Constructor University researchers show impact of COVID-19 and climate change on drinking water quality in Berlin

On 28 May 2024, a study conducted by a research team from Constructor University, led by Prof. Dr. Michael Bau, was published in the journal Water Research.

The research study is titled "Impacts of COVID-19 and climate change on wastewater-derived substances in urban drinking water: Evidence from gadolinium-based contrast agents in tap water from Berlin, Germany" and is available online.

Their research finds that tap water in Berlin has high concentrations of gadolinium, a rare earth element used as a contrast agent in MRIs. The level has increased on average 30-fold between 2009-2021, but responded quickly to reduced number of MRI scans during the COVID-19 pandemic. The currently observed level is not dangerous for humans, but it helps reveal the potential presence of other toxic wastewater-derived substances in the tap water. The research hints at the potential of using gadolinium as a cost-efficient tracer for wastewater-derived substances in the future.

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To read Constructor University's article on this publication, please visit here

To read the study in full, please visit here