Aquaculture Water Pollution: Sources, Impacts, and Mitigation Strategies

Aquaculture water pollution arises from the discharge of excess feed, metabolic waste, fecal matter, chemicals, and plastic debris into surrounding water bodies, with effects that extend beyond the farm boundary into sediments, wild ecosystems, and the food chain. For farmers, farm employees, veterinarians, advisers, students, and farm planners, the practical challenge is to identify which pollution pathways operate on a given site, measure their magnitude, and apply management changes that reduce environmental loading without compromising production. This article explains the main pollution sources, their ecological impacts, and the mitigation strategies that can be implemented at farm level, including biofiltration, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, and improved waste handling.

The Scale of Aquaculture Pollution

Aquaculture now supplies nearly half of all fish consumed directly by humans and about 43% of total seafood supply, while fish provide roughly 20% of average daily animal protein intake for about 3.2 billion people globally. The rapid expansion of the industry has raised concerns about water pollution from aquaculture production facilities, which release pollutants including fish feed and feces into the environment. These releases threaten water quality, sediment health, and the viability of the farms themselves.

The global environmental impact of aquaculture has been quantified through the Aquaculture Eco-Environment and Health Impact model, which assesses pollutant emissions, biodiversity impacts, invasive alien species, and disease transmission with antimicrobial resistance spread. The global average impact score is 62.3, indicating a high level of environmental concern. Asia shows the highest score at 68.7, followed by Africa at 58.9, Latin America and the Caribbean at 55.6, North America at 52.4, Europe at 45.2, and Oceania at 41.8. Pollutant emissions account for 35% of the impact score and are the core driver of environmental degradation. Antibiotics, heavy metals, and nutrient pollution create synergistic ecological risks through bioaccumulation in water bodies and trophic transfer.

The practical implication for farm managers is that pollution control is not optional compliance work. It is a production factor that affects water quality, stock health, and the long-term license to operate. Farms that ignore sediment accumulation and nutrient loading often face deteriorating growing conditions and increased disease pressure.

Sources of Aquaculture Water Pollution

Excess Feed and Metabolic Waste

The primary source of nutrient pollution in aquaculture is the discharge of fish feed and feces. Feed that is not consumed settles into the sediment, where it decomposes and releases nitrogen and phosphorus. Fish metabolic waste, including ammonia excreted through the gills and solid fecal material, adds to the organic load. In cage farming operations, these by-products accumulate directly beneath the cages. A study of Lake Jangseong in South Korea found that high concentrations of organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and heavy metals including zinc, copper, cadmium, and mercury were concentrated around a hotspot site previously used for cage fish farming. The pollutants accumulated in sediments because of past cage farming instead of from external sources. Residual feed, fish meal, and waste discharged after cage farming accumulated in the sediments and were later exposed to natural internal disturbances.

The lesson for farm planners is that sediment pollution is persistent. Even after farming stops, the accumulated organic matter and nutrients remain in the sediment and can be resuspended by water movement. This means that pollution control must focus on preventing accumulation in the first place, not on cleaning up after the fact.

Chemical Inputs and Heavy Metals

Aquaculture operations use a range of chemical inputs including antibiotics, antifouling paints, disinfectants, and feed additives. Heavy metals such as mercury, lead, and cadmium persist in the environment for long periods and accumulate in the food chain. These metals enter aquaculture systems through contaminated water sources, feed ingredients, and the use of treated equipment. The dangers these metals pose to the sustainability of aquaculture are well documented, and mitigation techniques such as adsorption, bio-sorption, and phytoremediation have been deployed for the treatment of heavy metal contaminated aquaculture.

Organotin compounds, historically used in antifouling paints for ships and marine structures, have been detected in aquaculture sediments. A study of Tong'an Bay in Xiamen reconstructed the pollution history of organotin compounds from 1931 to 2007 and found that inputs began in the 1950s. Butyltin compounds accounted for 97.4% of total organotins, indicating contamination from early antifouling paint use. The vertical distribution of these compounds matched the usage history of organotin antifouling paints and changes in the functional zoning of the surrounding area.

For farm managers, the practical concern is that antifouling treatments applied to nets, cages, and boats can leach into the water and accumulate in sediments. Choosing alternative antifouling methods and maintaining equipment to minimize paint loss are direct management responses.

