Environmental concern: Kayakers test water ...

By Rob Scott
The Daily Item

April 26, 2009 10:22 pm

— MAZEPPA — The scientific community is concerned over the results of an Associated Press investigation showing U.S. manufacturers have dumped 271 million pounds of pharmaceuticals into waterways, but it’s too early to tell what — if any — effect the drugs may have on humans, according to a Bucknell University professor.
Matt McTammany, professor of biology and environmental studies, said many of the chemicals found in these drugs mimic natural hormones and have been shown to cause developmental disorders and sexual dysfunction in animals.
He said researchers have even seen cases of hermaphroditism — a condition in which an organism possesses both male and female reproductive organs — in polar bears.
Scientists are still trying to determine whether the presence of the drugs, even trace amounts, in the water supply could have an effect on humans.
“It could be very dramatic. We just don’t know yet,” he said. “It’s certainly something we’re concerned about.”
Last year, the Associated Press reported that trace amounts of a wide range of pharmaceuticals have been found in American drinking water supplies. Some scientists are increasingly concerned that the consumption of combinations of many drugs, even in diluted concentrations, could harm humans over decades.
McTammany said trace amounts of pharmaceuticals are found everywhere, including Buffalo Creek in Union County and in the Susquehanna River. Some of the highest concentrations show up downstream of sewage treatment plants, he said, because the plants aren’t equipped to filter out the trace amounts found in people’s waste.
Kayaking on creek
The professor gave a small group of amateur kayakers a crash course in testing water quality Sunday afternoon as part of the Linn Conservancy’s “Caring for Communities” month.
The group met on the bank of Buffalo Creek, just outside Mazeppa. The event, also sponsored by the Buffalo Creek Watershed Alliance and Canoe Susquehanna, was held to raise awareness about the watershed and promote stewardship, said alliance board member Edwena Eger.
Allan Quant, owner of Canoe Susquehanna, said he and his wife, Betsy, have been organizing canoe and kayak trips for the past 30-plus years. They started holding kayak trips on Buffalo Creek 6 years ago, he said.
Sunday’s four-mile excursion took kayakers up the creek to the Dale/Engle/Walker House.
The Quants said several of the kayakers were novices and pointed out that the trip would be especially valuable for those who had never taken the time to slow down and appreciate the beauty of nature.
“Life at 3 miles an hour, you get to see a lot more detail,” said Mr. Quant.
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