Swimming dogs blamed for 'harmful chemical' found in Norfolk river
New research has found a modern pesticide commonly found in anti-flea treatment in the River Wensum
Dogs swimming in the water are being blamed for increased levels of what's being called a 'harmful chemical' at a river in Norfolk.
New research shows that modern pesticides used in agriculture and veterinary medicines have been found for the first time in English rivers.
The River Wensum in Norwich was tested, as well as the River Tone in Taunton, Somerset, by experts from the British Geological Society, who've published their findings today.
The Society said "The data generated by the study represents one of the most comprehensive assessments of pesticides in any English river catchment to date and is widely applicable to other river catchments across the UK."
"Water, sediments, fish and invertebrates were collected along the two rivers and analysed for 52 pesticides. The study, undertaken by BGS in collaboration with the University of Nottingham, found that the veterinary pesticide fipronil was measured at high concentrations. Fipronil is commonly used by vets as an anti-flea treatment for dogs and likely gets into our rivers by dogs accessing these waterways. In addition, propiconazole (a systemic fungicide commonly used in agriculture) was found at elevated concentrations in sediments from the rivers Tone and Wensum."
"Neonicotinoids, a group of neuro-active insecticides, are used in agriculture to help prevent crops from being eaten by pests and were found in both of the rivers. At one-third of the sites sampled, the level of neonicotinoids exceeded the chronic threshold for aquatic invertebrates, meaning they will be affecting the health of these organisms."
The BGS say they'll continue to monitor pesticide levels at these sites over the next few years, with further investigations needed to assess what effects the pesticides have on our rivers.
Christopher Vane, head of BGS Organic Geochemistry said "Modern chemical pesticides have positive applications, such as veterinary medicines helping prevent fleas in domestic pets and in UK agriculture where herbicides, insecticides and fungicides can help prevent food shortages by protecting crops from various pests."
"However, our research has highlighted that these pesticides are now present in English rivers and could potentially pose threats to the local wildlife. To help mitigate the risk to ecosystem health, additional protective measures are needed to promote more environmentally sustainable practices, alongside the introduction of stricter regulation around the most high-risk pesticides to help protect our rivers from further impact."