Water pollution and its impact on aquatic organisms. A literature review (#1251)

Authors

Huaman-Flores, Digna Marianela

Barboza-Palomino, Miguel

Abstract

The study aimed to analyze findings from recent research on water pollution and its impact on aquatic organisms. Fourteen scientific articles published between 2017 and 2024 in journals indexed in the SciELO Online Electronic Library were selected and reviewed. The information from the articles included in the review was organized in a synthesis matrix that allowed the identification of trends regarding general characteristics of publications, study locations and methodologies, types of contaminants, and effects of pollution on aquatic organisms. Results revealed a predominance of publications in 2023, with women as first authors in most articles. Analysis of corresponding authors' affiliations showed a concentration in institutions from Mexico and Colombia. These countries, along with Costa Rica, also stood out for editing journals with the highest number of publications on the topic. The weighted average of authors per article was 3.71, with a high proportion of multiple authorship (.93). While collaboration was evident, it was exclusively national. Mexico and Colombia were also the locations where more than 50% of the reviewed research was conducted. The analyzed studies primarily employed toxicity assays to evaluate the effects of contaminants and atomic absorption spectrophotometry to determine their concentration in aquatic organisms. Adverse effects on aquatic species were reported, including microplastics in fish and crustaceans, bioaccumulation of heavy metals in tissues, and toxic effects of agrochemicals. In conclusion, the review evidenced a trend in publications investigating the impact of water pollution on aquatic organisms.