Aquaculture is the fastest-growing food production sector worldwide, essential to meet the rising global demand for aquatic protein. However, its expansion has raised increasing concern about environmental sustainability, particularly regarding the release, accumulation, and biological effects of contaminants in farming systems. Ecotoxicology plays a pivotal role in understanding and mitigating these impacts, bridging environmental chemistry, toxicology, and aquatic ecology to ensure both ecosystem integrity and food safety.
Intensive aquaculture practices can lead to the introduction of diverse pollutants, including antibiotics, pesticides, metals, plastics, and feed additives, which may persist in sediments and water or bioaccumulate in cultured and wild species. Ecotoxicological approaches enable the assessment of such contaminant dynamics through controlled laboratory assays, in situ biomonitoring, and biomarker-based analyses, providing insights into sublethal stress, oxidative stress, and immunotoxic or endocrine-disrupting effects in aquatic organisms. Furthermore, the discipline supports the development of sustainable management practices by evaluating the ecological compatibility of aquafeeds, therapeutic agents, and water treatment products, and by identifying safer alternatives.
Integrating ecotoxicological data into risk assessment frameworks enhances the capacity to predict cumulative and long-term effects under realistic, multi-stressor conditions, such as those induced by climate change and eutrophication. Emerging research directions, such as the application of omics technologies and bioinformatics tools, are refining the mechanistic understanding of contaminant responses at molecular and population levels, ultimately contributing to sustainable aquaculture and environmental protection. By aligning with principles of green aquaculture and circular economy, ecotoxicology not only supports regulatory compliance but also fosters innovation in eco-friendly production strategies. Overall, ecotoxicology is indispensable for guiding the sustainable development of aquaculture, balancing productivity with environmental stewardship and ensuring the health of both aquatic organisms and consumers.