Study: 68 kinds of antibiotics in China's surface water

A total of 68 kinds of antibiotics with high concentration were found in the surface water of China, according to an article recently published in the academic journal, "Chinese Science Bulletin."

Analysis shows that massive production and abuse of antibiotics medicine are the main cause.

In China, more than 33,000 tons of antibiotics are produced every year, about 70 percent of the total medicine production in the country.

Waste-water from domestic use, farming and industry, especially the aquatic-products industry, are the main contributors to surface water pollution in China. To boost production, many aquatic-product suppliers add antibiotics to their feed to boost production.

Concerns over the abuse of antibiotics and the medicines making their way into water sources are rising among the public. The journal concludes that antibiotics should always be used properly.