April 5th-Water Issue Presentation Topic

We chose the topic prescription drugs in drinking water and how it affect aquatic organisms because it seemed like an important issue that would also be interesting to learn about. I have learned that drugs are found in parts per billion or parts per trillion in drinking water, but even these tiny particles can be having an effect on those drinking the water. Drugs are not meant to fully break down because if they did they would not have a long term effect on the body, so even when people just take the drugs like they are supposed to, they still get back into the water through waste. Also, drugs in lakes and water ecosystems can have an effect on the fish, making them eat more zooplankton and quicker which can eventually cause algal blooms and fish death. It is important for society to be aware of this so they know that they definitely should not dispose of their drugs down the toilet, because those could eventually harm the fish and the drinking water which could in turn have a negative effect on the people who do not need drug build up in their bodies.