Aquatic Pollution: Sources, Effects, and Biotechnological Approaches for Remediation
Prabhutva Chaturvedi *
College of Fisheries Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar – 125 004, India.
Padmanabha A
College of Fisheries Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar – 125 004, India.
Binal Rajeshbhai Khalasi
College of Fisheries, Mangaluru, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar, Karnataka – 575002, India.
Chonyo Shinglai
College of Fisheries, Mangaluru, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar, Karnataka – 575002, India.
Kusumlata Goswami
College of Fisheries Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar – 125 004, India.
Shruthi HU
College of Fisheries Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar – 125 004, India.
Bipina Biju
Faculty of Fisheries Science, Kerela University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi, Kerala – 682506, India.
Narendra Kumar Maurya
College of Fisheries, Mangaluru, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar, Karnataka – 575002, India.
R.V. Borichangar
College of Fisheries Science, Kamdhenu University, Navsari, Gujarat – 396450, India.
Allen Shamuel George
College of Fisheries Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar – 125 004, India.
J.N. Parmar
College of Fisheries Science, Kamdhenu University, Navsari, Gujarat – 396450, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aquatic pollution is an escalating global concern threatening freshwater, brackish, and marine ecosystems through biodiversity loss, declining fish productivity, and ecosystem service degradation. This review synthesizes the current understanding of pollutant sources including industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and domestic waste and their toxicological and ecological impacts, particularly on fish health and trophic dynamics. Emphasis is placed on recent advances in biotechnological remediation, including microbial and phytoremediation, enzyme-assisted degradation, and nanobioremediation. Breakthrough tools such as CRISPR/Cas9, biosensors, and Internet-of-Things–enabled monitoring systems are highlighted for their potential in targeted and real-time intervention. Case studies from India and globally illustrate the efficacy of integrated biotechnological solutions under varied environmental contexts. Despite these advances, key challenges remain in field-scale deployment, ecosystem integration, and regulatory oversight. Addressing these gaps will require long-term ecological trials, deeper understanding of plant–microbe interactions, and inclusive policy frameworks for sustainable, community-led remediation efforts.
Keywords: Aquatic pollution, bioremediation, phytoremediation, biosensor technology, environmental nanobiotechnology