A new study has detected a mix of 13 different pharmaceutical compounds in the coastal waters off Djibouti, a small country on the Horn of Africa. The chemicals include common antibiotics, painkillers, and other drugs that have entered the marine environment. Researchers say the findings point to a largely overlooked form of pollution in the region.
Where the drugs came from and how they got into the sea
Scientists from the University of Djibouti and other institutions collected water samples from seven sites along the country's coastline in 2024. They tested for 27 different pharmaceutical compounds and found 13 of them present. The most common were sulfamethoxazole, an antibiotic, and acetaminophen, a pain reliever. Others included caffeine, which is not a pharmaceutical but a stimulant, and carbamazepine, a drug used for epilepsy and bipolar disorder.
The team traced the likely source to untreated wastewater. Djibouti's capital, Djibouti City, lacks centralized sewage treatment, and much of the waste flows directly into the sea. The researchers also noted that nearby hospitals and clinics may be contributing to the problem by disposing of unused or expired medications improperly. Runoff from urban areas during rains likely carries additional drugs into the ocean.
Why local fishermen and residents are concerned
Djibouti's coastal waters support a small but important fishing industry that provides food and income for many families. Local fishermen have reported changes in fish behavior and health in recent years, though no direct link to the pharmaceuticals has been confirmed. The study's authors warn that even low levels of antibiotics in the water can promote the growth of drug-resistant bacteria, which could affect both marine life and people who eat seafood.
Residents of Djibouti City also rely on the coast for recreation and traditional practices. The presence of pharmaceuticals in the water raises questions about long term exposure for swimmers and those who gather shellfish. The researchers emphasized that this is the first comprehensive survey of pharmaceutical pollution in Djibouti's marine environment, so baseline data is now available for future monitoring.
A quiet problem that demands attention
The study, published in the journal Marine Pollution Bulletin, highlights a global issue that is often invisible. Pharmaceutical pollution has been documented in many countries, but data from East Africa remains scarce. Djibouti's case is notable because the contamination appears to come almost entirely from local sources, not from industrial discharge or shipping traffic.
Scientists involved in the research called for better waste management infrastructure and public awareness campaigns about proper disposal of medications. They also recommended regular testing of coastal waters to track changes over time. Without action, the chemical cocktail in Djibouti's sea could become more concentrated as the city's population grows.
