Long-term Antidepressant Pollution Alters Fish Behavior and Reproduction

Five-year study reveals Prozac's pervasive impact on guppies, raising concerns about pharmaceutical contamination in waterways.

Researchers exposed guppies to fluoxetine, a common antidepressant, over five years, observing significant behavioral and reproductive changes.
Male guppies showed reduced body condition, altered reproductive organs, and decreased sperm velocity even at low pollutant levels.
The study highlighted disrupted behavioral plasticity, affecting the fish's ability to adapt to environmental changes.
Findings emphasize the urgent need for better pharmaceutical waste management and greener drug designs.
The research calls for increased public awareness and stricter regulations to protect aquatic ecosystems.