Scientists have uncovered a possible association between glyphosate, the key ingredient in the weed killer Roundup, and an unexplained form of kidney disease known as CKDu, primarily observed in Sri Lanka. The research indicates that in regions with hard water, which are also areas where CKDu is rampant, glyphosate could create enduring chemical compounds.
Surge in Unexplained Kidney Disorders Linked to Roundup in Rural Sri Lanka
In communities in Sri Lanka that are battling chronic kidney disease, hard water is found to contain glyphosate, the active ingredient in the popular herbicide, Roundup.
For the last several decades, the lives of tens of thousands of individuals in rural Sri Lanka have been severely impacted by kidney failure from unidentified causes, often referred to as CKDu. Comparable occurrences of unidentified kidney ailments have been recorded in tropical agricultural communities globally.
Table of Contents
Identification of Glyphosate Connection
A comprehensive study of wells that provide drinking water to these Sri Lankan communities was led by researchers at Duke University. The study points to glyphosate, the primary ingredient in the world’s most commonly used herbicide, Roundup, as a likely contributing factor.
The findings were published in Environmental Science and Technology Letters on September 13, 2023.
Roundup is an herbicide that relies on glyphosate to control unwanted plants and pests. Generally thought to degrade in the environment within a matter of days or weeks, it is relatively minimally regulated by most public health organizations. However, when glyphosate interacts with trace metal ions like magnesium and calcium, which are responsible for hardening water, it can form glyphosate-metal ion complexes. These complexes can be stable for up to seven years in water and for as long as 22 years in soil.
Researchers in a rural Sri Lankan community took well water samples. The tests show that the key ingredient in Roundup might be reacting with hard water in the area, leading to epidemic proportions of chronic kidney disease. Credit: Jake Ulrich, Duke University
Persistent Environmental Effects
Nishad Jayasundara, the Juli Plant Grainger Assistant Professor of Global Environmental Health at Duke, stated, “The assumption was that this chemical would degrade swiftly in the environment, but it appears to persist far longer than anticipated when it forms complexes in hard water.” He added, “The interactions between glyphosate and other elements, especially when consumed as a complex, must be carefully examined.”
In certain Sri Lankan agricultural regions, the climate and geological features create ideal conditions for hard water. CKDu has become an epidemic in these areas, affecting up to 10% of children between the ages of 5 and 11 with early signs of kidney damage.
Investigating the Theory
To explore his theory, Jayasundara collaborated with Lee Ferguson, an environmental chemist and professor of civil and environmental engineering at Duke, and his doctoral student Jake Ulrich. Alongside Mangala De Silva, a professor at the University of Ruhuna in Sri Lanka, the Duke team examined over 200 wells in four different regions in Sri Lanka.
Ferguson’s laboratory at Duke utilizes high-resolution and tandem mass spectrometry to identify even the smallest traces of contaminants based on their molecular weights. This method offers a comprehensive insight into the range of pollutants in a water system.
Significant concentrations of glyphosate were found in 44% of wells in affected areas, compared to only 8% in non-affected areas.
Additional Questions and Future Research Directions
Ferguson emphasized, “We primarily concentrated on drinking water, but other routes of exposure like direct contact from those spraying the pesticide, or possibly food or dust, could be significant.” He suggested further extensive studies to explore these other potential routes.
Ulrich also detected high levels of fluoride and vanadium—both correlated with kidney damage—in nearly all communities with high CKDu incidence. The scientists agree that a broader look into the roles these contaminants might be playing is warranted. Nonetheless, given the hypothesis centered around glyphosate and its widespread usage, the study’s findings should act as a grave caution regarding glyphosate exposure risks.
Ferguson expressed concern that glyphosate’s environmental behavior is reminiscent of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals” due to their long-lasting nature. He noted, “Glyphosate appears to be quite persistent in regions with hard water, raising concerns about its exposure levels in the United States as well.”
References
The study was published under the title “Glyphosate and Fluoride in High-Hardness Drinking Water Are Positively Associated with Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology (CKDu) in Sri Lanka” on September 13, 2023, in Environmental Science & Technology Letters. DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.3c00504
Financial backing for this research was provided by the NIEHS (U2CES030851) and the Accelerating Higher Education Expansion and Development (AHEAD) Operation of the Ministry of Higher Education, supported by the World Bank (AHEAD DOR 02/40).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Glyphosate-Linked Kidney Disease
What is the main subject of the article?
The primary focus of the article is on a scientific study that has discovered a potential link between glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup herbicide, and a mysterious kidney disease known as CKDu in Sri Lanka.
Who conducted the research?
The research was conducted by a team of scientists at Duke University, in collaboration with Mangala De Silva, a professor at the University of Ruhuna in Sri Lanka.
What is CKDu?
CKDu stands for Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology. It is a form of kidney disease that has affected tens of thousands of people, primarily in rural Sri Lanka, for which the cause has been unidentified.
Where was the research published?
The research findings were published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology Letters on September 13, 2023.
What makes glyphosate a potential culprit?
Glyphosate, when exposed to hard water containing trace metal ions like magnesium and calcium, forms stable glyphosate-metal ion complexes. These complexes can persist for up to seven years in water and 22 years in soil, which could lead to long-term exposure and health impacts.
Hard water contains higher levels of trace metal ions like calcium and magnesium. The study suggests that in areas where hard water is prevalent, glyphosate forms long-lasting complexes, which have been linked to higher rates of CKDu.
How was the study conducted?
The Duke University team sampled more than 200 wells across four regions in Sri Lanka. They employed high-resolution and tandem mass spectrometry to identify even the minutest traces of contaminants in the water, focusing on glyphosate.
Were any other contaminants studied in relation to CKDu?
Yes, elevated levels of fluoride and vanadium were also found in almost all communities with a high incidence of CKDu. Both of these elements are known to be linked to kidney damage.
What future research directions are suggested?
The article indicates that further research is needed to understand other routes of exposure like direct contact from agricultural workers spraying the pesticide, or potential contamination via food or dust. The interactions between these contaminants and their collective impact on CKDu also need to be studied.
Are there implications for countries other than Sri Lanka?
Yes, the research raises concerns about glyphosate exposure in hard water areas, making it relevant to other parts of the world, including the United States. The article also notes that glyphosate’s environmental behavior is similar to that of “forever chemicals” like PFAS, which are known to persist in the environment.
More about Glyphosate-Linked Kidney Disease
- Environmental Science & Technology Letters
- Duke University Global Environmental Health
- Glyphosate Information & Research
- Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology (CKDu)
- World Bank Funding for Higher Education Expansion and Development
- Hard Water and Health
- PFAS: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
- University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
9 comments
Wait, why isn’t this making more headlines? This should be front page news! People need to know.
really interesting study. But what about the ban on glyphosate in Sri Lanka? Why hasn’t that led to a decrease in CKDu cases? would love to know more.
Gosh, not just glyphosate but fluoride and vanadium too. it’s like a toxic cocktail out there. Definitely need more research on this.
Wow, this is eye-opening stuff. Never thought Roundup could be linked to something as serious as kidney disease. Makes you rethink what we’re putting in the soil, doesn’t it?
This is why we need rigorous scientific studies. Its not enough to just assume chemicals like glyphosate are safe. Kudos to the Duke team for digging into it.
How has this gone under the radar for so long? We need more transparency from companies about the impact of their products.
The tech they used for testing, high-resolution and tandem mass spectrometry, sounds super advanced. Wish more studies were this thorough.
Anyone else concerned about the long-term effects? Seven years in water and 22 in soil is insane.
Oh man, this is serious. I’ve used Roundup in my garden for years. Gotta check the water hardness in my area now.