Antipsychotics in Aquatic Environments: Occurrence, Fate, and Ecological Effects

Pharmaceutical contaminants are increasingly recognized as an important class of emerging pollutants in aquatic ecosystems. Among these compounds, antipsychotic drugs are widely prescribed psychoactive pharmaceuticals used for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe psychiatric disorders. Due to incomplete metabolism in humans and limited removal efficiency in conventional wastewater treatment plants, these biologically active compounds are continuously released into aquatic environments. Although their concentrations in surface waters are typically detected at nanogram‑per‑liter levels, the high pharmacological potency of antipsychotics and their interaction with conserved neurotransmitter systems raise concerns about ecological impacts on aquatic organisms. This review synthesizes current knowledge regarding the occurrence, environmental fate, persistence, and ecotoxicological effects of antipsychotic drugs in aquatic environments. Particular attention is given to commonly detected compounds such as risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, clozapine, and haloperidol. Furthermore, the challenges associated with environmental risk assessment, mixture toxicity, and future research priorities are discussed. Improved understanding of the environmental behavior and ecological impacts of antipsychotic pharmaceuticals is essential for developing effective wastewater management strategies and protecting aquatic ecosystems.

کلیدواژه ها:

Antipsychotic drugs ، Emerging contaminants ، Pharmaceutical pollution ، Aquatic ecosystems ، Ecotoxicology ، Environmental risk assessment