Antibiotics in rivers: A global threat to health and ecosystems
Every year, 9,400 tons of antibiotics enter rivers worldwide. This is a serious problem, potentially contributing to the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria.
Key Information
- 9,400 tons of antibiotics enter rivers worldwide annually.
- Amoxicillin is the most commonly detected antibiotic in waters.
- Pollution can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Researchers from McGill University in Canada conducted studies revealing that as much as 9,400 tons of antibiotics enter rivers worldwide each year. This figure represents about one-third of all antibiotics consumed by humans. Although the concentration of these substances in water is low, their presence can lead to the development of drug-resistant bacteria.
Studies have shown that amoxicillin is the most commonly detected antibiotic in rivers, especially in Southern Asia. In this region, increasing antibiotic use and a lack of proper wastewater treatment plants contribute to increased water pollution.
Dr. Heloisa Ehalt Macedo, the author of the study, emphasizes that chronic exposure to antibiotics in aquatic environments can pose a threat to human health and ecosystems.
Need for action and monitoring
Prof. Bernhard Lehner notes that while antibiotics are essential for treatment, their presence in rivers necessitates the development of mitigation strategies.
The goal of this study is not to discourage the use of antibiotics—we need them for global health care. However, the expert emphasizes that the results indicate that there may be unintended effects in aquatic environments, including antibiotic resistance.
Scientists stress the need for monitoring programs to detect antibiotic pollution in waters. Prof. Jim Nicell adds that pollution resulting from human consumption is only part of the problem, and the situation may worsen due to pollution from animal husbandry and the pharmaceutical industry.
