Particulate pollution and its toxicity to fish: An overview

Abstract

Aquatic ecosystems cover more than two-thirds of the Earth's surface and play a vital role in maintaining a stable global temperature and providing various benefits to an expanding human population. However, human activities are causing negative effects on these ecosystems. Particulate matter (PM) refers to tiny particles with a variable composition and a diameter of <100 μm. These particles can settle in water and be consumed by fish, posing a health hazard to them. Additionally, these particles can scatter light, which can negatively impact the growth of plants and algae in the water, and ultimately affect the aquatic food chain. Particle pollution can transport contaminants, such as toxic heavy metals and organic compounds, which can accumulate in fish tissues and be ingested by humans. These pollutants can harm aquatic life through various processes, such as physical damage, ingestion, bioaccumulation, light attenuation, and toxicity. This review article specifically focuses on different sources of particulate matter that impact fish and the mechanisms by which these pollutants can cause toxicity in fish.