A recent joint Australian-Italian study has found traces of the anti-depressant fluoxetine, commonly known as Prozac, in lakes and rivers, potentially affecting freshwater fish. The study, conducted over five years, revealed that pharmaceutical residues, including fluoxetine, can enter waterways through human waste and wastewater treatment plants. The bioavailability of fluoxetine, estimated at 70-72%, means that a significant amount of the drug is excreted unchanged into the environment.
Researchers exposed male guppies to low levels of fluoxetine to study its effects and found that the fish exhibited changes in their reproductive organs, including an increase in gonopodium size and reduced sperm mobility. Additionally, pharmaceuticals are not the only contaminants found in freshwater, as pollutants like microplastics and heavy metals from industries can also threaten aquatic environments.
To address this issue, scientists recommend modifying water treatment processes to filter out pharmaceuticals and other contaminants. Involvement from governments and international organizations is crucial to establish standards and regulations for cleaner water. Further research is needed to fully understand the impact of these pollutants on the environment, but improving monitoring and compliance standards can help mitigate their effects.
Giovanni Polverino, one of the study’s authors, emphasized the importance of taking action to prevent pharmaceutical pollution in freshwater environments. While current wastewater treatment systems effectively remove particles and pathogens, they are not equipped to filter out pharmaceuticals. Ultimately, addressing this issue requires a coordinated effort to protect the health of aquatic ecosystems and prevent further contamination.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com