Dr Steve Manteaw raises red flag over Nano Copper use in River treatment

Natural Resource Governance Expert Dr Steve Manteaw has raised concerns about the potential environmental risks of nano copper technology following the Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) pilot application of the intervention to clean the polluted Birim River.

His comments come after EPA CEO Prof. Nana Ama Brown Klutse disclosed that about $35 million would be required to scale up the technology to fully restore the river.

Read his concerns below:

I decided to research a bit into the use of nano copper technology in treating chemically contaminated rivers, and this is what I found:

Key risks include:

Toxicity to aquatic organisms: Copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) can be toxic to a wide range of aquatic life, including fish, crustaceans, algae, and bacteria. Exposure can lead to a variety of adverse effects, such as: Organ damage: Damage to essential organs like the gills, liver, kidneys, and brain has been observed in various fish species.

Reproductive and developmental issues: Exposure during early life stages can cause growth retardation, metabolic disorders, increased mortality, and hatching inhibition in fish.

Disruption of essential functions: Cu-NPs can impair antioxidant mechanisms, interfere with osmoregulation (salt and water balance), and inhibit photosynthesis in aquatic plants.

Bioaccumulation and food chain transfer: Nanoparticles can be absorbed and accumulated by organisms directly or through the ingestion of contaminated food or sediments. This bioaccumulation allows the toxins to transfer up the food chain to higher trophic levels, including humans.

Persistence in the environment: Nanoparticles are often stable and can persist in water and sediment for long periods, leading to long-term contamination risks. Their ultimate fate and biodegradability are not fully understood.

My understanding is that, the use of nano copper technology comes with its own risks that need to be properly assessed before proceeding. I challenge our scientists and research institutions to speak up now.