Drug companies may face antibiotic clear-up

European Union research projects on combating the spread of antibiotic residues in the environment have reported their findings, confirming that antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals are present in sewage and in natural waters. In some cases, concluded the ERAVMIS, REMPHARMAWATER and POSEIDON projects, metabolites have also been found in drinking water sources (for instance, in Germany). The studies have recommended that sunlight and ozone treatment are used to clean drinking water and waste water streams, to prevent antibiotic residues - such as from human waste - entering rivers and groundwater.

The reports come as EU ministers have agreed an environmental liability directive, insisting that polluters pay for cleaning up contamination.