Human Drug Pollution in the Aquatic System: The Biochemical Responses of Danio rerio Adults

Abstract

To date, drug pollution in aquatic systems is an urgent issue, and Danio rerio is a model organism to study the toxicological effects of environmental pollutants. The scientific literature has analyzed the effect of human drug pollution on the biochemical responses in the tissues of D. rerio adults. However, the information is still scarce and conflicting, making it difficult to understand its real impact. The scientific studies are not consistent with each other and, until now, no one has grouped their results to create a baseline of knowledge of the possible impacts. In this review, the analysis of literature data highlights that the effects of drugs on adult zebrafishes depend on various factors, such as the tissue analyzed, the drug concentration and the sex of the individuals. Furthermore, the most influenced biochemical responses concern enzymes (e.g., antioxidants and hydrolase enzymes) and total protein and hormonal levels. Pinpointing the situation to date would improve the understanding of the chronic effects of human drug pollution, helping both to reduce it in the aquatic systems and then to draw up regulations to control this type of pollution.

Effects of Sulfamethoxazole on Fertilization and Embryo Development in the Arbacia lixula Sea Urchin

“…To date, different types of pollutants are released into aquatic environments, negatively affecting the lives of the aquatic organisms that inhabit them [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. These organisms are very important as a resource of bioactive molecules as food, and in the study of immune responses under stress conditions and human disease [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ].…”

“…It is known that their persistence in wastewater can negatively affect the ecosystem as these compounds are potentially toxic for non-target organisms, including marine animals [ 20 , 21 ]. In fact, several studies in the literature highlight the negative effects of drugs on different aquatic species, including oxidative stress, metabolic and immunological alterations, and reductions in the success of fertilization and the development of organisms [ 3 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ]. Fertilization, in particular, is a critical phase of the lifecycle that ensures the preservation of a species, and the presence of pharmaceutical compounds can seriously interfere with this process, affecting the production and quality of the gametes.…”