In the last weeks, the mortality de peces in the Blanco River of the municipality of Zapopan has set off alarm bells among residents and environmental authorities. The incident, initially reported by local residents, triggered an inspection operation led by the State Environmental Protection Agency (PROEPA) along with specialists from the Jalisco Agency for Health, Safety, and Food Quality (ASICA).
The results of the investigations indicate that the main cause was the lack of dissolved oxygen in water, a phenomenon known as anoxia, which proved fatal to fish of different species and sizes. This situation is directly linked to the excessive presence of organic matter and poor water quality in the channel.
Findings after the inspection in the RÃo Blanco
During the evaluation carried out by the PROEPA and ASICA teams, a significant amount de peces dead people floating both in the water and on the shoreThe point where the review was concentrated was the intersection of José MarÃa Morelos Street and the Old Road to Copalita, highlighting the presence of cloudy water, a dark coloration and a strong unpleasant odor.
Among the aspects that caught attention is the Cleanup activity observed on a farm adjacent to the river, where a person was seen using tools to remove dead fish and place them in a plastic basket inside a boat. Authorities attempted to obtain official information, but security personnel at the site restricted access and refused to provide details about those responsible or the handling of the removed fish.
The Necropsies performed on the fish confirmed the absence of disease or visible damageThe analysis concluded that the death of the animals occurred in a period of less than 48 hours before the inspection, reinforcing the hypothesis that the lack of oxygen was the trigger.
Biological causes and absence of toxins
Reports prepared by state agencies ruled out the presence of hazardous chemical contaminants or pathogens in the water or in the specimens examined. According to ASICA technicians, the situation corresponds to a natural process aggravated by the accumulation of organic waste in the riverbed, which caused oxygen levels to drop to levels incompatible with aquatic life. The state of aquatic ecosystems.
In parallel, it was detected that Most of the dead fish came from the area surrounding the aforementioned private farm.Although authorities have continued to gather evidence, no details have been provided as to whether recent spills or specific activities have contributed to the phenomenon.
In addition, the investigations indicated that The river water had high levels of organic contamination, a fact evidenced by both the visual appearance and the smell, typical of anaerobic processes caused by excess decomposing matter.
Actions and notification to federal authorities
The State Attorney General's Office already notified the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA) of the case, given that the management and sanctioning of water pollution falls under federal jurisdiction. This body must further investigate to determine whether the source of the incident involved any discharge or action that could be sanctioned under the law.
El The Federal Penal Code establishes significant penalties for those who dump hazardous waste. that affect flora, fauna or environmental quality, ranging from imprisonment to heavy fines if direct responsibility is proven.
As for the remains de peces and the cleanup observed within the private property, it has not been reported whether specific legal proceedings will be opened regarding the proper handling of dead fauna.
Authorities remain vigilant and have not ruled out further action to prevent this type of incident from happening again in the future, while the community continues to await the results of the federal investigations and measures to improve water quality in the Blanco River.
This event shows the importance of monitoring water quality and proper management of organic waste to preserve aquatic ecosystems. Although no evidence of toxic contamination has been found, excess organic matter remains a risk to fish life and the environmental health of the riverbed.
