A global study found alarming levels of toxic pollution in rivers across Spain, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, and India. The Manzanares River in Madrid was highlighted as particularly contaminated, with numerous pharmaceuticals posing risks to ecosystems and public health. The study advocates for improved treatment technologies to combat this growing pollution crisis.
A recent global study has uncovered significant toxic pollution in rivers across several countries, including Spain, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, and India. Over 200 rivers were analyzed for water quality, revealing alarming contaminant levels. The Manzanares River in Madrid was identified as the most toxic river in Europe, contaminated with multiple harmful substances such as paracetamol and caffeine, posing risks to public health and the environment.
Conducted by researchers at the University of York, the study included water samples from 1,052 locations across 104 countries. It aimed to detect 61 pharmaceutical compounds like antibiotics and antidepressants. Findings show that 25.7% of the rivers tested contain pollutant levels that are hazardous to aquatic life and humans, which can lead to disruptions in the biological functions of these organisms and possibly contribute to antibiotic resistance.
The threat of pharmaceutical pollution is not confined to Europe. Rivers in Ethiopia, Tunisia, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, and India also exhibit severe contamination levels. Among these, African nations consistently show up among the most polluted, with notable concerns over the prescription drug levels in water sources. The findings reinforce a growing need for investment in advanced treatment technologies to mitigate chemical and pharmaceutical pollution in rivers.
This study highlights a critical environmental and public health issue concerning river pollution caused by pharmaceuticals. With many rivers displaying toxic contamination levels, especially in Europe, Africa, and Asia, there is an urgent call for enhanced treatment solutions to prevent further degradation of water quality. Failure to address these concerns may lead to significant ecological and health repercussions globally.
Original Source: www.travelandtourworld.com
