A hidden threat: Dangerous levels of ARVs found in South Africa's water sources
Researchers from the North West University (NWU) have uncovered a startling discovery in South Africa’s water resources.
In a report titled: Quantification, fate, and hazard assessment of HIV-ARVs in water resources, the researchers uncovered crucial concentrations of ARVs in water sources, particularly downriver of wastewater treatment plants.
Professors Suranie Horn, Rialet Pieters, Henk Bouwman, and Petra Bester were among those on the expert team in the groundbreaking study.
The most often found ARVs were lopinavir and efavirenz, with concentrations at several places above worldwide standards.
The study found severe implications on aquatic environments and wastewater management systems. Freshwater snails exposed to ARVs showed altered embryonic development, while bacteriophages, viruses that regulate microorganisms in wastewater treatment – were severely affected.
Such interruptions might result in bacterial blooms and lowered water quality, the report claimed.
“The department is still studying the report and will comment in due course,” the media liaison for the Department of Water and Sanitation, Wisane Mavasa told IOL.
The ingestion of any form of external medicine in sufficient quantities by any organism may interfere with the control of metabolic processes, resulting in harmful consequences, the study said.
“The presence of ARVs in water can be considered a hidden or latent risk. Humans are also exposed to these compounds via drinking water, and at concentrations exceeding calculated hazard quotients.
“Although not found in this study, humans and other organisms may potentially ingest antiretrovirals and their breakdown products via aquatic organisms such as fish,” the study read.
The report was handed over to the Water Research Commission (WRC). The following recommendations were made:
- Creating regulatory criteria for ARV concentrations in water.
- Enhancing wastewater treatment methods.
- Performing further research to understand the long-term environmental and human health implications of these medications.
“By documenting the unintended impacts of ARV treatments, the team has provided critical insights to policymakers and environmental scientists. Their work underscores the importance of balancing the need for widespread HIV treatment programmes with the necessity of protecting South Africa’s water resources and ecosystems,” noted the study.
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