South Africa’s rivers quietly carry more than water—they now flow with traces of lifesaving HIV medicines called antiretroviral drugs (ARVs). These drugs enter rivers through wastewater and disturb the delicate balance of aquatic life, from tiny snails to helpful bacteria. Although these medicines heal people, their presence in water poses new risks that current treatment plants struggle to remove. Scientists warn that protecting both human health and nature requires better technology, stronger rules, and teamwork to keep these vital rivers safe for the future.
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