No wonder shrimp are so twitchy.
During regular experiments to find chemical content in river water, researchers from King’s College London and University of Suffolk discovered freshwater shrimp containing traces of illicit substances such as cocaine and ketamine. Upon further inspection, other pollutants such as banned pesticides and pharmaceuticals were discovered in the shrimp as well.
Shrimp specimens from 15 different water sources around Suffolk contained traces of the chemicals within their bodies. According to the researchers, any adverse affects on the animals from these chemicals are, thankfully, fairly unlikely to manifest. However, the fact that the chemicals are even present in the first place is both surprising and alarming.
“Whether the presence of cocaine in aquatic animals is an issue for Suffolk, or more widespread an occurrence in the UK and abroad, awaits further research,” University of Suffolk professor Nic Bury said.
Dr. Leon Barron of King’s College added that “the presence of pesticides which have long been banned in the UK also poses a particular challenge as the sources of these remain unclear.”
It’s anyone’s guess where these pollutants came from or how long they’ve been there. Regardless, residents of Suffolk may want to consider staying away from shrimp for a little while.
