Saramaccarivier water analysis suggests heavy metal pollution

Initial results from water sample analyses regarding the mass fish mortality in the Saramaccarivier suggest possible structural pollution caused by heavy metals. The samples were analyzed in French Guiana and France.

Patrick Brunings, Minister of Oil, Gas, and Environment, stated that while the findings indicate potential long-term contamination, a definitive conclusion regarding the exact cause of the fish deaths cannot yet be reached. The investigation is currently being conducted by the National Environmental Authority (NMA) in collaboration with the Bureau for Public Health (BOG), the Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Labor, and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

The investigation focuses on three primary objectives: determining the potential health risks to humans, assessing the impact on local communities that rely on the river for food and livelihoods, and identifying the root cause of the pollution to prevent future occurrences. Authorities are awaiting fish sample analyses, expected within the coming week, to confirm whether the fish were directly exposed to harmful substances. Previous tests in late June had detected cyanide and mercury, though at concentrations below standard limits, alongside elevated levels of iron, aluminum, and manganese.