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MEXICO

MEXICO While the Mexican government is lambasting the us for dumping nuclear waste near its borders, it is actually fishing in its own dirty waters. The main polluter has been the national oil giant, Pemex Petroquinuca. Until 1990, there were virtually no laws to stop the pollution.

An investigation last year by researchers of the Mexico Autonomous University showed that river water here has a PH factor of 3.4. The water is like vinegar, and oxygen levels are 10 times lower than normal. A recent agreement between Pemex and the Brazilian environment ministry commits the company to follow up the results of a new environmental audit with a us $50 million programme to improve waste treatment.

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