A large number of fish died of suffocation in a canal in Seine-et-Marne. Analyzes revealed the presence of sugar in the water. Released into natural environments, the food causes enormous damage to aquatic fauna.
Sugar pollution recently touched the Loing canal in Seine-et-Marneleading the death of many fish by asphyxiationaccording to the French Press Agency (AFP). Analyzes have “demonstrated the presence of sucrose (sugar extracted mainly from sugar cane and beets, editor's note) in the water. But investigations have not yet been able to establish where it comes from”specified the secretary general of the prefecture of Seine-et-Marne, Sébastien Lime. Local authorities have opened an investigation to determine the origin of this contamination, suspected of being of industrial origin.
This situation highlights the dangers of sugar on aquatic species. Because yes, if this food is very popular with humans, it can be a real poison for fish.
Why is sugar bad for aquatic life?
Studies on the direct impact of sugar on fish health are limited. In 2017, research published in theInternational Journal of Environment, Agriculture and Biotechnology pointed out the toxic impact of wastewater discharge from sugar factories on fish gills fresh water. By studying the species of rasboras subjected to sugar pollution, the authors noticed significant physical damage on the gills, caused by the toxicity of the wastewater discharged by the factory. According to them, these injuries lead to breathing difficulties for fish due to the reduction in the gas exchange surface.
We also know that when sugar is introduced into water it encourages the growth of bacteria. By multiplying, these consume a lot of oxygen dissolved in water, which reduces the quantity available to the fishwhich can suffocate them.
That's not all. By consuming sugar and oxygen, bacteria produce byproducts toxicsuch as ammonia or nitrites. In excess, these toxins can seriously harm fish and aquatic wildlife.
Episodes of sugar pollution have already caused victims elsewhere than in France. In 2020, the French factory Tereos, which markets the Beghin Say brand, accidentally spilled 100,000 m3 of beet washing water into the Scheldt, in Belgiumquickly leading to the death of tens of tons of fish.
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