A global analysis reveals severe toxic pollution in rivers of Spain, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, and India, posing risks to public health and ecosystems. The study, led by the University of York, assessed 258 rivers and found significant pharmaceutical contamination, with the Manzanares River in Madrid deemed the most contaminated in Europe. The research calls for urgent advancements in treatment technologies to tackle pollution issues.
A comprehensive global study has unveiled concerning levels of toxic pollution in rivers across several nations, including Spain, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, and India, with serious implications for ecosystems and human health. Researchers from the University of York conducted an in-depth analysis of 258 rivers, revealing that over a quarter harbored pollution levels alarming enough to threaten both aquatic life and humans.
Among the findings, the Manzanares River in Madrid was identified as the most toxic river in Europe, exhibiting dangerous concentrations of harmful substances such as paracetamol, caffeine, and various pharmaceuticals. The situation not only jeopardizes public health in Madrid but also raises significant concerns regarding the environmental integrity of urban ecosystems.
The research, spearheaded by Dr. John Wilkinson, involved extensive sampling from 1,052 locations across 104 countries, testing for 61 different pharmaceuticals. Results indicated that 25.7% of the studied rivers contained pharmaceutical substances at levels hazardous to aquatic organisms, risking their reproduction and survival, while also contributing to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a growing global health concern.
This alarming trend is not confined to Europe, with rivers in regions such as Africa and Asia exhibiting equal or greater pollution levels. Countries like Ethiopia, Tunisia, and Nigeria show particularly high contamination, while Pakistan and India feature among the most polluted in Asia. The findings emphasize the pressing need for enhanced investments in advanced treatment technologies and systems to mitigate the influx of pharmaceutical and chemical pollutants into global waterways.
In summary, a significant global study reveals extensive contamination in rivers, highlighting the dire consequences for public health and ecosystems in various countries. The Manzanares River in Madrid stands out for its alarming toxicity, but similar concerns resonate in many regions across Africa and Asia. Immediate investments in improved treatment technologies are imperative to address the escalating pollution crisis affecting vital water sources worldwide.
Original Source: www.travelandtourworld.com