Plastics and Microplastics

Plastic pollution from aquaculture is a growing concern. Plastic products such as fishing nets and foam buoys are widely used in aquaculture, and these materials are mixed with a wide range of additives to enhance their performance. With long-term use, additives can leach out into the environment, forming aquaculture-derived plastic leachates. Some leachates, such as phthalic acid esters and organophosphate esters, are endocrine disruptors that can increase the exposure risk of aquatic products and pose potential threats to human health through the food chain.

Microplastics enter aquaculture facilities through water sources and food including plankton. The negative impacts on aquaculture organisms include low growth rates, hindered reproductive functions, neurotoxicity, low feeding habit, oxidative stress, reduced metabolic rate, and increased mortality. Microplastics may also release harmful additives and adsorb pollutants in the aquaculture environment, causing deterioration of the growing environment and reducing the economic benefits of aquaculture.

The sources of microplastics in aquaculture are both internal and external. Internal sources include the use of unmaintained aquaculture equipment and facilities and the use of feed contaminated with microplastics. External sources include water that has been previously polluted by microplastics. In Indonesia, research has highlighted that maintenance of aquaculture equipment, search for alternative feed raw materials free of microplastics, and protection of the aquatic environment are ways to reduce the presence of microplastics in aquaculture sites.

Plastic pollution pathways from marine aquaculture include rough weather, farmer behavior, inadequate access to recycling facilities, low price of consumable plastics, and high cost of recycling. Beach litter assessments have exposed serious issues of under-quantification resulting from difficulties in source identification and a lack of detailed categorization in official monitoring systems.

Antibiotic Resistance Genes

Antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture threatens environmental and public health. Analysis of 437 metagenomes from water and sediment in freshwater and marine aquaculture across China detected 1413 nonredundant antibiotic resistance gene subtypes across 28 classes. Water had higher resistance gene diversity, stronger associations with opportunistic pathogens, and stronger mobility-related signals than sediment. High-risk resistance genes were concentrated in water, with Rank I genes exclusive to water. Salinity, temperature, and pH were identified as key mobility predictors.

Organophosphate esters, which are widely applied and frequently detected in aquaculture water, can promote the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes. Exposure to organophosphate esters promoted plasmid conjugation transfer by inducing reactive oxygen species accumulation, activating the stress response, enhancing cell membrane permeability, and regulating the expression of conjugation-related genes. This means that chemical pollutants and antibiotic resistance are linked problems that require integrated management.

Ecological Impacts of Aquaculture Pollution

Sediment Degradation

Sediments are important sinks of various pollutants and preserve historical pollution records caused by anthropogenic activities. When organic matter from feed and feces accumulates in sediments, it creates anoxic conditions that harm benthic organisms and alter nutrient cycling. The sediment quality in polluted areas can be of serious concern for organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and cadmium, as assessed by sediment quality guidelines, pollution load index, and potential ecological risk index.

For pond farmers, sediment management is a routine but critical task. The accumulation of organic matter in pond bottoms affects water quality through the release of nutrients and the oxygen demand of decomposing material. Regular sediment assessment and removal or treatment are necessary to maintain growing conditions.

Nutrient Overloading and Eutrophication

Nutrient overloading from aquaculture leads to eutrophication, which is the enrichment of water bodies with nitrogen and phosphorus. This process stimulates excessive algal growth, which can deplete oxygen at night and cause fish kills. The environmental impacts of aquaculture were quantified across 18 impact categories in a study of a marine finfish farm in Greece, with the active farm showing significantly lower impacts per unit of production compared to the inactive farm, with reductions of 30 to 40% in climate change, eutrophication, and toxicity categories. This finding demonstrates that active management of nutrient inputs can reduce environmental impacts even while production continues.

Habitat Degradation and Biodiversity Loss

The expansion of aquaculture has led to habitat degradation, including the destruction of mangrove forests for pond construction and the alteration of benthic habitats beneath cages. Biodiversity impacts are a component of the Aquaculture Eco-Environment and Health Impact model, which includes invasive alien species as a separate indicator. The introduction of non-native species through aquaculture escapes can disrupt local ecosystems and compete with native species.

Microplastic Toxicity

Microplastics in aquaculture environments cause toxicological effects that affect the behavior, growth, and reproduction of aquaculture products. The impacts include low growth rates, hindered reproductive functions, neurotoxicity, low feeding habit, oxidative stress, reduced metabolic rate, and increased mortality among aquatic organisms. Microplastics entering the human body through aquaculture products also pose potential health risks at multiple levels.

