Exclusive: Wensum and Tone found to have high concentrations of chemicals that are toxic to aquatic life
Dangerous modern pesticides used in agriculture and pet flea treatment have been detected for the first time in English rivers, research has found.
Scientists have called for stricter regulation around high-risk farming pesticides and flea treatments for pets because of the deadly effects they have on fish and other aquatic life when they make their way into rivers.
The research, by the British Geological Survey, evaluated the pollution by such pesticides in the waters and sediments of two English rivers: the Tone in Somerset, which runs through Taunton; and the Wensum in Norfolk, which runs through Norwich.
Scientists from the BGS and the University of Nottingham tested water, sediments, fish and invertebrates along the two rivers for 52 pesticides and found that the veterinary pesticide fipronil, which is used as an anti-flea treatment for dogs, was measured at high concentrations. It is thought to get into rivers by dogs swimming in them, and has been found to be toxic to aquatic life.
