Agrochemical contamination and fish health: eco-toxicological impacts and mitigation strategies
Khalid Javed Iqbal, Muhammad Sohail, Khalid Hussain Rind, Syed Sikandar Habib
Abstract
The widespread use of agrochemicals, including pesticides and fertilisers, has significantly enhanced agricultural productivity but also poses serious environmental threats, particularly to aquatic ecosystems. These contaminants reach water bodies through runoff, leaching, and atmospheric deposition, leading to bioaccumulation and posing significant health risks to fish. This review comprehensively examines the biochemical, genotoxic, hematological, histopathological, behavioural, and reproductive alterations of agrochemical exposure in fish. The key findings indicate that these contaminants induce oxidative stress, leading to elevated level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant enzyme disruption. Genotoxicity assessment reveals DNA damage and chromosomal aberrations, while hematological analysis shows altered blood parameters indicative of physiological stress. Histopathological evaluations demonstrate cellular degeneration in vital organs; behavioural studies reveal abnormal swimming patterns and reduced feeding efficiency. Additionally, hormonal imbalance and impaired gametogenesis is an indicator of reproductive toxicity, ultimately threatening fish populations and aquatic biodiversity. To mitigate these ecotoxicological risks, this review proposes sustainable strategies including precision agriculture, ecofriendly pesticides, buffer zones, and integrated pest management (IPM). Furthermore, this review emphasises genetically modified crops, advanced monitoring, and interdisciplinary strategies to balance agriculture and sustainability while minimising pollution and protecting aquatic ecosystems.