Amazon forest loss risks water security across South America

Another problem that comes with Amazonia's increasing industrialisation is pollution of both air and water, with toxic contaminants including mercury from gold-mining.
"Large-scale deforestation is predicted to reduce rainfall by up to 21% by 2050, although the science is still uncertain. Furthermore, deforestation is likely to affect water quality through increasing soil erosion and leaching of nutrients and heavy metals including mercury."
http://www.theecologist.org/News/news_analysis/2216428/amazon_forest_loss_risks_water_security_across_south_america.html