Antidepressants are polluting Europe’s aquatic ecosystems posing a risk to aquatic life

28.8.2024

Question for written answer  E-001564/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Sakis Arnaoutoglou (S&D)

Recent scientific studies and publications show that the pollution of aquatic ecosystems with pharmaceutical substances, in particular antidepressants such as fluoxetine, seriously impacts the body conformation and the behaviour of fish. These antidepressants enter aquatic ecosystems through wastewater. They reduce sperm vitality and motility in male fish, negatively impacting the ability of these fish to survive and reproduce. This raises serious concerns regarding the impact on aquatic life at large and on ecosystems.

In light of these disconcerting findings, can the Commission answer the following:

• 1.What measures will it take to monitor and limit the presence of pharmaceutical substances in the EU’s aquatic ecosystems?
• 2.Are there any specific plans or programmes to boost the technologies used for wastewater purification, in order to reduce the presence of pharmaceutical substances in the environment?
• 3.In what ways does it plan to cooperate with Member States to apply stricter regulations that protect aquatic life from the effects of pollution from pharmaceutical substances?

Submitted: 28.8.2024