The bay of Rio is extremely filthy with trash and pollution, making it a worry for athletes competing in the water for the olympics. Half of the houses in Rio de Janeiro are unconnected to sewage treatment plants. All of the trash and sewage overflows areas of the city and the water. The water is so polluted that teams have even instructed each other not to splash one another for sanitation and safety reasons. This caused many athletes to be ill while competing at the olympic games. Not only is this harmful towards the athletes but extremely dangerous for residents who live there. Especially the ones who are more poor who live in the most polluted part of the bay. This polluted water is also dangerous for the marine life. Animal population in the Guanabara bay has decreased tremendously in the past 150 years. The dolphins contain high levels of metals and oil spills have killed off many fish. It is said that Brazils water laws are much "more permissive" than those in the US and Europe. This is a major problem because it is concerning the health and well being of people. There most definitely is a solution and many things people can do to help. It is sad that not everyone is willing to make a change in their community and country to make it a healthier place to live.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/08/what-s-in-rio-s-bay-/
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/08/what-s-in-rio-s-bay-/