Abstract Artificial light at night (ALAN) has emerged as a significant form of anthropogenic pollution, profoundly influencing aquatic ecosystems. This study examines the impact of artificial light on zooplankton, focusing on underlying mechanisms, behavioral and physiological responses, and broader ecological consequences. Zooplankton, being highly sensitive to light cues, experience disruptions in diel vertical migration, swimming behavior, grazing patterns, reproduction, and predator avoidance under artificial illumination. At the mechanistic level, light-sensitive proteins such as opsins and cryptochromes mediate these responses, leading to altered activity patterns and stress-related physiological changes, including increased production of heat-shock proteins and DNA damage. The study further highlights spatial and temporal variability in light pollution across aquatic systems and its cascading effects on trophic interactions, nutrient cycling, and carbon flux. Artificial lighting can reduce trophic transfer efficiency, modify community composition, and increase predation risks, ultimately destabilizing ecosystem functioning. Methodological approaches, including laboratory, mesocosm, and field studies, are discussed for assessing light-driven impacts. The paper also emphasizes the need for mitigation strategies such as spectral tuning, light shielding, and controlled illumination timing. Overall, this research underscores the ecological significance of light pollution and calls for integrated management strategies and further interdisciplinary research to address knowledge gaps and ensure the sustainability of aquatic ecosystems.
Vishwajeet Shamkant Nikam (Thu,) studied this question.