A 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 by Monash University and the University of Tuscia, revealed that pharmaceutical residues in water lead to contamination of aquatic life when medication is excreted by patients. The study focused on the effects of fluoxetine on male guppies and found that exposure led to changes in the fish’s reproductive organs, impacting fertility and overall health.
In addition to fluoxetine, other pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and heavy metals like arsenic have also been detected in freshwater, posing a threat to aquatic ecosystems. Scientists emphasize the need for water treatment processes to be improved to filter out these contaminants, calling for government intervention to regulate and enforce stricter standards in wastewater treatment.
Experts suggest that further research is needed to fully understand the impact of these pollutants on the environment and advocate for more stringent monitoring and compliance measures. The study highlights the importance of addressing pharmaceutical pollution in freshwater environments to protect the health of aquatic life and ultimately safeguard human health.
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