Sea creatures and reefs are taking blood pressure medication and laxatives

An artificial reef in Eilat, Israel is facing a new threat as coral reef hunters have discovered traces of 10 human pharmaceuticals in the Red Sea. A study from Tel Aviv University found common medications such as blood pressure medication and antidepressants in coral samples collected from shallow and deep sites in the Gulf of Eilat. Sulfamethoxazole, an antibiotic, was detected in 93% of the sampled corals. The research, led by Prof. Noa Shenkar and PhD student Gal Navon, in collaboration with the Hydrochemistry laboratory, revealed the alarming presence of pharmaceuticals in corals, impacting their health and ecosystem. The results were published in the journal Environmental Pollution. It is important to develop new sewage treatment methods to address this issue and encourage proper disposal of medications to protect marine environments.