2024-07-24 19:35:00
Brazilian Sharpnose Sharks (Rhizoprionodon lalandii) contaminated with cocaine were found on the coast of Rio de Janeiro. As reported by Techworldthe discovery was reported in a study and published in the journal Science of The Total Environment. The level is 100 times higher compared to any other marine animal.
Cocaine is generally found in marine ecosystems around the world. Sewage systems are responsible for the drug reaching the sea after it is discarded from clandestine laboratories in an attempt to evade arrest, and they also leave residues of the compound.
To give you an idea, traces of cocaine appeared in sewage systems in 37 countries between 2011 and 2017. In addition to sharks, the drug also contaminates other marine animals such as crustaceans, bony fish and mollusks. According to Dr. Rachel Ann Hauser-Davis, co-author of the study and scientist at the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation:
Considering the psychotropic effects of drugs of abuse in vertebrates, behavioral changes may occur that, although sublethal, may impact the survival of the species in ways that are still unexplored.
Contamination, in turn, can cause sharks to have their hunting abilities altered, as well as reduce their life expectancy. Likewise, they can have their vision impaired after being exposed to the drug and even their DNA can be altered with chronic exposure to such high levels.
Researchers still need to do more in-depth research to better understand the effects of cocaine on the oceans. This first study was done with 13 species of “rola-rola shark”, normally sold by local fishermen.
See too: the discovery of a source of energy and oxygen at the bottom of the sea and the announcement of the 7th possible case of a cure for HIV.
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