Letters: May 2024
Readers call for cross-industry support, celebrate variety and debate the evidence for Z-DNA’s handedness
Something in the water
I read with interest that trihalomethane levels in Irish drinking water were ruled as too high by the European court. While these compounds are formed as a result of disinfection, long-term exposure could pose risks to health and the environment.
In Australia, heavy investment has been made to grow commercial amounts of red seaweed containing high levels of trihalomethanes. The seaweed is used in dairy and cattle feed to reduce methane emissions from the enteric microbiome. The use of these feed supplements is not regulated. While water authorities are aware of the risks of long-term exposure, it is unclear whether similar awareness has developed along with this new agricultural input material – whether in production or inclusion in the food chain.
Perhaps the water industry can assist agriculture in controlling unnecessary exposures?
JH Fitton FRSC
Sydney, Australia