S4.E2 Pharmaceutical-filled waterways

S4.E2 Pharmaceutical-filled waterways

Author: James Donaldson, Wet Tropics Waterways August 24, 2022 Duration: 28:29

When we think about waterway pollution, things like paracetamol and caffeine probably aren't the first things that come to mind – but they're among the alarmingly long list of pharmaceuticals and consumables that are literally passing through our bodies and into waterways.

Ecotoxicologist Dr Frederic Leusch joins us to talk about what's turning up, where it's turning up, and what it means for aquatic critters.


There's a vital, living connection between the lush, rainforested rivers of Far North Queensland and the vast blue expanse of the Great Barrier Reef. What happens in one profoundly affects the other. Hosted by James Donaldson from Wet Tropics Waterways, the Reef And Rivers Podcast explores this intricate relationship by giving a voice to the people who know it best. Each conversation moves beyond abstract science to ground-level stories, offering a direct line to farmers, Traditional Owners, researchers, and community volunteers who are actively engaged with the landscape. You'll hear about the specific critters-from tiny insects to majestic fish-that indicate a waterway's health, and learn about the practical, often ingenious projects aimed at protecting them. This isn't just a series of interviews; it's an ongoing audio documentary about the interdependence of an entire region's lifestyle, economy, and environment. By tuning into this podcast, you gain an understanding of how everyday actions on land ripple out to the reef, and more importantly, how collective effort is working to ensure both these iconic systems thrive for generations to come. The discussions are grounded, hopeful, and filled with the kind of specific details that only come from firsthand experience.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 72

Reef And Rivers Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Steve Turton: 2019 Wet Tropics Report Card Results [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:09
In July 2019 the fourth Wet Tropics Waterway Health report card was launched, highlighting the condition of the basins, estuaries and marine zones from the Daintree in the north to Hinchinbrook in the south. Wet Tropics…
Episode 19: Suzette Argent explains bioreactors. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:37
Bioreactors show a lot of promise for denitifying and "polishing" groundwater before it is expressed into waterways or direct to the Great Barrier Reef via wonky holes (undersea springs). Whilst they won't negate the nee…
Episode 18: Understanding Paddock To Reef With Fiona Barron [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:40
Fiona Barron is the Wet Tropics Coordinator of the Paddock to Reef Integrated Monitoring, Modelling and Reporting program (P2R), a world leading scientific program funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments that…
Episode 13: Woodleigh Station Land Management Project [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:03
Woodleigh Station is a working beef cattle business that embraced sustainable landuse and grazing best practice. Management of stocking levels, extensive fencing and provision of of stream watering points are strategies…
Episode 12: Tablelands Roundup With Mayor Joe Paronella [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:29
The Atherton Tablelands contains the headwaters for a number of significant Wet Tropics river systems, including the Herbert, Johnstone and Barron rivers. The tablelands has a growing urban and rural population and boast…