Work

Bioaccumulation and Trophic Transfer of Heavy Metals in Marine Fish: Ecological and Ecosystem-Level Impacts

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Heavy metal contamination in marine ecosystems poses a critical environmental challenge, with significant implications for biodiversity, trophic dynamics, and human health. Marine fish are key bioindicators of heavy metal pollution because of their role in food webs and their capacity for bioaccumulation and trophic transfer. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the pathways and mechanisms of heavy metal accumulation in marine fish, focusing on factors that influence the uptake, retention, and tissue distribution. We explore the processes governing trophic transfer and biomagnification, highlighting species-specific accumulation patterns and the risks posed to apex predators, including humans. Additionally, we assess the ecological consequences of heavy metal contamination at population, community, and ecosystem levels, emphasizing its effects on fish reproduction, community structure, and trophic interactions. By integrating recent findings, this review highlights key knowledge gaps and suggests future research directions to improve environmental monitoring and risk assessment. Given the persistence and bioavailability of heavy metals in marine environments, effective pollution control strategies and sustainable fisheries management are imperative to mitigate long-term ecological and public health risks.

Source: Journal of Xenobiotics

DOI: 10.3390/jox15020059

Author: Andra Oros

Institution: Institutul Naţional de Cercetare Dezvoltare Marină Grigore Antipa

Language: English

Topic: Environmental Toxicology and Ecotoxicology

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life below water

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,930