Increased Oil Pollution in Western Amazon

Spanish researchers have recently discovered that areas in the Western Amazon have been significantly contaminated by oil pollution throughout the last thirty years. Scientist Raúl Yusta Garcia led a group of scientists that found higher than acceptable levels of harmful substances including lead and cadmium in wastewater dumping sites. Another researcher, Antoni Rosell-Mele, described that this pollution has occurred because of insufficient monitoring of oil drilling and extractions. The pollutants may enter into the human food chain and affect wildlife and endangered species. This problem can be solved with increased restrictions and monitoring over oil drilling and extraction. However, this solution may not be short term because it may take time to train staff to monitor the oil drilling process. Another problem with this solution would be that it may impede the production of oil for those who need it. I believe that oil pollution is a growing problem, so it is important for us to start taking more precautions in the oil industry. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/06/140612212535.htm