A 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.
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 environments, 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.Passengers on a Delta Air Lines flight departing Salt Lake City said their plane was held on the tarmac for nearly an hour to wait for a late-arriving passengerA suspect was killed in an officer-involved shooting near4500 South on northbound I-15.The shooting involved a Utah Highway Patrol trooper, who jumped out of hSeven people were injured, and a child was killed, after Ogden police said a 14-year-old driver fled from officers in Weber County.Officials with the Ogden CityA confrontation on Interstate 15 turned deadly after a Utah Highway Patrol trooper said a driver rear-ended him and then threatened him with a knife.The fatal eBangerter Highway will be closed in West Jordan over the weekend.The highway will close from 9000 South to 7800 South starting at 7 a.m. on Saturday, March 28,
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