Through an analysis of 89 dolphins, marine biologists detected traces of fentanyl and other drugs in at least 30 of them.
Research published in the journal iScience revealed that at least 30 dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico tested positive for fentanyl and other drugs. The study, carried out by marine biologists, was carried out on 89 bottlenose dolphins, of which 83 were alive and 6 were dead.
“Orbitrap Fusion Tribrid mass spectrometry confirmed the presence of fentanyl, carisoprodol or meprobamate in 30 of the 80 dolphins evaluated,” the study reads.
Fentanyl is a highly addictive opioid that has caused thousands of overdose deaths in the United States, and now it also affects aquatic animals.
Dolphins with traces of fentanyl could affect human health.
Researchers collected samples using darts to obtain small tissues from dolphins, initially to study their hormones, but discovered several drugs in their system.
The study, carried out by the University of Texas and the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, pointed out that, like humans, dolphins consume fish and shrimp, which could have implications for human health by possibly also being contaminated with Fentanyl opioids.
The scientists also highlighted that concentrations of pharmaceuticals in marine animals are higher in areas affected by oil spills and maritime traffic, which increases ocean pollution and endangers marine life.
