In my
previous blog I touched upon the presence of Ethinyl Estradiol 2, a synthetic hormone commonly
used in the contraceptive pill, being present in marine systems, and how they
can alter the endocrine system of aquatic life. It may or may not come as a
surprise to you that traces of illicit drugs, such as cocaine and MDMA
(ecstasy) have also been found in waste water systems, as well as
pharmaceutical drugs like ibuprofen and various antibiotics.
A study, reviewed the effects these drugs have on aquatic organisms, and the results weren't great. Many of the chemicals released from these drugs, in particular, from cannabis and cocaine, showed DNA damage, even at low levels of concentration - 40ng/L concentration was shown to effect D. polymorpha (a type of mussel) in this way. They also looked into illicit drugs found in river sites, and found concentrations up to 25ng/L of MDMA and 17ng/L of cocaine. Alarmingly high in comparison to the results found in the River Thames back in 2008, where cocaine ~4ng/L and MDMA ~4ng/L.
The results are in nano-grams per litre. Though this is a small measuring, if you take into account that the river has many currents and tidal flows from the rivers' source, which dilute the water, the amounts are likely to be concentrated higher in urban areas.
Many traces of antibiotics were also found in this study which can also be toxic to acquatic organisms. But it's not just animals that are at risk, humans are too. We're at a time where it is of growing concern how many antibiotics we're using in the world, with the risk of antibiotic resistance ever increasing. These illicit drugs and chemicals have the potential of ending up in our drinking water. Overtime, daily consumption of nano amounts can have a great impact.
So think twice before taking any drug! And maybe buy a water filter system for your home tap, just to be safe!
A study, reviewed the effects these drugs have on aquatic organisms, and the results weren't great. Many of the chemicals released from these drugs, in particular, from cannabis and cocaine, showed DNA damage, even at low levels of concentration - 40ng/L concentration was shown to effect D. polymorpha (a type of mussel) in this way. They also looked into illicit drugs found in river sites, and found concentrations up to 25ng/L of MDMA and 17ng/L of cocaine. Alarmingly high in comparison to the results found in the River Thames back in 2008, where cocaine ~4ng/L and MDMA ~4ng/L.
The results are in nano-grams per litre. Though this is a small measuring, if you take into account that the river has many currents and tidal flows from the rivers' source, which dilute the water, the amounts are likely to be concentrated higher in urban areas.
Many traces of antibiotics were also found in this study which can also be toxic to acquatic organisms. But it's not just animals that are at risk, humans are too. We're at a time where it is of growing concern how many antibiotics we're using in the world, with the risk of antibiotic resistance ever increasing. These illicit drugs and chemicals have the potential of ending up in our drinking water. Overtime, daily consumption of nano amounts can have a great impact.
So think twice before taking any drug! And maybe buy a water filter system for your home tap, just to be safe!
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