Buzz
It turns out that becoming part of a shrimp scampi or cocktail isn't the only danger for these crustaceans anymore. Unwillingly, England's freshwater shrimp are battling a drug dependency. A recent study has shown that shrimp found in rural Suffolk waters are regularly testing positive for cocaine and various other banned substances.
Researchers from King’s College London and the University of Suffolk published the paper in the journal *Environment International*, after sampling water from 15 locations across five river catchments in Suffolk. In the shrimp, they discovered traces of cocaine and ketamine, as well as pesticides and other micro-pollutants. They also identified lidocaine, a local anesthetic often used as a cocaine adulterant.
While the levels are low, researchers note that further studies are needed to determine the potential harm to these tiny 'Tony Montanas.' The findings raise the intriguing question of how shrimp are testing positive for illicit drugs. When humans consume drugs, their urine often contains trace metabolites that end up in the wastewater system. One hypothesis is that nearby wastewater plants are discharging contaminated waste into the Suffolk rivers, although their filtration systems are designed to prevent such substances from passing through. Sewer overflow or faulty system connections might also be contributing factors.
While the shrimp seem unaffected, not all animals share the same fate. A study in the UK found that cocaine can accumulate in the brains, muscles, skin, and gills of eels, causing swelling and disrupting hormones, which can interfere with their migrations and reproduction. Water contaminated with antidepressants has been shown to alter behavior as well. For instance, crabs exposed to Prozac became noticeably more aggressive.
