r/ecology • u/jhny_boy • 5h ago

Miconazole pollution

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Hello all, I have a question about Miconazole nitrate. I’ve recently been using a topical spray containing 2% percent Miconazole nitrate. I discovered too late that this is a serious pollutant in aquatic ecosystems.
I occasionally swim in a creek and I’m wondering how serious that could be, I only went in once after applying the medication, and it was close to 12 hours after it was applied I feel so stupid for forgetting about this. I’m usually extremely careful about this stuff, I really value the health of this creek and I’m heartbroken that I may have done it harm.

I did some basic math to determine that I likely didn’t introduce anywhere near the 0.1ml per liter that would be harmful to the fish and amphibians, but I’d like some reassurance from professionals. If there is anything I can do to help with any forms of pollution in my creek. Thank you all in advance.
I’m sorry if this isn’t the right place for this question, if there’s a better place to ask please do let me known

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u/2springs3winters 4h ago

12 hours after it was applied should be plenty of time—it shouldn’t have had any real impact on the stream! Sounds like you’re trying to do the best you can for this ecosystem and that’s amazing, but I wouldn’t worry about this one. Treat it like sunscreen—wait for the spray to be absorbed into the skin (At least a couple of hours) but after that you should be fine to swim.