Study links seasonal changes to chemical pollution shifts in Durham, NC waterway, which flows into a major drinking water source
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — New research from independent scientific research institute RTI International and North Carolina Central University (NCCU) has found that chemical activity in a Durham waterway was higher in months with increased rainfall, indicating that runoff from homes, business and new construction work is leading to increased pollution.
Researchers collected monthly water samples at three locations in Third Fork Creek between July and December 2022. They found more than 1,300 chemical features linked to everyday products and noted that weather patterns seem to be responsible for elevating those levels in certain months. Identified compounds include medications, pesticides, per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), plastic additives, cleaning agents and common household items…