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Accumulation of pharmaceuticals in aquatic life

Pharmaceuticals such as antidepressants, opioids, and other drugs of abuse are accumulating in the bodies of fish living downstream of wastewater treatment plants. This issue affects small fish in rivers receiving urban wastewater, with specific drugs like fentanyl, methadone, and venlafaxine detected. The presence of these substances in aquatic life poses potential risks to ecosystems and human health.

Science, Biology, Ecology