Potential Increase in Known and Emerging Biotoxins in Marine Ecosystem Due to Climate Change and Subsequent Health Issues

Climate change is intensifying the release and dispersion of various hazardous chemicals into marine ecosystems, such as algal biotoxins, heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, and agricultural and industrial wastes. Eutrophication and global warming are responsible for the increase in known and emerging marine biotoxins, such as brevetoxins, palytoxins, pinnatoxins, and cyclic imines. Furthermore, tetrodotoxins and ciguatoxins, which are primarily found in tropical regions, have recently been identified in fish and bivalve molluscs from temperate areas where they had never been previously reported. These toxicants can accumulate in seafood and enter the human food chain, posing a public health concern. This review describes the interrelationship between climate change and its impact on marine organisms and human health, as well as the environment. It recommends integrating a broad range of scientific knowledge, reviewing regulatory policies, and proactively managing public health to counter these environmental threats.