Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Objective: Toxicity of contaminants in the aquatic ecosystems is found to be affected by rise in temperature due to global warming. The main objective of the present study was to investigate the toxicity effects of some specific organic and inorganic contaminants like iron, copper, endosulfan, chlorpyrifos, phenol, chlorine, cyanides, nitrites and ammonia at different temperatures to fish fauna. Methodology: secondary data concerning with the impact of temperature fluctuations on toxicology of contaminants in aquatic ecosystems especially with reference to fish fauna was collected to review and predict their correlation. Findings: This review study indicated that toxicity of contaminants is greatly affected by climate change and it may have adverse effects on biology of fish fauna. The concentration of toxic contaminants which is not active at low and moderate temperature proved lethal with increase in water temperature. Application: This review study may sensitize the ecologists to draw correlation between temperature and toxicity of contaminants for effective management of aquatic ecosystems and fish fauna. This will also essentially helpful in understanding of basic mechanisms that allow the aquatic fauna to survive in the contaminated waters. Conclusion: The study of interaction mechanisms of aquatic toxicants with environmental factors and their management in aquatic ecosystems, hence, is the need of hour otherwise; they can lead to loss of aquatic biodiversity and can disturb ecological balance.

Keywords: Aquatic Fauna, Contaminants Toxicity, Heavy Metals, Pesticides, Temperature