Thematic collections publish evidence-based research that demonstrates integrity and sound methodology in established and emerging areas of interest. Thematic collections are guided by input from the journal’s Editorial Board and submissions are subject to rigorous peer review processes.

Aquatic ecosystems continue to encounter growing threats from a range of environmental pollutants that pose significant challenges to aquaculture practices and biodiversity. These pollutants, which may include microplastics, heavy metals, pesticides, persistent organic pollutants, and emerging contaminants amongst others, can have far-reaching impacts on aquatic life, ecosystem health, and the sustainability of aquaculture industries.

On the other hand, the intensification of production in global aquaculture is a major contributor to nutrients, particles, and fish waste causing eutrophication, in addition to undesirable chemical substances such as drugs and antibiotics in the aquatic environment. Therefore, on both a local and a global scale we are struggling to understand the direct and indirect effects of aquatic contamination, and understanding the sources, pathways, and toxicological effects of these pollutants is critical for developing effective management strategies and ensuring the long-term viability of aquaculture and the conservation of aquatic biodiversity.

This Thematic Collection of Aquaculture Research invites original research articles and reviews, that broadly explore the multifaceted impacts of aquatic pollutants on aquaculture and biodiversity, exploring the ecological, physiological, immuno-toxicological, biochemical, and behavioral impacts of pollutants and their impacts on aquatic animal health and aquaculture production. We aim to bring together innovative broad research that addresses the following key themes:

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• The Impact of Pollutants on Aquaculture Production and Sustainability
• Toxicological Effects on Wild Aquatic Plants and Animals
• Identification of Pollutant Sources and Pathways: Studies identifying and quantifying the sources of pollutants, their distribution in aquatic environments, and the pathways through which they enter, affect, and leave aquaculture systems.
• Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification: Investigations of the accumulation of pollutants within aquatic organisms and their transfer through food webs.
• Multiple Stressor Interactions: Often pollutants do not come as single entities but cumulatively as multiple stressors interact with other anthropogenic stressors, temperature, or even pathogens
• Mitigation and Remediation Strategies: Approaches to decreasing pollutant levels for sustainable aquaculture and biodiversity
• Potential Risks for Human Health: Due to the abundance of aquatic pollution as well as the quality of aquaculture products exposure may impact human health however the toxic effects are largely unknown, therefore we also welcome manuscripts that identify existing knowledge gaps and solutions to minimize contamination.