Pesticides and Antibiotics Show Water Pollution in Europe
Pesticides and antibiotics are polluting streams across Europe, a study has found. Scientists say the contamination is dangerous for humans and wildlife.
29 waterways were surveyed in 10 European nations, including the UK.
(Why streams, not rivers? Because streams harbour a large proportion of aquatic wildlife. Rivers, being larger, are often used for transport and so have less wildlife).
Some of the chemicals found are banned pesticides and drugs – although that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’ve been used since the ban, it might be residue in the soil. (Which goes to show how long these toxic chemicals linger and cause harm).
We know that pesticides contribute to the deaths of many beneficial insects, as well as the birds which eat them. And antibiotics used on livestock can create drug resistance in humans, leading to the spread of serious disease.
How Common is Water Pollution in Europe?
Water pollution, sadly, is common all over the world, and Europe is no exception.
- Insecticides were shown to be polluting English rivers in 2017.
- Irish Water says that EU pesticide levels were being breached in public water supplies across Ireland.
- In Switzerland, another new study found that soils in 93% of organic farms were contaminated with insecticides, as were 80% of the areas farmers set aside for wildlife.
- Research revealed in 2013 that insecticides were devastating dragonflies, snails and other water-based species in the Netherlands. Horrifyingly, the pollution was so severe in places that the ditchwater itself could have been used as a pesticide.
- A study in France in 2017 found that virtually all farms could slash their pesticide use while still producing as much food.
What does “Big Ag” say about it?
What Does “Big Ag” Say About It?
Pesticides and the use of antibiotics for livestock are normally blamed on Big Ag. Have they reacted to the report?
- One of the world’s biggest pesticide makers, Syngenta, says it will take on board society’s concerns and reduce residues in the environment.
- Another major pesticide manufacturer, Bayer, said it would make its test results more transparent.
Both companies made very nice statements. Hopefully, they’ll change their processes.
Please Share this post – it’s easy – sharing buttons below and right!
What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.
Warm regards,
P.S. Don’t forget to download your free green living handbook “Live Well, Live Green” here.
