Close

Rainstorms Reveal Hidden Drug Contaminants In NYC Waterways

Subscribe

- Never miss a story with notifications

- Gain full access to our premium content

- Browse free from any location or device.

Media Packs

Expand Your Reach With Our Customized Solutions Empowering Your Campaigns To Maximize Your Reach & Drive Real Results!

– Access the Media Pack Now

– Book a Conference Call

– Leave Message for Us to Get Back

Related stories

Tjoapack Expands Injectable Packaging Capabilities Globally

Increased Capabilities in the United States Tjoapack is finishing up...

API China, PHARMCHINA & NHNE 2025 Conclude with Global Win

API China, PHARMCHINA & NHNE 2025 Close in Guangzhou...

Under-Eye Wrinkle Treatment: How to Reduce Puffiness and Fine Lines

As we age, the skin around our eyes begins...

In the US, nearly 100 million individuals are prescribed medications like metoprolol and atenolol to lower their blood pressure. Unintentionally, some of these drugs are finding their way into US waterways. Recent research highlights that pharmaceuticals, recreational drugs, and their byproducts are present in the Hudson and East Rivers in New York City after heavy rains, suggesting this issue may be widespread.

Human bodies do not fully metabolize many drugs, leading to their excretion in urine. This urine typically flows to wastewater treatment plants, which vary in how effectively they remove drug contaminants. Marta Concheiro-Guisan, a forensic toxicologist at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice and one of the study’s authors, explains that New York City and other major US cities use outdated combined wastewater and stormwater systems. During heavy rainfall, these systems can overflow, sending untreated, drug-laden waste directly into rivers. Modern sewer systems, which separate wastewater and stormwater, avoid such overflows.

Blood pressure medications were detected at the highest concentrations, but other drugs, including the antidepressant fluoxetine and the antibiotic sulfamethoxazole, were also found. Recreational drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, methadone, and fentanyl, along with their byproducts, were present as well. These substances were detected at levels ranging from 0.5 ng/L to about 100 ng/L. Scientists refer to these concentrations as micropollutants, though there is no US policy officially defining them.

The impact of these drug micropollutants on people and the environment remains unclear. Lloyd Wilson, an environmental toxicologist at the University at Albany, notes that more data is needed to understand potential consequences. He believes that, generally, the detected levels do not pose a significant human health risk but emphasizes that ongoing contaminant monitoring is essential to track their effects.

Latest stories

Related stories

Tjoapack Expands Injectable Packaging Capabilities Globally

Increased Capabilities in the United States Tjoapack is finishing up...

API China, PHARMCHINA & NHNE 2025 Conclude with Global Win

API China, PHARMCHINA & NHNE 2025 Close in Guangzhou...

Under-Eye Wrinkle Treatment: How to Reduce Puffiness and Fine Lines

As we age, the skin around our eyes begins...

Subscribe

- Never miss a story with notifications

- Gain full access to our premium content

- Browse free from any location or device.

Media Packs

Expand Your Reach With Our Customized Solutions Empowering Your Campaigns To Maximize Your Reach & Drive Real Results!

– Access the Media Pack Now

– Book a Conference Call

– Leave Message for Us to Get Back