At a Glance: Pollution Sources and Mitigation Options

Practical Mitigation Strategies

Feed Management

The most direct way to reduce nutrient pollution from aquaculture is to reduce feed waste. Overfeeding is a common problem that increases both production costs and environmental loading. Feed management involves calculating the correct ration based on stock biomass, water temperature, and growth stage, and adjusting feeding rates based on observed consumption. Automatic feeders and feeding trays can help farmers monitor consumption and reduce waste.

The nutrient-balance modeling approach used in the Greek study estimated nitrogen and phosphorus release based on feed composition and whole-fish nutrient retention. This approach can be applied at farm level by tracking feed inputs and estimating nutrient retention in harvested fish. The difference between input and retention is the nutrient load released to the environment.

Biofiltration

Biofiltration uses biological processes to remove pollutants from water before discharge or recirculation. Recirculating aquaculture systems incorporate biofilters that convert toxic ammonia to less harmful nitrate through the action of nitrifying bacteria. Biofiltration can also be applied to pond systems through the use of constructed wetlands or the maintenance of beneficial microbial communities.

Recirculating aquaculture systems have gained interest due to environmental and husbandry benefits. A study of Atlantic salmon raised in either a freshwater recirculating system or a traditional loch system found that recirculating system-reared smolts were smaller in freshwater but demonstrated enhanced growth and lower trait variance after transfer to saltwater. This finding suggests that recirculating systems can produce robust fish while reducing water exchange and pollution discharge.

Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture

Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture combines the cultivation of fed species such as fish with extractive species such as seaweed and shellfish that capture nutrients from the water. This approach creates a circular economy model that promotes sustainability by using the waste from one species as input for another. Microalgae support nutrient cycling, carbon capture, and pollutant removal, making them a versatile tool for reducing aquaculture's ecological footprint. The integration of microalgae into aquaculture systems for wastewater treatment, feed enhancement, and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture offers a circular economy model that promotes sustainability.

For farm planners, the practical question is which extractive species are suitable for the local environment and market. Seaweed cultivation requires appropriate water temperature, salinity, and nutrient levels. Shellfish such as mussels and oysters filter particulate matter from the water and can be cultivated in the same water body as fish cages.

Sediment Management

Sediment management is essential for pond and cage aquaculture. In ponds, sediment accumulates from feed waste, feces, and dead algae. Regular removal of sediment during the non-farming period can reduce the organic load and prevent the release of nutrients and greenhouse gases. Biochar derived from the invasive plant Spartina alterniflora has been shown to reduce methane production potential in earthen aquaculture pond sediment during the non-farming period. Biochar treatments increased sediment porosity and salinity while decreasing dissolved organic carbon and microbial biomass carbon. The mean methane production potential in biochar-treated sediments was 57 to 73% lower than in the control group. The reduction in methane production did not differ between biochar produced at different temperatures and was not dependent on the amount of biochar added.

Plastic Waste Management

Plastic pollution from aquaculture can be reduced through improved waste management practices. The pathways for aquaculture-related litter include rough weather, farmer behavior, inadequate access to recycling facilities, low price of consumable plastics, and high cost of recycling. Recommendations to improve litter quantification and waste management include the use of local knowledge and experts to identify sources of marine litter.

Biodegradable materials for aquaculture nets are being developed as alternatives to polyethylene and polypropylene. Biopolymers such as polyhydroxyalkanoates, starch-based blends, and bio-based composites show potential to replace conventional plastics in ropes and nets. Case studies demonstrate promising mechanical stability and controlled biodegradation, with some prototypes enhancing mussel settlement and overall farm productivity. However, challenges remain in achieving an optimal balance between operational durability and timely biodegradation, scaling up production cost-effectively, and establishing harmonized marine biodegradation standards.

Water Treatment Technologies

Technological innovations such as recirculating aquaculture systems, biofiltration, and AI-assisted environmental monitoring are discussed for their role in improving system efficiency and minimizing waste. These technologies allow farmers to monitor water quality in real time and adjust management practices accordingly. The key challenges of economic viability, scalability, and regulatory compliance must be addressed to identify pathways for large-scale implementation.

