Water Quality Parameters (pH, Dissolved Oxygen, Temperature, and Ammonia) and Their Effects on Fish Health in Aquaculture: A Narrative Review
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Abstract
Aquaculture has emerged as one of the fastest-growing food production industries in the world and is now providing more than 50% of the fish eaten globally. With the increased production needed to satisfy rising food demand, optimal water quality has become essential to the health and welfare of fish as well as the efficiency of fish production. Physiological functions such as respiration, metabolism, osmoregulation, immunity, and reproduction are related to water quality. There are many parameters monitored and controlled in an aquaculture system, but pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature, and ammonia are known to be among the most important factors that influence fish performance. The present narrative review provides an integrated overview of the available information on the impact of these most important water quality parameters on fish physiology and health. The beneficial effects of pH on acid base balance, dissolved oxygen on aerobic metabolism and immune system function, temperature on metabolic and biochemical processes, and the toxicity of ammonia as one of the most toxic nitrogenous compounds in culture systems are discussed. The interaction between these parameters is also explored, as they interact and contribute to fish growth, stress reactions, disease susceptibility, and survival. In addition, the recent progress of water quality monitoring technologies such as recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), biosensors, Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, and artificial intelligence (AI) related water management systems is summarized as technologies that can be useful for enhancing the sustainability of water production. Lastly, gaps in current research and future research priorities are explored to facilitate water quality management and sustainable aquaculture development that enhance fish welfare, production efficiency, and environmental sustainability in modern aquaculture.