Aquatic ecosystems are critical indicators of environmental health, yet they are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic pollution. Industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, urbanization, and improper waste management introduce pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pharmaceuticals, and microplastics into water bodies. These contaminants induce genotoxic effects in fish, key bioindicators of aquatic health, leading to DNA damage, oxidative stress, and chromosomal abnormalities. Such effects compromise fish reproduction, growth, and population sustainability, posing significant ecological risks. This mini-review explores the primary sources of aquatic pollutants, their mechanisms of genotoxicity, and documented impacts on fish species. Understanding the interplay between pollution and genotoxicity is essential for safeguarding aquatic biodiversity and ensuring the resilience of freshwater ecosystems.

PDF