Rivers help chart London’s pandemic health.
Rivers help chart London’s pandemic health
A study by Imperial College London has revealed that contamination of London’s rivers by common medications decreased during the first Covid lockdown. The study found nearly 100 “contaminants of emerging concern” in the city’s waterways, including antibiotics and antidepressants. Traces of pollutants in the River Thames significantly decreased in 2020, possibly due to reduced travel into the capital. However, contamination increased again in 2021 after Covid restrictions were lifted. The study highlights the link between public health, movement of people, and the health of London’s rivers.
Impact of Covid lockdown on river contamination
During the first Covid lockdown, the contamination of London’s rivers by common medications decreased, As seen in the coverage by a study by Imperial College London. The study identified nearly 100 “contaminants of emerging concern” in the city’s waterways, including antibiotics and antidepressants. Traces of certain pollutants in the River Thames significantly decreased in 2020, which researchers attribute to lower numbers of people traveling into the capital. This highlights the connection between public health, reduced movement, and the health of London’s rivers.
Concerns over increased contamination
After Covid restrictions were lifted, contamination of London’s rivers increased significantly, As seen in the coverage by a study by Imperial College London. The study found greater concentrations of antibiotics, anti-anxiety, and antidepressant medications in the city’s waterways. The researchers suggest that the increase in contamination is linked to the resumption of travel and the higher usage of medications. The findings highlight the impact of public health measures on the health of London’s rivers and the need for continued monitoring and regulation of water quality.
