Depressed fish? How Prozac in lakes and rivers may harm aquatic life

• An Australian-Italian study has detected traces of fluoxetine, commonly known as Prozac, in freshwater lakes and rivers, potentially affecting fish health.
• Researchers from Monash University and the University of Tuscia found that male guppies exposed to fluoxetine had larger gonopodia but lower sperm mobility, impacting fertility.
• The study highlights that current wastewater treatment plants are not equipped to filter out pharmaceutical residues, allowing these pollutants to enter waterways.
• Besides fluoxetine, other pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and heavy metals have been found in freshwater, posing risks to aquatic ecosystems.
• Experts suggest that improving water treatment processes and engaging governments to set stricter standards could mitigate the impact of these pollutants.

Source: aljazeera