Pesticide contamination in aquatic environments: Implications for biodiversity and ecosystem health

Abstract

Aquatic pesticide pollution has become a serious hazard to ecosystem health and biodiversity worldwide. Pesticides including organophosphates, carbamates, and neonicotinoids are introduced into freshwater and marine systems by runoff from agricultural areas, industrial effluents, and urban discharges. Through their effects on the physiology, behavior, and reproduction of non-target animals, such as plankton, fish, amphibians, and invertebrates, these chemicals upset aquatic food webs. Long-term exposure changes the composition of communities and weakens ecological resilience through bioaccumulation and biomagnification. Additionally, pesticides hinder important ecological functions like decomposition, primary productivity, and nutrient cycling. Ecological dangers are made worse by the combined effects of chemical combinations and climate change. Strict regulatory frameworks, sustainable agriculture methods, and integrated monitoring are needed to address these issues. This review underscores recent progress in comprehending the ecological effects of pesticides and stresses the pressing necessity of mitigation strategies to protect aquatic biodiversity and guarantee the sustainability of ecosystems over the long term.