A CONCERNED ecologist says the River Colne is a “flowing toxic cocktail” amid an urgent warning to dog walkers.
Kemal Cufoglu, 28, says the chances of him having a quick dip in the water would be out of the question after he found high volumes of E. coli and dangerous heavy metals present.
He said some elements in the water tested along the banks of Riverside Walk were discovered to be up to 1,000 times the legal limit while concerns are raised as the weather warms.
Mr Cufoglu, of Harwich Road, Colchester, said following a 48 and 72 hour observation, a bacteria test found harmful coliform bacteria, including E. coli, is highly likely to be present in the river.
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He added: “Therefore, the River Colne must be considered unsafe.”
The presence of E.coli is a sign the river has been contaminated with faeces from infected humans or animals.
And in case of a flood or storm, of which the River Colne is often prone, it can contaminate surrounding wells and water resources.
Mr Cufoglu, who is Colchester Green Party’s activism officer and advised Colchester Council’s decision to phase out glyphosate, added: “Our river is a flowing toxic cocktail.
“I would be worried to have my dog jump into the river, and a quick dip in the river during hot summer days would be out of the question.
“The presence of heavy metals in the river such as cadmium, mercury, nickel and zinc not only make it a toxic habitat for animals and plant life alike, but a transmittable health hazard for those using untreated river water or fishing.”
Mr Cufoglu’s tests also found heavy metals including cadmium, which damages the lung and kidneys, mercury, which damages the peripheral nervous system, and nickel and zinc.
It showed the river may have harmful heavy metals which are ten to 1000 times more than the legal limits stated by certain EU directives the UK follows.
Heavy metals not only lead to organ failure and skin disease in humans, but they can also spread their toxicity to plants and animals as well as those consuming them.
It was also discovered there is eleven times more chlorine in the waterway than expected, posing a serious risk to aquatic plants and animals.
The Environment Agency was contacted for comment but did not issue a response at the time of going to press.
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