New Study Finds Pharmaceuticals, Pesticides and Heavy Metals Contaminating False Bay Waters
- Researchers from UCT have found a concerning mix of compounds in the water of False Bay
- Drugs, along with herbicides and metals, were detected across 19 sampling stations in the bay
- While current contamination levels do not appear to be causing immediate ecological damage, researchers warn about long-term exposure effects
- Briefly News spoke to health expert Jayshri Rangasamy on the potential health risks of pharmaceutical compounds, herbicides and metals being detected in the waters of False Bay
Source: Getty Images
WESTERN CAPE, CAPE TOWN - A study published in the Marine Pollution Bulletin has found that False Bay is carrying a complex mix of pharmaceutical residues, pesticides, and heavy metals in both its water and seabed sediments.
The research, led by Dr Buyani Mazeka from UCT's Department of Biological Sciences, investigated contamination across 19 points in the bay.
They found that pollution linked to urban development, wastewater discharge, and harbour activity has worked its way into the marine environment in ways that are only now being properly documented.
What was found in the water
Researchers detected pharmaceutical compounds including acetaminophen, commonly known as paracetamol, as well as carbamazepine, an epilepsy medication, and diclofenac, a widely used anti-inflammatory drug.
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Two herbicides, atrazine and metolachlor, were also found in both the seawater and the sediments. The study found that contamination levels were much higher in the seabed sediments than in the water itself.
This suggested that the ocean floor is acting as a long-term trap for pollutants entering the bay. The northeastern part of the bay near Gordon's Bay recorded the highest contamination in the water, while the Muizenberg area showed the highest levels in sediments.
Heavy metals, including copper, iron, manganese, lead, and zinc, were also measured in the sediments.
There were elevated readings in areas linked to urban runoff, wastewater systems, and maritime activity. Gordon's Bay again showed much higher metal concentrations, which researchers connected to vessel maintenance operations and land-based pollution sources in the area.
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Is the contamination a cause for concern?
The researchers were careful to put the findings in context. Despite the widespread presence of these contaminants, the study found little sign that current levels are causing immediate harm to marine ecosystems.
Environmental risk assessments showed that contamination remained below internationally recognised thresholds, metal levels were below the point associated with biological harm, and communities of organisms living in and on the seafloor appeared healthy and diverse across most of the sampling sites.
However, the researchers did mention that even though there's no visible damage now, it doesn't mean the situation is fine.
The study is the first of its kind on the African continent and among the first in the Southern Hemisphere. Ongoing monitoring and more contaminant testing will help get a clearer picture of the long-term risks.
Speaking to Briefly News writer Nerissa Naidoo, health expert Jayshri Rangasamy discussed the possible impact on public health:
"While occasional exposure is unlikely to cause immediate harm, long-term exposure to contaminated water could become a concern. The biggest risks depend on the type and concentration of the substances, which is why continued monitoring and action to reduce pollution are so important."
Briefly News also asked whether children are more vulnerable to these types of contaminants. Jayshri Rangasamy explained:
"Children are generally more sensitive to environmental pollutants because they are still growing and developing. That's why it's important to limit unnecessary exposure and ensure water quality is regularly tested and kept as safe as possible for everyone."
Source: Getty Images
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Source: Briefly News
Nerissa Naidoo (Human Interest Editor) Nerissa Naidoo is a writer and editor with seven years of experience. Currently, she is a human interest writer at Briefly News and joined the publication in 2024. She began her career contributing to Morning Lazziness and later joined Featherpen.org. As a TUW ghostwriter, she focused on non-fiction, while her editorial roles at National Today and Entail.ai honed her skills in content accuracy and expert-driven editing. You can reach her at nerissa.naidoo@briefly.co.za
Jayshri Rangasamy (Medical Scientist - Pharmacologist - Clinical Team Lead) Jayshri Rangasamy, Fortrea's Clinical Operations Delivery Leader, oversees the company's Clinical Team. She has extensive experience in both infectious diseases (tuberculosis, Ebola, COVID-19) and non-infectious diseases (cardiovascular, endocrinology, and gastroenterology), as well as oncology (lung cancer, hematologic malignancies). Rangasamy, who holds a MS and BS in Pharmacology and Human Physiology from the University of Pretoria, is an advocate for empathetic leadership. She's also a certified Latin and ballroom dancer.
