Cocaine found in all 13 Brazilian sharpnose shark samples | WION Dispatch

Summary

In a bizarre twist, Brazilian sharpnose sharks from Rio de Janeiro's waters tested positive for cocaine, with 13 out of 13 showing high levels in their livers and muscles. Scientists suspect the drug may have entered the water from illegal factories or drug users' waste. The cocaine could impair the sharks' eyesight and hunting abilities, potentially reducing their lifespan. Additionally, a 1985 incident saw a bear named Pablo Escobar die from a cocaine overdose. The environmental impact of cocaine is also concerning, as it can be toxic to various marine species, causing infertility and cellular damage.

Takeaways

• 🐟 Brazilian sharpnose sharks have been found with high levels of cocaine in their livers and muscles.
• 🔍 The cocaine in sharks is believed to have originated from Rio's sewage system, possibly from illegal factories or drug users' waste.
• 🦈 Sharks consuming cocaine could face reduced life expectancy due to impaired eyesight and hunting skills.
• 🐻 The story of a bear named Pablo Escobar, who died after overdosing on cocaine dropped by drug smugglers, is mentioned as an example of wildlife affected by drugs.
• 💊 Cocaine is harmful to sharks, potentially causing infertility by disrupting the production of vitellogenin, which is crucial for egg yolk formation.
• 🦈 The absence of yolk can lead to starvation for embryonic sharks, impacting their survival.
• 🌊 The environmental impact of cocaine is not limited to sharks; it can also be toxic to mollusks, crustaceans, and fish.
• 🧪 Lab studies have shown that environmentally realistic concentrations of cocaine can cause DNA fragmentation and cell death in marine life.
• 📰 The findings are published in the 'Science of the Total Environment' journal, highlighting the broader implications of drug pollution in marine ecosystems.
• 🚫 The presence of cocaine in marine life underscores the need for better management of drug waste and its potential environmental consequences.
• 🌐 The script encourages viewers to stay updated with the latest news by downloading an app and subscribing to a YouTube channel.

Q & A

What is the primary subject of the transcript?

The transcript discusses sharks in the waters around the coast of Brazil testing positive for cocaine and the potential implications for their health and marine life.

How many Brazilian sharpnose sharks were tested for cocaine?

Thirteen Brazilian sharpnose sharks were tested.

What were the results of the tests on the sharks?

All thirteen sharks had high levels of cocaine in their livers and muscles.

What are some potential effects of cocaine on sharks?

Cocaine can reduce sharks' life expectancy, damage their eyesight, affect their hunting skills, and disrupt the production of vitellogenin in their livers, which is essential for their eggs.

What are some speculated sources of the cocaine found in the sharks?

The cocaine may have come from Rio's sewage system, illegal cocaine factories, or from the excrement of drug users through untreated sewage. It could also have been lost or abandoned in the sea by drug smugglers.

How does cocaine affect the reproduction of sharks?

Cocaine can disrupt the production of vitellogenin in shark livers, which forms the yolk in their eggs. Without yolk, there is no food for the embryonic baby shark, potentially leading to infertility.

What was the fate of the bear known as 'Pablo Escobear'?

The bear, a 175-pound black bear, died in 1985 after overdosing on cocaine that was dropped by a group of Colombian drug smugglers in the wilderness of Tennessee.

How does cocaine affect other marine life besides sharks?

Cocaine can be toxic to mollusks, crustaceans, and bony fish. Environmentally realistic concentrations can cause various signs of damage, including DNA fragmentation and cell death.

Which journal published the study on the effects of cocaine on marine life?

The study was published in the journal 'Science of the Total Environment.'

What is the main concern of scientists regarding the presence of cocaine in marine environments?

Scientists are concerned that cocaine can harm marine life, reducing their life expectancy, affecting their reproductive health, and causing cellular damage, which can disrupt marine ecosystems.