Chemicals in Aquaculture: Unraveling Ecological Impacts and Regulatory Challenges

Aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing food production sectors worldwide, yet its rapid expansion has intensified the reliance on chemical inputs, including pesticides, disinfectants, antifoulants, and antibiotics, to manage parasites, pathogens and biofouling while maintaining productivity. This Research Topic addresses the pressing issue of chemical usage in aquaculture and their effects on freshwater ecosystems. By examining the effects of commonly used substances (e.g., emamectin benzoate, deltamethrin, neonicotinoids, prometryn, formalin, hydrogen peroxide, and other aquaculture-related compounds), we aim to unravel their impacts on water quality, plankton, periphyton, and benthic invertebrate populations. Through experimental analysis, modelling, and literature review, the Research Topic will highlight current debates around the ecological consequences of chemical usage and their regulation in aquaculture. The ultimate goal is to support management strategies that balance aquaculture productivity with environmental sustainability, aligning with global efforts to mitigate anthropogenic stressors on aquatic life.

The scope of this Research Topic includes investigations into how aquaculture-related chemicals alter water quality parameters, disrupt primary (e.g., algae), and secondary productivity (e.g., plankton and benthic invertebrate assemblages), and influence broader food web dynamics in aquaculture systems. Special attention is given to the cascading ecological effects that may compromise biodiversity, ecosystem services, and ultimately the resilience of aquatic habitats. We encourage contributions that employ laboratory- and field-based experiments, literature review, and modeling approaches to assess the impacts of chemical inputs, as well as interdisciplinary perspectives that bridge ecological science, environmental policy, and aquaculture management. Beyond ecological implications, this topic also aims to engage with the ongoing debates surrounding pesticide regulation, highlighting gaps in current legislation, inconsistencies across national and international frameworks, and challenges in enforcing sustainable practices.

Highlights of this Research Topic include, but are not limited to, the following points focused on:

● Ecotoxicological pathways by which aquaculture-related chemicals affect aquatic organisms;
● Ecosystem impacts of chemical use on primary productivity, lower trophic organisms, trophic interactions, biodiversity, and ecosystem functioning;
● Effects on water quality dynamics around aquaculture areas;
● Comparative approach across diverse aquaculture environments (ponds, raceways, indoor recirculation system, net pens, cages) and geographic contexts;
● Evaluation of regulatory frameworks, their enforcement, and implications for aquaculture sustainability;
● Socio-economic perspectives of the trade-offs between aquaculture productivity, food security, and environmental protection, including stakeholder perceptions and policy adoption; and
● Management strategies including innovative practices, mitigation measures, and integrated pest management approaches to minimize ecological risks while supporting aquaculture development.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Aquaculture pesticides, Freshwater ecotoxicology, Water quality impacts, Plankton and benthic invertebrates, Food web dynamics

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.