Pollution in Eswatini's Waters: A Hidden Threat
Eswatini's waters are under threat from a silent invader: emerging pollutants (EMPs). These pollutants, often overlooked, can harm both people and wildlife.
Study Findings
A recent study took a closer look at these EMPs in the country's wastewater and rivers. Using advanced technology, researchers identified 347 different pollutants and their breakdown products. Shockingly, 181 of these were found in river samples.
Types of Pollutants
- Pharmaceuticals: Made up the largest group of pollutants, accounting for 64.6% of the total. These included drugs for the heart, brain, and infections.
- Pesticides: Played a significant role, making up 28.8% of the pollutants. Some of these pollutants are highly toxic, even in small amounts.
Notable Pollutants
- Nafronyl oxalate
- Lacidipine
- Several pesticides
These were found in over half of the river samples.
Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs)
The study looked at three WWTPs in Eswatini:
- Matsapha WWTP: Used a process called oxidation, showing the best results. It reduced:
- Pharmaceuticals by 42.0%
Pesticides by 34.4%
Ezulwini and Ngwenya WWTPs: Showed an increase in pollutants, suggesting their treatment methods may not be effective.
Conclusion
The findings highlight a pressing issue: EMPs are persistent in Eswatini's waters. The study calls for better monitoring and improved wastewater management. It's a wake-up call for the country to address this hidden threat.
