Dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico have traces of human medications – including powerful opioids, muscle relaxants, and sedatives – in their fat, according to a new study that is sounding the alarm on pharmaceutical pollution and wastewater treatment.

Of 89 dolphins tested in the Gulf of Mexico, 30 contained some form of pharmaceutical—and 18 had fentanyl in their blubber.

A Texas A&M University research project has found traces of fentanyl in dead dolphins from the Gulf of Mexico. But researchers fear the dolphins that are affected by the deadly drug just may be scratching the surface.

Researchers have detected fentanyl — as well as other drugs — in bottlenose dolphins from the Gulf of Mexico. This discovery was actually accidental, and was initially revealed during a routine boating survey in 2020.

A sedative called meprobamate and muscle relaxant carisoprodol, as well as cocaine and the strong painkiller called fentanyl were found in dolphins when tested by experts

Researchers have detected the presence of human pharmaceuticals, including fentanyl, in dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico, according to a recent study. The post Researchers Find Fentanyl in Dolphins from the Gulf of Mexico first appeared on The Inertia.