Practical Implementation Steps

Step 1: Conduct a Farm-Level Pollution Assessment

Begin by identifying the pollution pathways operating on your farm. Walk the farm boundary and note all points where water enters and leaves the system. Check for signs of sediment accumulation, algal blooms, and plastic debris. Review feed records to estimate nutrient inputs and compare them with harvested biomass to calculate nutrient retention.

Step 2: Measure Water and Sediment Quality

Establish a monitoring program that measures key water quality parameters including dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and phosphorus. Collect sediment samples from the deepest parts of ponds or beneath cages and analyze them for organic matter content. If heavy metal contamination is suspected, submit samples to a laboratory for analysis.

Step 3: Implement Feed Management Improvements

Calculate the correct feed ration based on stock biomass and water temperature. Use feeding trays to monitor consumption and adjust feeding rates. Keep records of feed inputs and observed consumption to identify patterns of overfeeding.

Step 4: Install or Improve Biofiltration

For recirculating systems, ensure that biofilters are properly sized and maintained. For pond systems, consider the installation of constructed wetlands or the use of beneficial microbial products to enhance nitrogen removal. Monitor ammonia and nitrite levels to verify that biofiltration is working effectively.

Step 5: Manage Sediment Accumulation

Plan sediment removal during the non-farming period. Consider the use of biochar or other amendments to reduce methane production and nutrient release from sediments. Keep records of sediment depth and organic matter content to track changes over time.

Step 6: Reduce Plastic Waste

Inspect all equipment for signs of wear and tear that could release plastic particles. Replace damaged nets and buoys promptly. Establish recycling procedures for used plastic materials. Consider the use of biodegradable materials for new equipment purchases.

Step 7: Review Chemical Use

Review all chemical inputs including antibiotics, disinfectants, and antifouling treatments. Reduce the use of chemicals where possible and choose alternatives with lower environmental persistence. Keep records of all chemical applications and their purpose.

Records and Measurements

Accurate records are essential for pollution management. The following records should be maintained for each production cycle:

Common Failure Patterns

Overfeeding

The most common failure pattern in aquaculture pollution management is overfeeding. Farmers often feed more than necessary because they fear underfeeding will reduce growth. The result is wasted feed that becomes nutrient pollution. The solution is to use feeding trays and adjust rations based on observed consumption instead of estimated requirements.

Inadequate Sediment Management

Pond farmers often neglect sediment management until water quality deteriorates. By the time problems are visible, the sediment load is already high and difficult to correct. Regular sediment monitoring and removal during the non-farming period are more effective than emergency responses.

Poor Equipment Maintenance

Plastic pollution from aquaculture often results from poor equipment maintenance. Nets and buoys that are not inspected and replaced when worn release plastic particles into the water. The cost of regular inspection is much lower than the environmental and reputational cost of plastic pollution.

Chemical Overuse

The use of antibiotics and other chemicals in aquaculture can contribute to antimicrobial resistance and environmental contamination. The overuse of antibiotics is a particular concern because it promotes the spread of resistance genes. The solution is to improve biosecurity and husbandry practices to reduce the need for chemical treatments.

Ignoring External Pollution Sources

Farmers sometimes focus only on internal pollution sources and ignore the quality of incoming water. If the water source is already polluted with microplastics, heavy metals, or other contaminants, the farm will accumulate these pollutants regardless of internal management. Water source assessment is an essential part of pollution management.

Limitations and Constraints

Economic Viability

Many pollution mitigation technologies have high upfront costs that are difficult for small-scale farmers to afford. Recirculating aquaculture systems, for example, require significant capital investment in tanks, pumps, and biofilters. The economic viability of these systems depends on the value of the species being cultured and the scale of the operation.

Technical Expertise

Some mitigation strategies require specialized technical knowledge. Biofiltration systems must be properly designed and maintained to work effectively. Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture requires knowledge of the biology and market requirements of multiple species. Farmers without access to technical advice may struggle to implement these approaches.

Regulatory Compliance

Aquaculture operations are subject to environmental regulations that vary by jurisdiction. The United Nations has introduced regulatory tools such as the National Baseline Budget of Pollutants and Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers to monitor pollution. However, these tools lack specific capabilities for estimating aquaculture-related pollution, especially from mariculture non-point sources. Farmers must be aware of the regulations that apply to their operations and keep records that demonstrate compliance.

