Drugs can be very addictive, and not just for the humans who take them. Many chemicals can leave our bodies still-intact, travel through the sewage system and end up entering the food chain in our lakes and rivers.
Scientists often check water pollution by measuring levels of different chemicals, including drugs. Recently, a team from the Czech Republic decided to go a step further, and test what effect this could be having on local wildlife.
They added methamphetamine to tanks of water in levels that have previously been measured in rivers. The scientists then kept trout in these tanks for two months. After that time, the fish were removed and placed in clean water.
The trout showed signs of withdrawal and, when given the chance, chose to return to drug-polluted waters. Who knows how many wild fish are the same, addicted to humanity’s second-hand high?
Lachlan Writes Science 