Caffeine, artificial sweeteners, ibuprofen and chemicals used to make plastic bottles are flowing through New Zealand's groundwater. 123RF Low levels of organic contaminants have been found in water from nearly two-thirds of the wells tested in a four-yearly study. Overall, pesticides showed up in 68 wells out of 279 sampled, with 28 wells having two or more pesticides detected. ESR ESR principal scientist Murray Close says emerging organic contaminants were found in 70 per cent of the wells tested in the four-yearly groundwater pesticide survey. AP Ultraviolet filter agents in sunscreens were found in 33 wells of the 121 sampled in the latest ESR groundwater survey.

Source: Stuff October 07, 2019 06:56 UTC