Divergent perspectives on the synergistic impacts of thermal-chemical stress on aquatic biota within the framework of climate change scenarios

Abstract Climate change, particularly global warming, leads to increased temperatures in aquatic ecosystems, impacting aquatic organisms by altering pollutant toxicity levels. Existing research has mainly focused on chemical stress in aquatic biota, with limited knowledge about how these chemicals interact with climate change, especially elevated temperatures. This review paper examines the potential impacts of thermochemical stress on a broad range of aquatic organisms in both freshwater and marine ecosystems, including vertebrates and invertebrates. The study aims to provide the latest insights into the effects of elevated water temperatures (without chemical stress) and thermochemical stress on various biochemical and physiological processes in aquatic fauna and their significant implications for biodiversity and sustainability. This underscores the pressing need for comprehensive investigations and scientific reports to address this critical environmental issue and develop sustainable solutions, particularly in light of the combined risks posed by anthropogenic pollutants (climate change and chemical pollution).