October 2, 2025|
AI
|2 months agoToxic Cocktail: 135 Pesticides Found in Swiss Rivers
National study reveals 23 pesticides at hazardous levels in waterways, exceeding safety limits by up to 100 times and threatening aquatic ecosystems
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Generated IllustrationKey Takeaways
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- A total of 135 different pesticides were detected in five representative Swiss streams and rivers.
- 23 pesticides were found in concentrations hazardous to aquatic organisms.
- Current water protection laws only set limits for 19 pesticides, leaving a regulatory gap.
- Insecticides like fipronil enter waterways primarily through wastewater treatment plants.
- Herbicides primarily enter rivers via rainwater runoff from agricultural fields.
By The Numbers
135
pesticides detected
100x
safety limit exceedance
253
substances analyzed
5
rivers monitored
They Said
"The active ingredient can adhere to hands, animal hair and textiles and thus enter the wastewater treatment plant and watercourses during washing."
"The new study shows that this does not cover all substances that pose a risk to water bodies."
1
Unveiling the Toxic Cocktail
2
Shattering Safety Limits
3
The Household Connection
4