A Comprehensive Review of Synthetic Dyes: Environmental Fate and Aquatic Toxicity

Synthetic dyes, widely used in industries such as textiles, food, and cosmetics, pose significant environmental challenges due to their persistent nature and potential toxicity to aquatic ecosystems. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the environmental fate of synthetic dyes, examining their degradation processes, transport mechanisms, and accumulation in aquatic habitats. We highlight the pathways through which these dyes enter water bodies, including wastewater discharge and runoff, and discuss their interactions with environmental factors such as pH, temperature, and microbial activity. Furthermore, we assess the aquatic toxicity of various synthetic dyes, emphasizing their effects on aquatic organisms, including fish, invertebrates, and algae. The review synthesizes recent findings on the ecological impacts of synthetic dyes, underlining the urgency for effective treatment methods and regulatory measures. By exploring the current state of knowledge and identifying gaps in research, this is to contribute to the development of sustainable practices that minimize the environmental impact of synthetic dyes and protect aquatic biodiversity.