
NWU finds ARVs in South Africa water sources, sparking govt probe
The research was conducted by the NWU's Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management and the Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research.
It found that ARVs appear to be entering water resources through municipal wastewater treatment systems, which were usually not designed to remove such chemicals.
The report titled Quantification, fate, and hazard assessment of HIV-ARVs in water resources, revealed significant concentrations of ARVs in water sources, particularly downstream of wastewater treatment plants.
The drugs most frequently detected were lopinavir and efavirenz, with concentrations at some sites far exceeding global norms.
According to the study, this is attributed to South Africa's large-scale HIV treatment programme, the most extensive of its kind worldwide.
The research highlighted alarming effects on aquatic ecosystems and wastewater management systems.
Freshwater snails exposed to ARVs exhibited altered embryonic development, while bacteriophages – viruses critical to controlling bacteria in wastewater treatment – were significantly impacted.
'Such disruptions could lead to bacterial bloom and reduced water quality. The consumption of any type of exogenous drug by any organism in sufficient quantities may interfere with the regulation of metabolic systems and bring about adverse effects. The presence of antiretrovirals in water can be considered a hidden or latent risk," the report noted.
The report was submitted to the Water Research Commission (WRC).
The DWS said it will engage the university on its findings and potential impacts.
'This will be done in conjunction with the Water Research Commission and the Department of Health,' the department said in a statement.
All rights reserved. © 2022. Bizcommunity.com Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Zawya
14 hours ago
- Zawya
RCSI Medical University of Bahrain unveils state-of-the-art sewage water treatment plant
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) - Medical University of Bahrain is proud to announce the installation of its new Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) Sewage Treatment Plant, marking a significant milestone in the University's commitment to sustainability and innovative environmental solutions. This advanced, high-capacity facility has been designed to transform wastewater into reusable water, thereby significantly reducing the University's environmental footprint. The MBR Sewage Treatment Plant is capable of processing up to 150 cubic metres (150,000 litres) per day — equivalent to 55,000 cubic metres annually — ensuring it can meet the needs of the campus both now and into the future. The system has been purpose-built to accommodate the anticipated demands of the University's growth, including the forthcoming New Academic Building, by managing future wastewater requirements sustainably. The treated water is efficiently recycled and repurposed specifically for landscape irrigation, conserving potable water resources and supporting the University's green campus initiatives. Underscoring RCSI Medical University of Bahrain's drive to minimise its carbon impact, the new plant operates predominantly on renewable energy from the campus solar farm, as it is fully integrated with the University's solar-powered electricity grid. This synergy between clean energy and water conservation exemplifies the University's holistic approach to environmental stewardship. Mr Stephen Harrison-Mirfield, Managing Director of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, commented: " At RCSI Medical University Bahrain, sustainability is a guiding principle of our operations. This new sewage treatment plant is the latest infrastructure investment for the future of our campus, which reflects our commitment to environmental sustainability and our responsibility toward the wider community. We are proud to deliver innovative solutions that reduce our ecological footprint while supporting the University's continued growth." RCSI Medical University of Bahrain continues to place sustainability and innovation at the heart of its operational strategy, contributing to a greener future for the Kingdom of Bahrain in line with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal, as well as inspiring our students, staff and the wider community to prioritise environmental responsibility. About RCSI Medical University of Bahrain RCSI Medical University of Bahrain is a constituent university of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), which was established in Dublin, Ireland, in 1784. RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, an independent private university, opened its doors to a cohort of 28 medical students in 2004. Today, the purpose-built campus is home to a student body of more than 1,600 across the Schools of Medicine, Nursing and Midwifery and Postgraduate Studies and Research. It is a not-for-profit health sciences institution focused on education and research to drive positive change in all areas of human health worldwide. For more information, please visit

Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
Orotta College of Medicine and Health Sciences Graduates 391 Students
Orotta College of Medicine and Health Sciences, in its 4th commencement, today conferred postgraduate, first degree, and diploma qualifications to 391 graduates, including 55% female students. Postgraduate programs included fields such as Clinical Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Surgery, Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics and Child Health. Fields of study for first degree and diploma programs included Doctor of Medicine, Pharmacy, Pharmacy Technician, Clinical Laboratory Science, Medical Laboratory, Dental Technology, Radiology, Adult Health Nursing, Anesthesia, Emergency and Critical Care, Midwifery, Ophthalmic Nursing, Comprehensive Nursing, and Environmental Health. Dr. Yemane Seium, Dean of the College, stated that the graduates will significantly contribute to reducing medical training costs, improving the quality of care provided to the public, and addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals in the country. Dr. Yemane also noted that academic activities at the college are conducted by 90 faculty members, 70 Eritrean and 20 foreign professionals. He added that during the current academic year, 12 faculty members of Orotta College of Medicine and Health Science are pursuing postgraduate studies inside the country and abroad. In her keynote address, Ms. Amina Nurhussein, Minister of Health, emphasized that the encouraging progress in the health sector is the result of the Government's substantial investment across all sectors. She called on the graduates to actively contribute to realizing the roadmap of the national health sector. A representative of the graduates highlighted the growing role of youth professionals in advancing national healthcare services and affirmed their readiness to serve the public with dedication. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Zawya
2 days ago
- Zawya
Women and girls of African descent: Celebrating contributions, recognising challenges
This Friday marks the first observation of the International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent, following a declaration last year by the UN General Assembly. It recognises their immense contributions to society, but also acknowledges the challenges they face due to the double burden of racism and sexism. Although woman and girls of African descent embody strength, resilience and untapped potential, they remain among the most marginalised groups globally due to the intersection of racial, gender and socioeconomic discrimination. For example, they suffer alarming maternal mortality rates, according to the UN's reproductive health agency, UNFPA. Oftentimes, cases are not related to income or education, but rather to racism and structural inequality stemming from a legacy of slavery and colonialism. 'The good news is these things are not irreversible,' Patricia DaSilva, a senior programme adviser with the agency told UN News. 'We can fix them. We have the solutions for many of the problems that we are facing in terms of maternal health for women and girls of African descent.' Data and solutions UNFPA advocates for stronger health systems and investment in midwifery programmes, culturally sensitive training for healthcare providers and improvements in data collection. The agency also invests in partnerships such as an initiative in the Pacific region of Colombia, home to large communities of people of African descent. 'We have worked with the traditional midwives for them to integrate ancestral knowledge with modern health practices. This includes supporting accurate birth registration,' she said. 'It sounds like a really simple thing, but when you are in a remote community without access to technology, without access to administrative offices, it becomes this really, really important issue.' Agents of change Ms. DaSilva upheld the theme for the International Day, which focuses on women and girls of African descent as leaders, not just beneficiaries. 'I think it is important that the international community, the global community, understands that women and girls of African descent are not recipients of aid. They are leaders. They are innovators. They are agents of change,' she said. 'We have an opportunity and even an obligation and a responsibility to support the efforts to resource their solutions, to elevate their voices and continue to really double our efforts to dismantle the structural barriers that continue to impede their progress.' The first celebration of the International Day coincides with the start of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent, which runs through 2034. The aim is to take concrete actions to confront the legacies of enslavement and colonialism, deliver reparatory justice, and secure the full human rights and freedoms of people from the African diaspora worldwide, building on the previous Decade, which ended last year. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.