MAZEPPA — The scientific community is concerned over the results of an Associated Press investigation showing U.S. manufacturers have dumped 271 million pounds of pharmaceuticals into waterways, but it’s too early to tell what — if any — effect the drugs may have on humans, according to a Bucknell University professor.
Matt McTammany, professor of biology and environmental studies, said many of the chemicals found in these drugs mimic natural hormones and have been shown to cause developmental disorders and sexual dysfunction in animals.
He said researchers have even seen cases of hermaphroditism — a condition in which an organism possesses both male and female reproductive organs — in polar bears.
Scientists are still trying to determine whether the presence of the drugs, even trace amounts, in the water supply could have an effect on humans.
“It could be very dramatic. We just don’t know yet,” he said. “It’s certainly something we’re concerned about.”
Last year, the Associated Press reported that trace amounts of a wide range of pharmaceuticals have been found in American drinking water supplies. Some scientists are increasingly concerned that the consumption of combinations of many drugs, even in diluted concentrations, could harm humans over decades.
McTammany said trace amounts of pharmaceuticals are found everywhere, including Buffalo Creek in Union County and in the Susquehanna River. Some of the highest concentrations show up downstream of sewage treatment plants, he said, because the plants aren’t equipped to filter out the trace amounts found in people’s waste.
Kayaking on creek
The professor gave a small group of amateur kayakers a crash course in testing water quality Sunday afternoon as part of the Linn Conservancy’s “Caring for Communities” month.
The group met on the bank of Buffalo Creek, just outside Mazeppa. The event, also sponsored by the Buffalo Creek Watershed Alliance and Canoe Susquehanna, was held to raise awareness about the watershed and promote stewardship, said alliance board member Edwena Eger.
Allan Quant, owner of Canoe Susquehanna, said he and his wife, Betsy, have been organizing canoe and kayak trips for the past 30-plus years. They started holding kayak trips on Buffalo Creek 6 years ago, he said.
Sunday’s four-mile excursion took kayakers up the creek to the Dale/Engle/Walker House.
The Quants said several of the kayakers were novices and pointed out that the trip would be especially valuable for those who had never taken the time to slow down and appreciate the beauty of nature.
“Life at 3 miles an hour, you get to see a lot more detail,” said Mr. Quant.
-- E-mail comments to rscott@dailyitem.com.
News
Related Photos
-
Liz Rohde/The Daily Item
-
Discussion
Environmental concern: Kayakers test water ...
... and experience life going by at 3 miles an hour
- News
-
-
State police probe murder-suicide near Watsontown
WATSONTOWN - An 85-year-old Watsontown man shot and killed a 69-year-old female companion then turned the gun on himself Tuesday afternoon, state police at Milton report.
-
2 Valley schools in top 5.5% in nation
LEWISBURG — U.S. News & World Report magazine has ranked Lewisburg Area as the 15th-best academic high school in Pennsylvania and the 803rd best in the nation, according to a report released earlier this month.
-
Northumberland opts to build sewage plant
NORTHUMBERLAND — Ending months of speculation, the Northumberland Sewer Authority has voted to build a water treatment plant, at an estimated cost of $9 million, to replace the 40-year-old sewage plant at 100 Water St.
-
Mifflinburg school board OKs millage increase
MIFFLINBURG — The Mifflinburg school board Tuesday night approved raising the property tax rate to the maximum allowed under the index, equaling about a $30 increase a year for the average taxpayer.
-
Support grows for city garden
SUNBURY— More than a month after several Bucknell University students resurrected an empty city lot by transforming the land into a full-size garden, neighbors, nearby residents and now business leaders from outside Sunbury have decided to chip in by donating seeds and planting tools in order to spruce up the corner lot.
-
Stat of the Day: 21,776
Stat of the day: 21,776. That's the number of high schools evaluated nationwide by U.S. News & World Report, after which the magazine determined that Lewisburg Area High was the 803rd best in the U.S., and Selinsgrove Area, 1,187th.
-
State House approves sales-tax exemption for airplanes
HARRISBURG — A bill to exempt the purchase and maintenance of airplanes from Pennsylvania's 6 percent sales tax won a strong vote of confidence in the state House of Representatives.
-
State lawmakers consider takeover of struggling school districts
HARRISBURG — A Republican-penned bill that would pave the way for state takeovers of Pennsylvania school districts veering toward financial collapse has the support of Gov. Tom Corbett and is advancing in the Legislature.
-
Take Me Home: Yip
Yip is a young dog, best guess is Bichon/Daschund. He is friendly and loves everyone, especially anyone who will rub his belly or let him on their lap for some doggie kisses. He enjoys car rides, has done well around other dogs, cats, and kids. Housebreaking and crate training are in the works.
-
Joe Paterno earned $13.4 million pension at Penn State
STATE COLLEGE — Joe Paterno earned a state pension of $13.4 million for his 61-year coaching career at Penn State.
-
Police Log 05.22.12
A roundup of police news reported by departments across the Central Susquehanna Valley.
-
Montour County judge dismisses flooding lawsuit
DANVILLE — A Montour County judge has dismissed a case brought against Mahoning Township by residents of the Gaytowne subdivision.
- More News Headlines
-
