Water Quality as Index of Healthy Aquatic Life: A Review

Abstract

Water quality is impacted by anthropogenic activity such as wastewater from industries and improper waste
management. Constant discharge of untreated effluent and sewage, dumping and processing of metal and
microplastic scraps, local dyeing and tanning, atmospheric deposit, and excessive use of agrochemicals
continue to contaminate the surrounding environment with hazardous heavy metals. These toxins remain
in the aquatic environment and affect non-target organisms such as fish. Water pollution is significant
because of its impact on the environment on which we rely. Destroying the environment eventually lowers
the quality of our lives. Portable water is essential for human existence and survival. To keep alive, we
need to consume it and use it to clean our food, utensils, clothes, bodies, and environment. Unfortunately,
this same water is the source of many diseases, particularly in developing countries. The paper evaluated
relevant research and provided an outline of how these toxins affect aquatic biota. The following bioindicators
of heavy metal poisoning that cause changes in fish physiology were discussed: hematology,
antioxidant enzyme activity, histology, and growth performance. Environmental standards are being
violated, and environmental regulatory bodies are failing to enforce environmental protection laws,
compounding the situation.