A meta-analysis of glyphosate and its transformation product, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), in European and U.S. rivers reveals that glyphosate contamination in Europe is not primarily from agricultural herbicide application but rather from municipal wastewater. The study analyzed data from over 100 sites across the U.S. and Europe, showing that in Europe, glyphosate and AMPA concentrations exhibit a strong seasonal pattern, closely linked to wastewater markers such as pharmaceuticals, indicating a significant contribution from municipal wastewater. In contrast, U.S. data show glyphosate and AMPA concentrations increasing during high river discharge events, likely due to agricultural runoff. European river data show consistent, year-round glyphosate concentrations, which are not expected from herbicide application. The study suggests that aminopolyphosphonates, used in detergents and other products, may be a significant source of both glyphosate and AMPA in Europe. These compounds are known to transform into AMPA, and their presence in wastewater could explain the consistent glyphosate levels observed in European rivers. The study also highlights that glyphosate concentrations in European wastewater treatment plants are consistently higher than in the U.S., suggesting a more significant contribution from municipal sources. The findings challenge the common assumption that glyphosate in European rivers comes mainly from agricultural use, indicating that municipal wastewater and aminopolyphosphonates may be the primary sources. The study underscores the need for further investigation into the sources of glyphosate and AMPA in European rivers, particularly the role of wastewater and industrial chemicals.A meta-analysis of glyphosate and its transformation product, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), in European and U.S. rivers reveals that glyphosate contamination in Europe is not primarily from agricultural herbicide application but rather from municipal wastewater. The study analyzed data from over 100 sites across the U.S. and Europe, showing that in Europe, glyphosate and AMPA concentrations exhibit a strong seasonal pattern, closely linked to wastewater markers such as pharmaceuticals, indicating a significant contribution from municipal wastewater. In contrast, U.S. data show glyphosate and AMPA concentrations increasing during high river discharge events, likely due to agricultural runoff. European river data show consistent, year-round glyphosate concentrations, which are not expected from herbicide application. The study suggests that aminopolyphosphonates, used in detergents and other products, may be a significant source of both glyphosate and AMPA in Europe. These compounds are known to transform into AMPA, and their presence in wastewater could explain the consistent glyphosate levels observed in European rivers. The study also highlights that glyphosate concentrations in European wastewater treatment plants are consistently higher than in the U.S., suggesting a more significant contribution from municipal sources. The findings challenge the common assumption that glyphosate in European rivers comes mainly from agricultural use, indicating that municipal wastewater and aminopolyphosphonates may be the primary sources. The study underscores the need for further investigation into the sources of glyphosate and AMPA in European rivers, particularly the role of wastewater and industrial chemicals.