Alarming Study Shows Pharmaceutical Waste Seeping Into Gulf of Eilat

A recently published study published in the journal Environmental Pollution by researchers at Tel Aviv University and the Steinhardt Museum of Natural History shows that trace elements of 10 common medications could be detected in the coral reefs in waters near the southern Israeli resort city of Eilat. The medications included different types of antibiotics, blood pressure medications, antiplatelet agents, calcium channel blockers, laxatives, proton pump inhibitors, statins, and antidepressants.

"In this first-of-its-kind study, we conducted a large-scale investigation for detection of pharmaceuticals in corals," said Prof. Noa Shenkar of TAU's School of Zoology, who led the research team. "What does the presence of pharmaceuticals in corals actually mean? Clearly, the corals did not receive a prescription for antibiotics from their doctor. These medications are taken by humans to affect a certain receptor or biological pathway, and they can also impact other organisms.

"Previous studies, conducted by both our lab and others, have revealed many examples of this negative impact: estrogen from birth control contraceptive pills induces female features in male fish, impairing reproduction in certain species; Prozac makes some crabs aggressive and reckless; and antidepressants damage the memory and learning abilities of squids.

"Clearly these medications save lives, and we have no intention of requesting people to reduce their use," says Prof. Shenkar. "However, we must develop new sewage treatment methods that can effectively handle pharmaceutical compounds. Also, each of us must dispose of old medications in ways that do not harm the environment. Ultimately, these drugs come back to us. I know people who avoid medications, but when they eat a fish, they might unknowingly consume a 'cocktail' of drug residues absorbed by the fish from the marine environment."