A study found that sharks in The Bahamas are contaminated with pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs, highlighting the growing reach of chemical pollution in marine environments and the need for further investigation into its ecological impact.
by JESSICA A. BOTELHO | The National News DeskFILE - A white shark swims in Shark Alley near Dyer Island on July 8, 2010 in Gansbaai, South Africa. " Pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs are increasingly recognized as contaminants of emerging concern in marine environment s, particularly in areas undergoing rapid urbanization and tourism-driven development," according to researchers.
FILE - A white shark swims in Shark Alley near Dyer Island on July 8, 2010 in Gansbaai, South Africa. In the study, researchers analyzed 85 sharks around Eleuthera Island. They discovered that 28 of the sharks contained detectable levels of the following contaminants:The contaminants were found in three species, including Caribbean reef sharks , nurse sharks and lemon sharks , the study noted. "To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of caffeine and acetaminophen detected in any shark species worldwide, and the first report of diclofenac and cocaine in sharks from The Bahamas," according to researchers.Scientists said the findings highlight how pollutants commonly associated with human activity, including medications and recreational drugs, are making their way into ocean food webs. The substances can enter marine environments through wastewater discharge, runoff, and other forms of pollution. While the study did not detail immediate health effects on the sharks, researchers identified changes in metabolic markers in them. Sharks with CECs showed altered triglycerides, urea, and lactate levels, per the study. Researchers also noted that the presence of the compounds underscores the growing reach of chemical pollution and the need for further investigation into its ecological impact.The findings add to a growing body of research documenting contaminants in marine wildlife, with experts warning that persistent exposure could have long-term consequences for ocean ecosystems and species health.BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. — State environmental officials say a troubled Baldwin County development remains out of compliance, warning the developer could fTheodore man dies after single-vehicle crash According to ALEA, a single-vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 4:59 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, has claimed the life of a Theodore man. Donald L. Johnson,A father and son were allegedly banned from donating sperm after the pair fathered over 600 children total, which experts said could pose risks to the children.The Mobile Housing Authority has announced that the following Public Housing waiting lists will open to new applicants on Monday, March 30, 2026, at 9:00 am.The
Shark Pollution Pharmaceuticals Marine Environment Contaminants
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘Cocaine Sharks’ Found Near Tourist Hot SpotCurious sharks are reportedly biting into packs of the illicit stimulant.
Read more »
Cocaine, caffeine and painkillers consumed by sharks in Bahamas, study findsMarine biologists found detectable levels of caffeine, cocaine and the over-the-counter painkillers in the blood of 28 sharks.
Read more »
RX Border Defense: FDA Needs Stronger Measures to Block Contaminated Chinese PharmaceuticalsRX Border Defense highlights concerns over the FDA's ability to prevent contaminated pharmaceuticals from entering the U.S. from China, emphasizing the CCP's control over drug manufacturing and the presence of contaminants in critical medications.
Read more »
Traces of drugs, including cocaine, found in some shark species: studyA new study published in the journal Environmental Pollution found traces of pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs in several shark species.
Read more »
Pharmaceuticals and Illicit Drugs Found in Bahamian SharksA new study reveals the presence of pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs, including caffeine, acetaminophen, diclofenac, and cocaine, in sharks off the coast of Eleuthera Island in The Bahamas. The findings highlight the pervasive impact of chemical pollution on marine ecosystems and the potential for these contaminants to affect the health of sharks. Researchers analyzed 85 sharks and found detectable levels of these substances in three species. While the study did not detail immediate health effects, it identified changes in metabolic markers in affected sharks.
Read more »
Pharmaceuticals and Drugs Detected in Sharks: A Growing Environmental ConcernA new study reveals the presence of pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs in sharks near Eleuthera Island, Bahamas, highlighting the impact of chemical pollution on marine ecosystems. Researchers found contaminants like caffeine, acetaminophen, diclofenac, and cocaine in three shark species, indicating the entry of these substances into ocean food webs through various pollution sources. The study also observed changes in metabolic markers in affected sharks, raising concerns about their long-term health and the broader ecological consequences.
Read more »