Pandemic plus? The antibiotic resistance lurking in our rivers

The PJ Pod

In this episode, Carolyn Wickware, investigations editor, looks at the emerging evidence that UK rivers are becoming a dangerous ‘breeding ground’ for bacteria resistant to antibiotics that could adversely affect human health. Alistair Boxall, professor of environmental science at the University of York, describes his concerns over the level of antibiotics that he has measured in our water system, and Jason Snape, global head of environment at AstraZeneca, gives the pharmaceutical industry perspective on the issue. Sharon Pfleger, a consultant in pharmaceutical public health at NHS Highland and professor at Robert Gordon University, also describes her work looking at how to remove traces of drugs from hospital waste water, which is being funded by the Scottish government. This episode was produced by Geoff Marsh.