New research suggests England's national parks at risk of antibiotic pollution
Figures from the University of York point to pollution across the UK
New research has said that England's national parks are all at risk of being polluted by pharmaceuticals such as antibiotics.
A study carried out by the University of York found that of the 54 locations across ten national parks examined across England, 52 had traces of pharmaceuticals in the rivers.
Amongst the substances found in the water were caffeine and carbamazepine, an anticonvulsant used to treat epilepsy.
According to researchers, some locations had "concerning" levels of pollution that could seriously impact the health of animals and the ecosystems.
They added that humans that come into contact in the water could also be impacted, which the university says highlights "the need for tighter regulation and greater monitoring of some of England’s most cherished landscapes".
Areas of particular concern that came to the fore during the course of the study included the Peak District and Exmoor, where pharmaceutical traces were at higher rates than that of London.
In Exmoor, researchers said samples were taken from a period where rivers were particularly low, only concentrating the amount of pharmaceuticals that were found in the water.
Other areas that were of concern for researchers included the Lake District, South Downs and the New Forest.
Professor Alistair Boxall, from the University of York’s Department of Environment and Geography, led the research and said he was alarmed at the amount of substances that were found in the natural areas.
"Given the unique ecological value of these protected areas, our research highlights that the presence of these pharmaceuticals is concerning," Boxall said.
"Our National Parks are true hotspots for biodiversity and essential for our physical health and mental well-being - so we need to act swiftly to protect these irreplaceable environments and ensure the health of wildlife and visitors alike."
Working together with the Rivers Trust, the University called on national parks to tackle the issue before it becomes too hard to deal with.
Dr Rob Collins from the Trust agreed, saying: "We, the public, can also play our part; few people are aware of medicine take back schemes whereby any unopened, unused and out-of-date medicines, can be taken to the local pharmacy, rather than flushed down the toilet and into the sewer system."
National parks make up around ten percent of England's land, with around 320,000 permanent residents in the parks themselves.