Mapping global research on mycotoxins in aquafeed from scientometric and critical perspectives

Abstract

The global significance of mycotoxins in aquaculture is evident. However, regional vulnerabilities, effects, and inconsistent regulations on mycotoxin contamination remain underexplored. This study integrates a scientometric analysis of research on mycotoxins in aquafeed, published from 1992 to 2023 in Web of Science, with a conventional review of their occurrence in aquafeed and feed ingredients. Bibliometric tools, VOSviewer, and biblioshiny, were used to analyze global research trends, collaborations, and themes. We found a total of 181 publications, authored by 938 researchers from 49 countries, with Brazil leading (25 publications). The Toxins journal accounted for the most publications (23). Aflatoxins, particularly aflatoxin B1, were the most reported mycotoxins, alongside fumonisins, deoxynivalenol, and zearalenone. Mycotoxin occurrence was highest in tropical regions, particularly in East African countries (aflatoxins, fumonisins, deoxynivalenol, acetyldeoxynivalenol, ochratoxin A, roquefortine C, alternariol, T-2 toxin, zearalenone, and zivalenol), and the Southeast Asian countries (aflatoxins, fumonisins, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, and ochratoxin A), where climatic conditions exacerbate fungal growth and mycotoxin production. The findings highlight the global regulations on mycotoxins, the risks associated with the different mycotoxins, and their effects on the health of fish and humans. Our findings emphasize the need for stringent monitoring and regulation of mycotoxins in aquafeeds. Future research should focus on developing effective mitigation strategies and understanding the regional variations in mycotoxin prevalence to safeguard aquaculture productivity and consumer health.