Environmental Variability

The effectiveness of pollution mitigation strategies can vary with environmental conditions. Temperature, salinity, and water flow affect the performance of biofilters and the degradation of organic matter. Farmers must adapt their management practices to local conditions instead of applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

Welfare and Safety Context

Water pollution from aquaculture affects also the environment but also the welfare of farmed fish and the safety of farm workers. Poor water quality causes stress in fish, which reduces growth and increases susceptibility to disease. The presence of heavy metals and other contaminants in water can affect fish health and the safety of the final product for consumers.

Farm workers are exposed to risks from chemicals used in aquaculture, including disinfectants and antifouling treatments. Proper handling procedures and protective equipment are necessary to protect worker health. The use of antibiotics in aquaculture also has implications for public health through the spread of antimicrobial resistance.

The World Organisation for Animal Health addresses animal health and welfare in the context of aquaculture and other animal production systems. The USDA National Agricultural Library provides resources on animal health and welfare, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates animal veterinary products. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations provides guidance on animal production and health. The USDA Agricultural Research Service conducts research on animal production and protection. These organizations provide authoritative information that farmers can use to improve their practices.

Professional Escalation Criteria

Farm managers should seek professional advice when pollution problems exceed their capacity to manage. The following situations warrant escalation to a veterinarian, environmental consultant, or regulatory authority:

• Water quality parameters remain outside acceptable ranges despite management interventions
• Sediment contamination with heavy metals or other hazardous substances is suspected
• Fish mortality or disease outbreaks occur in association with water quality problems
• Antibiotic resistance is suspected or confirmed in the farm environment
• Regulatory requirements for pollution monitoring or reporting are not being met
• The farm is located in a water body that is already impaired by pollution from multiple sources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main source of water pollution from aquaculture?

The main source is the discharge of excess feed and fish feces, which release nitrogen and phosphorus into the water and sediment. These nutrients cause eutrophication and oxygen depletion. Chemical inputs, heavy metals, and plastic debris are additional pollution sources that vary in importance depending on the farming system and location.

How can I reduce nutrient pollution from my fish farm?

Reduce feed waste by calculating correct rations and using feeding trays to monitor consumption. Install biofiltration to convert ammonia to less harmful forms. Consider integrated multi-trophic aquaculture by adding seaweed or shellfish that capture nutrients from the water. Manage sediment accumulation by removing organic matter during the non-farming period.

What is biofiltration and how does it work?

Biofiltration uses beneficial bacteria to convert toxic ammonia to less harmful nitrate. In recirculating aquaculture systems, water passes through a biofilter containing media that supports nitrifying bacteria. In pond systems, constructed wetlands and beneficial microbial products can provide similar functions. Regular monitoring of ammonia and nitrite levels verifies that biofiltration is working.

What is integrated multi-trophic aquaculture?

Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture combines fed species such as fish with extractive species such as seaweed and shellfish. The extractive species capture nutrients and organic matter from the water, reducing pollution and creating additional marketable products. This approach creates a circular economy model that promotes sustainability.

How do microplastics get into aquaculture systems?

Microplastics enter through water sources that are already polluted, through feed contaminated with microplastics, and through the degradation of aquaculture equipment such as nets and buoys. Face masks and other plastic products can also break down into microplastic particles that enter water bodies. Maintaining equipment and protecting the aquatic environment from plastic pollution are the main prevention measures.

What are the risks of antibiotic resistance genes in aquaculture?

Antibiotic resistance genes can spread from aquaculture environments to human pathogens, reducing the effectiveness of antibiotics for treating disease. Water is the principal high-risk interface for resistance gene transfer. Reducing antibiotic use, improving biosecurity, and treating water to remove resistance genes are the main management responses.

How do I know if my farm is causing water pollution?

Monitor water quality parameters including dissolved oxygen, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and phosphorus in the water leaving your farm. Collect sediment samples and analyze them for organic matter and heavy metals. Compare your results with water quality guidelines for your region. If you observe algal blooms, fish kills, or sediment accumulation, these are signs of pollution.

What should I do if I suspect heavy metal contamination?

Stop using any inputs that could be sources of heavy metals, such as contaminated feed or treated equipment. Submit water and sediment samples to a laboratory for analysis. If contamination is confirmed, seek advice from an environmental consultant about remediation options such as adsorption, bio-sorption, or phytoremediation. Notify the relevant regulatory authority if required by local regulations.

