Reflection of socio-economic differences in wastewater

2019/10/21 Galarraga Aiestaran, Ana - Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Medikuntza
• Osasuna
• Berdintasuna

A study conducted in Australia reveals that the chemicals present in wastewater and diet indicators are directly related to the socioeconomic level. By analyzing water from six states for a week, researchers have found that in the waters of the places where people of high socioeconomic level live there are high concentrations of coffee, alcohol and vitamins.On the contrary, in waters of low socioeconomic levels, antidepressants and opioids stand out, as well as a drug used to treat high blood pressure and to eliminate pain.

In addition, they have concluded that in poor areas the consumption of citrus and fiber is lower than in rich areas. However, there have been no differences in the consumption of antibiotics and artificial condiments. The results of the study have been published in the journal PNAS.