Banned pesticides in Europe's rivers

Tests of Europe's rivers and canals have revealed more than 100 pesticides -- including 24 that are not licensed for use in the EU. The study, which tested samples from 29 waterways in 10 countries including the UK, also found 21 veterinary drugs.Every river and canal screened in the study -- from countries as far apart as Poland and Spain -- contained multiple pesticides, and most contained veterinary drugs.The scientists, from Greenpeace Research Laboratories at the University of Exeter, said the highest levels of contamination were found in a Belgian canal that contained 70 pesticides.In 13 of the 29 waterways, concentrations of at least one pesticide exceeded European standards for acceptable levels.