Aquatic detoxification: The role of herbal supplements in mitigating paint industry effluents

Context: Aquaculture, a vital protein-rich food source, faces numerous challenges, including disease outbreaks triggered by industrial effluents. Aims: The discharge of toxic effluents from paint industry significantly threaten aquatic life, particularly fish. These effluents contain various hazardous substances such as heavy metals, organic and inorganic pollutants, which cause detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems. Methods: Traditionally, antibiotics have been used for many years to mitigate harmful effects of pollutants; however, their overuse has led to concerns about antibiotic resistance, environmental pollution, and adverse health impacts. Key results: To solve this problem, herbal supplements, particularly those derived from plants, offer a sustainable solution, boosting the immune system of aquatic organisms and promoting a healthier ecosystem. Conclusions: Herbal supplements like ginger, turmeric, garlic, and many others, offer promising alternatives because they exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune modulatory effects, which help protect fish against the toxic effects of paint industry effluents. In contrast, antibiotics demonstrate limited efficacy and potential adverse effects on both fish health and the environment. Implications: Overall, herbal supplements offer a safer and more effective approach to mitigate the toxic effects of effluents on fish, highlighting their potential as a sustainable solution for aquatic environmental protection.