title: Paradise lost: an introduction to the geography of water pollution in Puerto Rico.
abstract: Rapid industrialization has transformed the agricultural economy of Puerto Rico, creating employment opportunities and raising standards of living. Success, however, is marred by widespread pollution that outstrips the infrastructural capacity necessary for the preservation of environmental quality and of human health. The result today is a landfill crisis, a heritage of toxic dumps, and an advancing tide of pollution. Rivers and reservoirs are nearly ubiquitously affected and groundwaters, long thought to be naturally protected, show evidence of increasing contamination. Limestone aquifers are at particular risk. Public awareness and inter-sectoral political leadership are urgently needed to reverse the trend towards environmental deterioration.
authors.affiliation: Department of Geography, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824, USA.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Hunter
authors.forename: S I
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Arbona
mesh_terms: D003906:Developing Countries; D005759:Gastroenteritis / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D005843:Geography; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry; D011647:Puerto Rico; D011788:Quality of Life; D012931:Social Environment; D012945:Social Values; D014506:Urban Renewal; D014871:Water Microbiology; D014876:Water Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects*