Latest news with #HIV-ARVs
The South African
3 days ago
- Health
- The South African
'No health risk': Government assures after ARVs were found in water sources
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has assured the public that the presence of anti-retroviral (ARV) residues in drinking water poses no health risk and cannot result in HIV transmission. This comes as a study conducted by the North West University (NWU) found measurable levels of ARV residues in some of the country's water sources. The report by the NWU's Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management and the Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research, titled 'Quantification, Fate, and Hazard Assessment of HIV-ARVs in Water Resources', revealed that ARVs are entering the water supply primarily through municipal wastewater treatment systems. As per the study, the most detected ARVs included lopinavir and efavirenz, with concentrations at some sites far exceeding global norms. The study found that concentrations of ARVs in some water sources exceeded acceptable thresholds, posing potential long-term health risks to humans, and the team emphasised that the current wastewater treatment processes are inadequate for removing these bioactive compounds, highlighting the need for technological advancements. Higher concentrations of traces of ARVs were found downstream of wastewater treatment plants. This means that the municipal wastewater treatment works are not removing them, because most existing wastewater treatment works have not been designed to remove contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), the Department of Water and Sanitation, together with the Water Research Commission, said in a joint statement. Low concentrations of ARVs were found in some of the drinking water samples. There is a possibility that high concentrations of ARVs in sewage or municipal wastewater might reduce the effectiveness of the wastewater treatment works in removing bacteria from the wastewater. Further research is required in this regard. Following concerns, the Department of Water and Sanitation and the Water Research Commission have clarified that the presence of ARV residues in drinking water is harmless, 'although prolonged exposure to the broader population may lead to antimicrobial resistance, a subject of ongoing research. Pharmaceuticals such as ARVs are drugs used to treat diseases – they do not cause diseases. Therefore, the presence of traces of ARVs in the water will not result in people contracting HIV.' 'At present, there is limited knowledge of environmental toxicity, potential adverse effects on ecosystems, and viral resistance of these compounds. The study did not find any ARVs in fish.' According to DWS, the issue of contaminants of emerging concern in water not only affects South Africa but is a growing global problem and area of attention around the world. Globally, the level of CEC compounds in water is generally not yet regulated. This is partly due to their presence often being below water quality detection limits. However, due to their continuous production, lack of appropriate disposal, constant input into the environment and presence in water resources, albeit in small concentrations, there is now increasing global research into the issue. 'Traces of pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and other such CECs that have been found in water resources in South Africa are tiny quantities, measured in nanograms (one billionth of a gram). Conventional water and wastewater treatment technologies are designed to remove much larger contaminants, such as particles of faeces and bacteria,' the department added. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Study finds traces of ARVs in water
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has confirmed it will engage North West University (NWU) on a groundbreaking study that detected traces of anti-retroviral (ARV) medication in several local water sources. The report, titled 'Quantification, fate and hazard assessment of HIV-ARVs in water resources', was submitted to the Water Research Commission and compiled by NWU's Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management and the Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research. ALSO READ: Ekurhuleni ensures safe water amid Rand Water cuts Key concerns raised: • High levels of HIV drugs, especially lopinavir and efavirenz, were found downstream of wastewater treatment plants; • These concentrations exceed global safety norms; • The drugs likely originate from SA's large-scale HIV treatment programme, the world's largest. The study attributes the contamination to municipal wastewater systems, which were not designed to remove pharmaceutical compounds like ARVs. This failure results in untreated traces entering rivers and water bodies. The environmental risks highlighted the presence of ARVs in natural water sources, which pose hidden health and ecological risks, particularly to aquatic life and water treatment processes. The findings included: • Developmental damage in freshwater snails exposed to ARVs; • Disruption of bacteriophages, viruses that help regulate bacteria during wastewater treatment; • Increased risk of bacterial blooms, which reduce overall water quality. 'The consumption of any exogenous drug by an organism in sufficient quantity might interfere with metabolic regulation,' the report warns. ALSO READ: Water cuts alert: Ekurhuleni areas to face disruption from July 15 to 18 The DWS reiterated it will engage NWU, the Water Research Commission, and the Department of Health to assess the implications and recommend interventions. Meanwhile, the CoE recently reassured residents that tap water remains safe and compliant with health standards, even as Rand Water prepares to do essential infrastructure repairs until 07:00 on July 18. The key areas affected by temporary supply interruptions include Kempton Park, Germiston, Thembisa, Edenvale and Bedfordview. 'The safety and health of our residents remain our top priority,' the city said in a statement. 'Maintaining our Blue Drop standard – whether through piped supply or tankers – is non-negotiable.' Report concerns to the city's call centre on 0860 543 000. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
DWS to probe presence of ARVs in water after university study
DWS to probe presence of ARVs in water after university study The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) says it will engage the North West University (NWU) on the study findings of traces of anti-retroviral (ARV) medicines in water resources. 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 intervene 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 on Wednesday. – At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Government to act after traces of HIV meds found in SA water sources
Government to act after traces of HIV meds found in SA water sources The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has confirmed it will engage North West University (NWU) on a groundbreaking study that detected traces of anti-retroviral (ARV) medication in several local water sources. The report, titled 'Quantification, fate and hazard assessment of HIV-ARVs in water resources', was submitted to the Water Research Commission and compiled by NWU's Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management and the Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research. Key concerns raised: • High levels of HIV drugs, especially lopinavir and efavirenz, were found downstream of wastewater treatment plants; • These concentrations exceed global safety norms; • The drugs likely originate from SA's large-scale HIV treatment programme, the world's largest. ALSO READ: City invests R23m in Braamfisherville stormwater upgrade to improve safety The study attributes the contamination to municipal wastewater systems, which were not designed to remove pharmaceutical compounds like ARVs. This failure results in untreated traces entering rivers and water bodies. The environmental risks highlighted the presence of ARVs in natural water sources, which pose hidden health and ecological risks, particularly to aquatic life and water treatment processes. The findings included: • Developmental damage in freshwater snails exposed to ARVs; • Disruption of bacteriophages, viruses that help regulate bacteria during wastewater treatment; • Increased risk of bacterial blooms, which reduce overall water quality. 'The consumption of any exogenous drug by an organism in sufficient quantity might interfere with metabolic regulation,' the report warns. The DWS reiterated it will engage NWU, the Water Research Commission, and the Department of Health to assess the implications and recommend interventions. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
15-07-2025
- Health
- IOL News
A hidden threat: Dangerous levels of ARVs found in South Africa's water sources
Researchers from the North West University (NWU) have uncovered a startling discovery in South Africa's water resources. In a report titled: Quantification, fate, and hazard assessment of HIV-ARVs in water resources, the researchers uncovered crucial concentrations of ARVs in water sources, particularly downriver of wastewater treatment plants. Professors Suranie Horn, Rialet Pieters, Henk Bouwman, and Petra Bester were among those on the expert team in the groundbreaking study. The most often found ARVs were lopinavir and efavirenz, with concentrations at several places above worldwide standards. The study found severe implications on aquatic environments and wastewater management systems. Freshwater snails exposed to ARVs showed altered embryonic development, while bacteriophages, viruses that regulate microorganisms in wastewater treatment - were severely affected. Such interruptions might result in bacterial blooms and lowered water quality, the report claimed. "The department is still studying the report and will comment in due course," the media liaison for the Department of Water and Sanitation, Wisane Mavasa told IOL.
