environmental Sanitation Technology, Cetesb, d with the state's Environment Secretariat, explained that the main solution to the problem is the implementation of appropriate sewage systems, which is under the responsibility of the municipal governments and the sanitation utilities.”

The Company for Basic Sanitation of São Paulo State (Sabesp), in turn, announced that, ever since 1993, it has carried out the Tietê Cleanup Project, which has reduced the river's pollution level by 160km, or 86.6%. The utility went on to declare that it has expanded its waste collection network and sewage system serving the metropolitan region.

“Apart from garbage collection and sewage treatment, fighting widespread pollution, which falls under the responsibility of the city councils, as well as curbing the amount of phosphorus and nitrate in cleaning and hygiene products are key to averting the formation of foam,” the note reads.

Meanwhile, locals are recommended to keep a clear distance from the foam.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira