Scientists have found cocaine in freshwater shrimps across Suffolk when testing rivers for chemicals, a new study has shown.
King’s College London researchers in collaboration with the University of Sussex, found cocaine tested positive in all samples taken from 15 different locations across the county.
Other illicit drugs such as ketamine, pesticides and pharmaceuticals were also widespread in the shrimp that was collected.
Researchers said the results were "surprising".
Professor Nic Bury of the University of Suffolk said: “Whether the presence of cocaine in aquatic animals is an issue for Suffolk or more widespread an occurrence in the UK and abroad, awaits further research.
“Environmental health has attracted much attention from the public due to challenges associated with climate change and microplastic pollution.
“However, the impact of ‘invisible’ chemical pollution (such as drugs) on wildlife health needs more focus in the UK.”
The study, which was published in Environment International, found a total of 50 chemicals in Suffolk’s waterways.
The volume of these chemicals were too low to pose a risk to humans but could pose a risk to the wildlife, according to the report.
One of the authors, Leon Barron, of King’s College London said: “Such a regular occurrence of cocaine in aquatic animals was surprising.
“We might expect to see these in urban areas such as London but not in smaller and more rural catchments.
"The presence of pesticides which have long been banned in the UK also poses a particular challenge as the sources of these remain unclear."
His colleague, Thomas Miller, added: “Although concentrations were low, we were able to identify chemicals that might be of concern to the environment and crucially, which might pose a risk to wildlife.”
