A Review on the Impact of Pesticide Toxicity on the Physiological and Behavioral Condition of Fish

Abstract

Pesticides are an essential component of contemporary agriculture because they help keep unwanted insects and animals under control and boost crop yields. However, the widespread usage of pesticides has led to worries over the unexpected consequences that these chemicals have on non-target animals and ecosystems, particularly those that are aquatic. Fish, which play an essential role in aquatic food webs, are particularly vulnerable to the damaging effects of pesticides as a result of their direct contact with contaminated water bodies. The review covers acute and chronic pesticide effects on fish, including physiological and behavioral responses. It discusses population-level effects and biodiversity loss on fish reproduction, growth, development, immunological function, and locomotor activity. It also highlights pesticide toxicity’s long-term effects on fish populations. Pesticide exposure may also alter foraging behavior, competitive aptitude, and predation vulnerability, according to the review. Pesticides harm fish health by accumulating toxins, causing genetic defects, and upsetting the aquatic ecology. These effects put biodiversity in jeopardy and upset the food chain’s delicate balance, raising major environmental issues. It emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary research to better understand fish pesticide toxicity and guide environmental regulatory measures. Implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to ensure sustainable pesticide use in the environment. Use of non-chemical strategies such as crop rotation, natural predators, and resistant varieties. limit pesticide application to specific pests, thereby minimizing ecological damage and preserving ecosystem equilibrium. We can improve agriculture-aquatic biodiversity coexistence by supporting holistic pesticide management.