Concentration of aluminum continues below the maximum allowed by the Ministry of Health
The Renova Foundation analyzes on a daily basis, since September 29, 2016, the percentage of aluminum present in the water of the five Governador Valadares treatment plants: São Vitor, Santa Rita, Recanto do Sonhos, Vila Isa and Central. The action was recommended by the Public Prosecutor of Minas Gerais (MPMG) and by Federal Court on September 26 and must continue for 40 working days.
The reports of the lab contracted by the Renova Foundation indicate that the total aluminum concentration in the samples is between 0.03 and 0.08 mg/L, values quite below the maximum allowed by ordinance 2914 of the Ministry of Health, which is 0.2 mg/L.
The samples were taken by the Autonomous Water Sanitation Service (SAAE) in the company of the Renova Foundation and the lab indicated by the Public Prosecutor of Minas Gerais (MPMG). After a first analysis at the SAAE, a aliquot of the taken sample is send to the contracted lab. The results of MPMG have not been shared yet.
According SAAE, the parameters of aluminum in the water were always met, even after the Fundão dam collapse and the passing of turbidity plume through the Governador Valadares region.
Taking samples for monitoring the water quality. | Photo: Leo Drumond / NITRO
In relation to the quality of the raw water, which is also being monitored by the foundation on 53 points along the Doce River, recent reports show that the chemical parameter of aluminum in the Valadares region is within the limit prescribed by the National Environment Advisory Board (Conama) and within the river’s old measures.