Related Farming Guides

• Weaning Transition: Feed and Water Management
• Water Buffalo Nutrition and Feed Management
• Lactating Sow Feed Intake and Water Management
• Cattle Feed Bunks: Design, Management, and Waste Reduction
• Camel Water Access and Hydration Management: Drinking Systems and Drought Strategies

References and Further Reading

• FAO Animal Production and Health. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
• Animal Health and Welfare. USDA National Agricultural Library.
• Animal and Veterinary Resources. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
• Animal Health and Welfare. World Organisation for Animal Health.
• Animal Production and Protection. USDA Agricultural Research Service.
• Heavy Metal Pollution in Aquaculture: Sources, Impacts and Mitigation Techniques.. Biological trace element research, 2022.
• A review of microplastic pollution in aquaculture: Sources, effects, removal strategies and prospects.. Ecotoxicology and environmental safety, 2023.
• Identifying pollution sources of sediment in Lake Jangseong, Republic of Korea, through an extensive survey: Internal disturbances of past aquaculture sedimentation.. Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987), 2022.
• Harnessing microalgae for sustainable aquaculture and mariculture: Marine pollution mitigation and circular economy strategies.. Marine pollution bulletin, 2025.
• An assessment of approaches and techniques for estimating water pollution releases from aquaculture production facilities.. Marine pollution bulletin, 2023.
• Plastic pollution pathways from marine aquaculture practices and potential solutions for the North-East Atlantic region.. Marine pollution bulletin, 2022.
• [Pollution history and sources of organotin compounds in aquaculture water of Tong'an Bay, Xiamen].. Huan jing ke xue= Huanjing kexue, 2011.
• Environmental occurrence and ecotoxicity of aquaculture-derived plastic leachates.. Journal of hazardous materials, 2023.
• Impact of freshwater rearing on saltwater performance: A genotype-environment interaction study in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar). 2026.
• Study of consumer perceptions of sustainable fishery products. 2026.
• Effects of salinity, temperature and photoperiod on egg production of Pseudodiaptomus annandalei (Copepoda: Calanoida) used as live feed in Mariculture. 2026.
• Compartment-specific host association and mobility shape ARG risk in aquaculture systems.. 2026.
• Integrating microbial community dynamics into life cycle assessment: towards a microbial dimension of aquaculture sustainability.. 2026.
• Aquaculture ecological indices provide comprehensive assessment and pathways for global eco-friendly and safe aquaculture management. 2026.
• The overlooked risk of horizontal transfer of plasmid-borne antibiotic resistance genes induced by organophosphate esters in aquaculture environments.. 2026.
• Review of biodegradable materials for aquaculture nets: Environmental performance and potential to reduce marine plastic pollution.. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2026.
• Reuse and recycle: Integrating aquaculture and agricultural systems to increase production and reduce nutrient pollution.. Science of the Total Environment, 2021.
• Use of biochar derived from Spartina alterniflora to reduce sediment methane (CH4) production potential during non-farming period in earthen aquaculture ponds.. Environmental Pollution, 2024.
• Impact of face mask microplastics pollution on the aquatic environment and aquaculture organisms.. Environmental Pollution, 2022.
• Photovoltaic and Aquaculture Environments Consistently Reduce Bacterial Diversity but Divergently Influence Ecological Stability: New Insights from Subsidence Lakes. Environmental Management, 2026.
• Threats of Microplastic Pollution on Aquaculture Activities in Indonesia. TORANI: Journal of Fisheries and Marine Science, 2022.
• Pollution characteristics and diffusion mechanism of antibiotic resistance genes in aquaculture. Desalination and Water Treatment, 2022.
• Microplastics in aquaculture environments: Sources, pollution status, toxicity and potential as substrates for nitrogen-cycling microbiota. Agricultural Water Management, 2024.
• Mitigating non-point source pollution from aquaculture: An innovative approach by intervention in human environmental behavior. Aquaculture, 2026.
• Microplastics in aquaculture ponds of Bangladesh: Source attribution, pollution load, and ecological risk assessment. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2026.
• Risk assessment and source analysis of sediment pollution in a typical aquaculture lake. Huanjing Kexue Xuebao Acta Scientiae Circumstantiae, 2022.

This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, public-health guidance, or regulatory reporting.