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High concentrations of the anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac have been detected in the marine environment around False Bay, Cape Town.
According to a first-of-its-kind study, at one sampled site, diclofenac and phenytoin were found in the highest concentrations in an edible seaweed species called sea lettuce. The researchers found that diclofenac, which is sold under the brand name Voltaren, was the most dominant compound detected in seawater, sediment, marine invertebrates (starfish, limpets, mussels, sea urchins and sea snails) and seaweed samples at eight sampled sites around the semi-enclosed bay.
“With these high levels in seaweed, the health impact of using contaminated seaweeds for food and medicinal purposes should be considered. The risks associated with exposure to these compounds, among others, include increased cancer risk, decreased fertility, and effects on the immune system,” the study says.
Professor Leslie Petrik, the group leader of environmental and nano sciences at the University of the Western Cape’s chemistry department, and researcher Cecilia Ojemaye tested levels of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in the near-shore environment of False Bay.
“If you’re harvesting mussels off the rocks at Muizenberg, Hout Bay and Camps Bay, you will certainly get these toxins in [them]. And there are quite a few people who also harvest seaweed,” said Petrik
mg.co.za
According to a first-of-its-kind study, at one sampled site, diclofenac and phenytoin were found in the highest concentrations in an edible seaweed species called sea lettuce. The researchers found that diclofenac, which is sold under the brand name Voltaren, was the most dominant compound detected in seawater, sediment, marine invertebrates (starfish, limpets, mussels, sea urchins and sea snails) and seaweed samples at eight sampled sites around the semi-enclosed bay.
“With these high levels in seaweed, the health impact of using contaminated seaweeds for food and medicinal purposes should be considered. The risks associated with exposure to these compounds, among others, include increased cancer risk, decreased fertility, and effects on the immune system,” the study says.
Professor Leslie Petrik, the group leader of environmental and nano sciences at the University of the Western Cape’s chemistry department, and researcher Cecilia Ojemaye tested levels of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in the near-shore environment of False Bay.
“If you’re harvesting mussels off the rocks at Muizenberg, Hout Bay and Camps Bay, you will certainly get these toxins in [them]. And there are quite a few people who also harvest seaweed,” said Petrik
Voltaren found in False Bay wastewater treatment water
Study reveals how high concentrations of pharmaceutical products are ending up in False Bay’s marine environment
