J* E* C* N* U* N* S* ›› 2026, Vol. 2026 ›› Issue (1): 43-53.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1000-5641.2026.01.004

• Distribution and Ecological Risk of Emerging Pollutants in Watersheds • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Research progress on pollution characteristics and ecotoxicity of SSRIs in aquatic environments

Yutong ZHANG1, Huanran ZHOU1, Lingling WU1,2,*()   

  1. 1. College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
    2. Shanghai Research Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Safety, Shanghai 200092, China
  • Received:2025-09-24 Online:2026-01-25 Published:2026-01-29
  • Contact: Lingling WU E-mail:wulingling@tongji.edu.cn

Abstract:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a prominent class of antidepressant pharmaceuticals. Given their widespread use and persistence in the environment, SSRIs have entered aquatic systems through multiple pathways and have been frequently detected in influent and effluent samples from wastewater treatment plants, surface water, and even drinking water. Consequently, they are attracting increasing attention from communities concerned about the environment. The presence of SSRIs in aquatic environments may interfere with the normal physiological functions of aquatic organisms, potentially inducing toxic effects. Concern is also growing that these compounds may pose risks to human health through the consumption of contaminated drinking water or their accumulation along the food chain. This review systematically examines the current pollution levels, potential sources, and environmental transport pathways of SSRIs in aquatic environments. The paper summarizes the toxicological impacts of SSRIs on various aquatic species. The primary objectives are to provide scientific references for the effective management and control of these emerging contaminants and to support the protection of aquatic ecosystems.

Key words: antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), aquatic environments, pollution characteristics, ecotoxicity

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