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Crustaceans and molluscs to study the effects of pharmaceutical water pollution on the
ocean
LOCATION:
LOCATION: Puerto Real (Cádiz)
DURATION
DURATION:
TION: 1’30’’
SUMMARY:
SUMMARY: This research is being conducted by researchers from the Andalusian Centre for
Marine Science and Technology and has been financially supported by the Andalusian
Government and the European Union. Drugs get to marine environments through waste water
because the human body excretes drug particles which can’t be cleared in water treatment
plants. The effects of these substances on the environment are still unknown. These researchers
are studying them analysing the tissue of species such as sea urchins, Manila clams and green
crabs which are used as bioindicators to measure the quality of water. In addition, they advise
the use of microalgae in water treatment to eliminate pharmaceutical waste.
VTR:
VTR:
Researchers from the University of Cádiz study the presence and effects of pharmaceutical water
pollution on marine environments.
GABRIELA AGUIRRE
Researcher at the University of
Cádiz
“They are a problem because these products are continuously discharged
into the sea.”
But how do they get there? Through waste water. The human body excretes drug particles which
can’t be cleared in water treatment plants so they end up in the sea and rivers. Antibiotics, pain
killers, stimulants…
LAURA MARTÍN
Head researcher
“Paracetamol, ibuprofen during flu season. Carbamazepine is a drug
which can raise neurotoxicity levels.”
GABRIELA AGUIRRE
Researcher at the University of
Cádiz
“There are currently more questions than answers about the effects of
these drugs.”
With the financial support of the Andalusian Government and the European Union, they look for
answers in this Andalusian Centre for Marine Science and Technology. They analyse certain
marine species such as Manila clams or the European green crab, and use them as bioindicators
of the quality of water.
GABRIELA AGUIRRE
Researcher at the University of
Cádiz
“Any contaminant can be detected by the analysis of these
species.”
In addition, they study how to improve waste water treatment.
LAURA MARTÍN
Head researcher
“Trying different methods to purify waste water and checking the
results, using microalgae and advanced oxidation processes.”
To eliminate drugs that can heal us but also damage the ocean.
For more information or support please call +34 662 369 820 or email [email protected]