Occurrence and fate of antidepressants in the aquatic environment: Insights into toxicological effects on the aquatic life, analytical methods, and removal techniques

Identifying knowledge gaps in understanding the effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) on fish behaviour

“…In 2000, consumption did not exceed 20 Defined Daily Doses (DDD)/1000 inhabitants/day, while in 2018 it almost reached 110 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day ( Estrela et al, 2020 ). The recent pandemic of COVID-19 had a considerable impact on the population's mental health ( Singh et al, 2022 ). According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the incidence of anxiety and depression increased significantly from March 2020 onwards ( Fig.…”

“…Among the SSRIs most detected in the environment, fluoxetine is considered to have the highest acute toxicity ( Puckowski et al, 2016 ; Silva et al, 2012 ; Correia et al, 2023 ). This SSRI is the most investigated due to its environmental persistence and unique pharmacokinetics associated with a readily ionizable and toxic metabolite, norfluoxetine ( Silva et al, 2012 ; Singh et al, 2022 ; Correia et al, 2023 ). Accordingly, extensive data concerning fluoxetine sub-lethal (acute and chronic) effects on fish are available ( Menon et al, 2020 ; Fernandez-Rubio et al, 2019 ; Correia et al, 2023 ).…”

“…Several studies have already demonstrated that sublethal exposure to SSRIs can significantly alter fish behaviour, physiology, and gene expression ( Hedgespeth et al, 2014 ; Kellner et al, 2015 ; Bisesi et al, 2016 ; Pelli and Connaughton, 2015 ; Weinberger and Klaper, 2014 ; Yang et al, 2021 ; Menon et al, 2020 ). This class of antidepressants has often been detected in water systems ( Fekadu et al, 2019 ; Burkina et al, 2015 ; Menon et al, 2020 ; Fernandez-Rubio et al, 2019 ; Silva et al, 2015 ; Sumpter and Margiotta-Casaluci, 2022 ), and their environmental levels are expected to increase significantly due to the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health ( Singh et al, 2022 ). SSRIs exert their therapeutic effect by blocking the serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT) in the presynaptic cell, thus inducing an increase in serotonin levels within the central nervous system (CNS) ( Salahinejad et al, 2022 ; Kellner and Olsén, 2020 ; McDonald, 2017 ).…”

Recent advances in removal of pharmaceutical pollutants in wastewater using metal oxides and carbonaceous materials as photocatalysts: a review

“…3 In this regard, dye effluents, heavy metals and pesticides discharged as wastewater from different industries contribute significantly to water pollution. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] In addition, the wide application of pharmaceuticals in daily life for the treatment of complex diseases is also the major contributor of emerging contaminants, with potential adverse effects on humans and the aquatic environment. [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] The presence of these pharmaceutical pollutants could lead to cancers, severe bleeding, organ damage, birth defects, reproductive disorders, endocrine disorders, and mild to severe toxic effects in human beings in the global population.…”

“…3 In this regard, dye effluents, heavy metals and pesticides discharged as wastewater from different industries contribute significantly to water pollution. 4–12…”