The Mutual Effect of Microparticles and Antidepressants on the Protozoan Spirostomum ambiguum (Müller, 1786) Ehrenberg, 1835

Antidepressants, especially selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, which are among the most commonly used pharmaceuticals, ubiquitous in effluents and freshwaters. Microparticles, including microplastics, show sorption properties to different compounds, thus becoming a potential vector of toxic substances. This study aimed evaluate effects four antidepressants on protozoan Spirostomum ambiguum presence types microplastics baker’s yeast. The Spirotox, measuring acute toxicity, food uptake inhibition assay were applied. microparticles did not influence toxicity tested assay. Moreover, they adsorb drugs during seven-day incubation dark. However, sublethal levels sertraline duloxetine decreased number vacuoles formed by protozoa. highest effect was observed case suspension edible particles yeast, where significant decrease concentration as low 0.025 mg L−1. A lower but statistically when wettable phenolic resin artificial source. These results indicate that inhibitors can interfere with feeding processes ciliates.