EUROPE -- Recent studies have found that pesticides and antibiotics are causing major water pollution in streams across Europe. Scientists emphasized that this type of contamination is dangerous to both wildlife and humans. In the process, such contamination could lead to the development of microbes that become drug-resistant. When these types of bacteria become resistant to medicine, they prove to become more difficult to deal with.
The study conducted collected water samples from 29 waterways in 10 countries in Europe. The researchers have identified the presence of 100 types of pesticides and 21 antibiotic drugs in the waterways. What is even more surprising is that a quarter of all these chemicals that were found are considered illegal and that there is an outstanding ban to use them. On the other hand, half of the streams that were tested contained pesticides that come in higher levels than what the government permits.
Scientists say that the high number of pesticides and antibiotic drugs in the streams meant that there are complex mixtures already present. The impact of such drugs with complex mixtures remains to be unknown. Many industries prove that the pesticides they use are the reason why there is a plummeting on the population of insects and birds that rely on them for survival. In 2017, a separate study proved that the use of insecticides is polluting the rivers of Europe.
"This new revelation on the content of the water sources in Europe prove to be helpful," said Paul Johnston, a researcher for Greenpeace at the University of Exeter. "There is a huge potential that the huge amount of pesticides and antibiotics present in the waterways could affect the ecosystem immensely."
The study was published in the journal Science of the Total Environment. The research has identified the presence of fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides. Along with that, they have also identified the presence of several antimicrobial drugs that are usually used in livestock. When the creatures present in the water become resistant to antimicrobial drugs, one could only imagine the risks it puts the population into.
Syngenta, considered as one of the world's largest makers of pesticides, admitted that there has been a great shift in the business strategy all over the world and it has affected their production and operations. "We are taking into consideration the environmental and social concerns that were raised and we are moving to review our products to further help in reducing the residues and risks in the environment," said Alexandra Brand, Chief officer of Syngenta on sustainability.
'We will direct our product innovations into helping farmers become more resilient to the effects of climate change and to also have products that better adapt to the requirements of consumers. The goal is to reduce carbon emissions and in the process reverse the effects of soil erosion.
In a statement, Johnston said, "Farmers want to reduce water pollution and water suppliers don't want to spend on the removal of pollution in the water. Our goal is to reduce reliance on pesticide products and move to more sustainable agricultural practices."
