Researchers continue to investigate the presence of potentially harmful chemicals in the beach waters of Presque Isle State Park of Lake Erie and have added a new one to their list: sucralose. A chlorinated form of sucrose found in artificial sweeteners, sucralose is used in an estimated 4,500 products ranging from Halloween candies to diet sodas.
Studies suggest that approximately 95 percent of ingested sucralose is not metabolized by the body and is excreted into the water supply, said Dr. Amy Parente, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Mercyhurst University.
Many chlorinated compounds have been found to be toxic to humans and, the long-term effects of exposure have yet to be determined. Common practices aimed at removing contaminants from wastewater have not been shown to be successful at reducing levels of sucralose.
Parente's preliminary research has identified detectable levels of sucralose in local Lake Erie waters, which may pose concerns for the environment.
Sucralose in the water can have repercussions like altered water taste and biological health effects. Another problem is that sucralose in the environment can provide a false signal for nutrient availability so organisms feeling that their food supply is adequate show decreased foraging behavior, which can ultimately affect their ability to survive.
Bonnie: Lovely, isn't it?
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
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