The pollution no one mentions: water in lakes and rivers is soaked with drugs and narcotics

 The escalating issue of water contamination from pharmaceuticals and medications is a cause for concern, having a direct impact on aquatic life. Consequently, this problem has been the focal point of numerous scientific research studies in recent times. The findings of these studies have exposed the traces of these substances in lakes and river waters, resulting in unforeseen and distressing repercussions on the aquatic ecosystem.

Regrettably, there's an uptick in the usage of drugs and narcotics, as indicated by the 2021 European drug usage data. It is projected that around 83 million citizens will utilize these substances either sporadically or regularly. Among various substances, cannabinoids and cocaine are the most prevalent, with over 78 million and 13 million users respectively.

Medical advancements over the centuries have resulted in a broad spectrum of drugs, including anti-inflammatories and contraceptives, which have significantly enhanced our health and quality of life.

However, a majority of these substances, whether lawful or illicit, are partially or entirely expelled from our bodies as metabolites. These active ingredients often withstand water purification procedures in treatment facilities, leading to their accumulation in rivers and lakes, particularly those in proximity to urban regions.

The Threat to Aquatic Life: The Case of the Thames Eel

This build-up of drugs and drug metabolites negatively impacts the fauna of the most affected aquatic ecosystems. For instance, in the Thames, the cocaine metabolite concentrations are exceptionally high due to the widespread usage of the substance in London.

Recent studies by King's College estimated the city's consumption at 23 kilograms per day, as deduced from the levels of the metabolite benzoylecgonine in treated wastewater. This has had a detrimental effect on the European eels inhabiting the river, causing skeletal muscle damage and changes in gills akin to rhabdomyolysis symptoms. These effects have led to a critical decrease in this species, now classified as critically endangered.

The Estrogen Issue: Impact on Fish Development

Further complicating the issue is the fact that estrogen in contraceptives can disrupt the sexual development of certain fish species, as per a 2014 study by the University of New Brunswick.

The research evaluated the impact of hormone exposure on the Pimephales promelas fish species, examining the reproduction and health of various populations scattered across numerous small lakes in Northern Ontario.

The study revealed that even minimal estrogen levels released into the reservoirs can cause the "feminization" of male fish, impacting their reproduction and in extreme cases, leading to egg production. This has ramifications for the entire food chain by diminishing food resources for predators.

Taking Corrective Measures

So, what's the solution? Corrective measures are necessary to tackle this issue. One such measure is ensuring proper disposal of substances and reducing their non-essential use, particularly by eliminating their usage in intensive livestock production.

Moreover, wastewater treatment plants can be upgraded by implementing technologies such as ozone treatment or anoxic sedimentation tanks to enhance the degradation of persistent compounds.

Finally, pharmaceutical research could contribute through the development of "benign by design" drugs with active ingredients that are more readily biodegradable and less persistent in the natural environment. Taking steps to mitigate these impacts and preserve aquatic ecosystems is critical.