A sojicultura transgênica e a contaminação de recursos hídricos de comunidades do Pampa gaúcho / Transgenic soybean cultivation and the contamination of water resources of communities in the Pampa region of Rio Grande do Sul / El cultivo de soja transgénica y la contaminación de recursos hídricos de comunidades de la región pampeana de Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract

This article integrates a broad study on the problematization of the expansion of transgenic soybean farming. It highlights impacts on the environment and exposes risks to human health due to pesticide contamination of water resources in the Pampa region of Rio Grande do Sul. The study area consists of the five largest territories of soybean-growing municipalities in Rio Grande do Sul: Tupanciretã, São Gabriel, Júlio de Castilhos, Cachoeira do Sul and Dom Pedrito. Firstly, contemporary soya farming and its expansionist dynamics are contextualised. Subsequently, two different analyses are carried out: the first is based on the reports of the water supply companies systematised by the Ministry of Health; and, secondly, by collecting water from the main rivers that run through the territories of these municipalities and sending it for laboratory analysis. Both studies demonstrated the poisoning of the communities' water supply networks and the rivers in these territories, which creates various risks for the populations and the environment of the Pampa.