- Scientists have detected traces of cocaine, caffeine, and painkillers in sharks inhabiting waters around the Bahamas, highlighting emerging pollution risks.
- The study, published in Environmental Pollution, marks the first time cocaine and diclofenac were found in Bahamian sharks, and caffeine and acetaminophen in any shark species globally.
- Out of 85 sharks captured for the research, 28 from species including Caribbean Reef, Atlantic Nurse, and Lemon sharks, showed detectable levels of these substances.
- Researchers observed altered metabolic markers in sharks with contaminated blood, linking diclofenac to kidney disease and cocaine/caffeine to hyperglycemia.
- Human waste, such as sewage dumping and discarded drug packets, has been suggested by scientists as potential sources of this marine contamination.
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