SIUE Professor Highlights Ecological Damage from Texas' Rio Grande Buoys

SIUE Professor Highlights Ecological Damage from Texas' Rio Grande Buoys

July 17, 2024, 6:45 PM

This week marks a year since Texas installed 1,000 feet of bright orange buoys in Eagle Pass, along the Rio Grande, with the goal of curbing migrant crossings. However, according to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Adriana Martinez, PhD, associate professor in geology and environmental sciences, the buoys are causing more harm than good to the river's ecosystem.

Martinez has been studying the environmental impact of these buoys. She reports that 75% or more of the buoys are no longer floating as intended and are now stuck, leading to significant changes in the river's dynamics.

"I don't want to be doing this research. It makes me sad, particularly because I have a strong connection to this river. It's my river. It's the river I grew up on," said Martinez as expressed in an interview with NEWS4 San Antonio and KSAT 12 San Antonio.

Her research includes collecting sediment samples, taking measurements, and releasing dye to observe water flow. Preliminary observations reveal increased plant growth and accumulated debris around the buoys. This altered environment could have far-reaching consequences for the river's health.

"Anytime you're messing with sediment in the river, that means you're releasing pollutants into the river, which is the main drinking water source for the entire Rio Grande area," said Martinez.

PHOTO: Adriana Martinez, PhD, associate professor in geology and environmental sciences