Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain
As crowds gather at rivers and streams during Labor Day weekend, they are not just enjoying a refreshing dip, but also inadvertently introducing various substances and organisms into the water, as revealed by a recent study from Johns Hopkins University.
This groundbreaking research, featured in ACS ES&T Water, offers a comprehensive look at the impact of recreational activities on water bodies. It sheds light on the diverse chemicals and compounds that individuals bring into their favorite swimming spots during peak times.
“Residues from sunscreens, shampoos, and other household products can easily wash off into the water, affecting not only you but also those around you,” explained Carsten Prasse, the lead author and an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins specializing in environmental health and engineering. “Swimmers are exposed to a mix of chemicals based on the choices of their fellow water enthusiasts, creating a unique ‘soup’ of substances.”
During Labor Day weekend in 2022, Prasse and his team collected water samples from Clear Creek, a popular tubing destination in Golden, Colorado. Samples were taken from an upstream location and a downstream area where people typically exit the water.
Through advanced analytical techniques, the researchers detected traces of pharmaceuticals like lidocaine and acetaminophen, as well as chemicals from cleaning products, personal care items, and pet care supplies. Additionally, compounds from sunscreens and plastics were found in samples from the downstream recreational zone, along with human gut microbes.
Fortunately, water samples taken two days after Labor Day showed that the creek had returned to its original state, indicating a temporary impact from the holiday weekend activities.
2024-08-29 07:15:04
Original article available at phys.org