Salmon exposed to cocaine swim almost twice as far, study shows
Summary
A study found that wild Atlantic salmon exposed to cocaine and its by-product in waterways swim nearly twice as far as those not exposed. Researchers warn that drugs like cocaine and other pharmaceuticals in water pose growing risks to wildlife and biodiversity.Key Facts
- Scientists from Australia and Sweden studied 105 wild salmon in Sweden’s Lake Vattern.
- Salmon exposed to cocaine traveled 1.9 times farther per week than unexposed salmon.
- Salmon exposed to benzoylecgonine, a cocaine by-product, swam 7.6 miles farther per week.
- The presence of drugs in waterways is increasing worldwide due to human use and poor wastewater treatment.
- Cocaine and other drugs, including caffeine and painkillers, have been found in wild sharks in different parts of the world.
- Researchers stress the need to improve wastewater treatment and monitor drug pollution in natural habitats.
- Drug pollution can alter animal behavior and threatens biodiversity.
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