SWITZERLAND — Scientists say around 43 kg of gold worth around $1.8 million is flushed through Switzerland's sewer system each year. <br /> <br />The report was released by researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Bloomberg reported. <br /> <br />According to the report, the gold is lost through sludge and effluent from the country's waste treatment facilities. <br /> <br />Scientists believe the gold flecks originate from the watchmaking industry and gold refineries. <br /> <br />Switzerland is a major gold-refining hub with about 70 percent of the world's gold making its way through the country's refineries every year, according to Bloomberg. <br /> <br />The study looked at 64 water treatment plants and also found around 3,000 kg of silver worth around $1.7 million.
