Every day, unknowingly, we contribute to a form of pollution that is silently transforming the ecological balance and threatening human health: emerging contaminants in drinking water.
These are chemical compounds present in medications, cosmetics, cleaning products, pesticides, and plastics, which end up in bodies of water through drainage, agriculture, or industry.
Although these contaminants are present in minimal concentrations, their effect is profound.
Traditional wastewater treatment plants are not equipped to completely remove them, allowing them to accumulate in rivers, lakes, aquifers, and even in drinking water.
Biological effects and risks of contaminants in drinking water
Contaminants in drinking water.
Many of these compounds act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with the hormonal system.
According to a recent article by Dr. Jürgen Mahlknecht, leader of the Research Core in Climate and Sustainability at the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education and professor at the School of Engineering and Sciences, there are highly harmful substances.
Bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, parabens, and certain antibiotics are linked to neurological, immunological, and reproductive problems.
Studies have associated BPA with fetal development alterations, thyroid disorders, obesity, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. Phthalates, found in plastics and cosmetics, are associated with genetic malformations, early puberty, and lower IQ in children.
In animals, these contaminants alter the reproduction of aquatic species, directly affecting biodiversity.
The case of Mexico and other regions of the world
Research in Mexico detected, according to the article, up to 23 active pharmaceuticals in groundwater in the Valle del Mezquital, as well as alarming levels of triclosan, EE2, and BPA in bodies of water such as the canals of Xochimilco and the Apatlaco River.
Water pollution.
On a global scale, contaminants such as diclofenac have been found in groundwater in India, revealing the seriousness of this global phenomenon.
Microplastics are another emerging threat. These particles, smaller than 5 mm, have been found in human blood, breast milk, and even in placentas.
They can transport heavy metals and other toxins, causing inflammation, cellular damage, and oxidative stress, increasing the risk of chronic diseases.
The threat of resistant bacteria
Emerging contaminants also favor the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, exacerbating the antimicrobial resistance crisis.
The WHO warns that it could cause up to 10 million deaths annually by 2050 if urgent measures are not taken.
Solutions and necessary actions
Faced with this scenario, an urgent multisectoral response is required:
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Improve water treatment systems, incorporating advanced technologies.
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Update environmental legislation, including these contaminants in regulatory frameworks.
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Promote responsible consumption, avoiding disposing of medications down the toilet and reducing the use of plastics and cosmetics with toxic compounds.
