Introduction to Aquatic Toxicology

In recent years, freshwater ecosystems are facing serious threats due to anthropogenic problems such as industrial wastes, agricultural activities, inadequate urban waste management and population growth. However, changes in abiotic factors such as climate change, precipitation and temperature levels directly or indirectly affect the habitats of aquatic flora and fauna, including reproduction and nutrition. It is therefore crucial to identify pollution activities, their sources, spatial distribution and fate in the aquatic environment to protect species in freshwater systems and ensure the normal functioning of ecosystems globally. These problems are among the missions of aquatic toxicology and continue to evolve with the integration of other sciences. In this chapter, the ultimate goal of toxicological research is to examine how contamination affects an ecosystem and the pathways by which toxic substances reach aquatic organisms.