Madrid's Manzanares River is Europe's most polluted river

A recent study has identified the Manzanares River in Madrid as the most polluted river in Europe. The river contains harmful substances, including paracetamol and caffeine, posing serious health risks to both humans and the environment. The University of York conducted the research, analyzing 258 rivers worldwide. The study found that over 25% of these rivers had pollution levels that could be toxic to aquatic life. The Manzanares is crucial to Madrid's urban ecosystem, making its contamination a major concern for the city. Dr. John Wilkinson led the investigation, which sampled water from 1,052 locations across 104 countries. The goal was to track 61 different pharmaceuticals, including common medications like antibiotics and antidepressants. The findings revealed that 25.7% of rivers contained harmful substances in amounts above safe levels. This pharmaceutical pollution can disrupt the biology of aquatic organisms, affecting their reproduction and survival. Additionally, antibiotic contamination may lead to the rise of resistant bacteria, posing a threat to global public health. The problem is not limited to Europe. The study showed that rivers in Africa, Asia, and Latin America also face similar or higher contamination levels. The most polluted samples came from countries like Ethiopia and Pakistan. The researchers stress the need for better technology and treatment methods to reduce the pollution of rivers. Maintaining clean waterways is essential for protecting both the environment and public health.