Science Weekly Streams of medicines: what’s hiding in the UK’s waterways?
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Apr 8, 2025 Phoebe Weston, a biodiversity reporter at The Guardian, dives deep into the alarming issue of pharmaceutical pollution in the UK's pristine rivers. She reveals that even protected national parks are not safe, with many contaminated by various medications. The conversation highlights the role of ineffective sewage treatment and the health risks linked to rising antimicrobial resistance. Phoebe also discusses the hidden impact of household and veterinary chemicals on wildlife, emphasizing an urgent need for better monitoring and pollution control.
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Brookhead Beck Pollution
- Phoebe Weston visited Brookhead Beck in the Peak District, a seemingly pristine stream.
- Despite its appearance, it had the second highest chemical pollution level in the UK.
Invisible Pollution
- Pharmaceuticals are polluting England's most protected rivers, exceeding levels found in urban areas.
- This pollution is largely invisible and goes unnoticed compared to sewage spills.
Pharmaceutical Pathway to Rivers
- Many pharmaceuticals pass through our bodies and end up in waterways.
- Sewage systems aren't designed to remove these chemicals, leading to river contamination.