First Published Thursday, 27 November 2008
By Janet Raloff
TAMPA, Fla. – In the fish world, baby is just another word for lunch. So it behooves aquatic larvae to be ever vigilant. Yet those who as embryos or hatchlings encountered water polluted with trace concentrations of an antidepressant are much more likely to become lunch.
Tons of medicine ends up in the environment each year. Much has been excreted by patients. Leftover pills may also have been flushed down the toilet. Because water treatment plants were never designed to remove pharmaceuticals, water released into rivers by these plants generally carries a broad and diverse array of drug residues.
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Comment:
There is not much that individuals can do about excreting drug metabolites but unwanted or expired medications should not be flushed down toilets. Many pharmacies will safely dispose of medications.
There is not much that individuals can do about excreting drug metabolites but unwanted or expired medications should not be flushed down toilets. Many pharmacies will safely dispose of medications.
One Response to “Antidepressants Make For Sad Fish”
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February 3rd, 2011 at 10:57 am
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