In cities, people encounter a version of nature that is groomed and domesticated: we stroll through manicured parks, enjoy coffee breaks in leafy squares, and cycle along neatly paved riverbanks. It all appears serene and sterile, yet beneath the surface, the relationship between urban life and nature is far more intertwined – both positively and negatively—than we often realize.
Sergej Suzdalev, a senior researcher at the Klaipėda University Marine Research Institute, has spent nearly a decade studying the complex relationship between humans and the Baltic Sea. Departing from the commonly discussed issue of microplastics, his research focuses on a more elusive form of pollution: pharmaceutical contaminants, particularly painkillers such as ibuprofen, paracetamol, and diclofenac. The harmful effects are well-documented—ibuprofen, for instance, accumulates in living organisms, damaging fish organs and stunting the growth of juvenile fish. Another group of pharmaceuticals, antibiotics, has also been shown to inhibit the growth of marine flora.
“People in Vilnius often ask: what does pollution in the Baltic Sea have to do with us? Many assume that polluting the sea requires physically going to the beach and throwing something into the water. But it’s much more complex than that. In reality, sea pollution begins in our toilets. Scientists have found that up to 90% of pharmaceutical pollutants are linked to the sewage system. So, if you take medication and use the toilet in Vilnius, the residue flows into the Neris River, then into the Nemunas, and eventually reaches the Curonian Lagoon, which connects to the Baltic Sea,” Sergej explains.
There is one potential barrier in this chain: filtration systems. These systems do exist and can remove up to 90%, or even 100%, of certain pharmaceutical residues from wastewater. However, some drugs—like diclofenac—require advanced filtration technologies that most European countries still lack. Switzerland was the first to implement such systems, setting a strong example for the rest of Europe. Germany and Sweden have since followed suit, and the European Union has introduced new regulations that member states must adopt by 2030.
While these developments are promising, Sergej emphasizes that meaningful change demands collaboration among society, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare institutions, and national governments. “Although we can’t completely eliminate pollution from our food or environment, working with industry leaders and educating the public can lead to lasting improvements in how we, as humans, affect nature,” he says. His advice for individuals is clear and actionable: consume consciously and dispose responsibly.
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