Animals living in Melbourne's surrounding streams are increasingly exposed to higher doses of drugs, predominantly antidepressants and antifungal drugs.
Research conducted found traces of 69 different drugs in insects living in streams around Melbourne, with animals such as the platypus, estimated to receive more than half a human dose of antidepressant every day.
The streams, that contribute to Melbourne's major water supply, are suspected to have been contaminated through sewage systems.