Aquatic Pollution: Sources, Effects, and Biotechnological Approaches for Remediation

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.