Sewage water may be leaking into Sydney Harbor, Australian researchers find

Strong painkillers and anti- depressants have been found at significant levels in Sydney Harbor, indicating sewage water may be leaking into the critical estuary.

Australian researchers also found beta blockers and epilepsy medication in Sydney Harbor.

University of Sydney marine pollution expert Associate Professor Gavin Birch told local media on Tuesday he was surprised how widespread the drugs were in the samples.

"Paracetamol was found in all 30 sites, whereas one particular artificial sweetener was found in 27 sites," Birch said. "The presence of acesulfame - a recognized marker of domestic waste- water - and pharmaceuticals in water from all parts of the estuary after a dry period suggests sewage water is leaking into the storm- water system in this catchment."

While the drugs were found in low concentrations, it is not known whether the leak is harmful to humans, flora or fauna.

"When this has happened in other areas, it certainly has had an impact on the fish and environment," Birch said.

The findings of analyzed samples from 30 sites adjacent to storm-water outlets across the Sydney estuary were detailed in the latest issue of Marine Pollution Bulletin. Endi