For several years, researchers have detected traces of substances in lakes, rivers, and marine environments.
According to the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences cited by Forskning.se, some chemical compounds pass through wastewater treatment plants and end up in nature.
These substances can be absorbed by animals living in the water. Substances that affect the brain, in particular, can have an impact even in very small amounts.
Pollution is not only about traditional environmental toxins, but also about newer types of chemicals resulting from human activity.
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The ecosystem
Animal movement is crucial to survival. It is used to find food, avoid predators, and locate suitable habitats.
If behavior changes, it can affect the entire ecosystem.
For example, it may alter the balance between predators and prey or disrupt how fish are distributed within an area.
Researchers therefore emphasize the need for improved monitoring of these substances and their impact on the environment.
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New research findings
A new study from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, published in Current Biology, examined young salmon in Lake Vättern.
The fish were exposed to small amounts of substances derived from cocaine.
The results show that the fish swam longer distances and moved across larger areas than usual.
In particular, a breakdown product, benzoylecgonine, had a significant effect.
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Cocaine residues in water can alter fish behavior, demonstrating that this type of pollution is also an environmental issue.
Sources: Forskning.se, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Current Biology.
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