Water Pollution and Aquatic Ecosystem Degradation: A Socio-Ecological Analysis of Human–River Interactions

Water pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental challenges confronting riverine ecosystems worldwide. Rivers operate as integrated socio-ecological systems, simultaneously supporting biodiversity, livelihoods, cultural practices, and economic activities. This study presents an expanded socio-ecological analysis of water pollution and aquatic ecosystem degradation, examining how human activities interact with ecological processes to drive long-term environmental change. Using an integrated IMRaD framework, the paper combines ecological mechanisms such as eutrophication, oxygen depletion, bioaccumulation, and habitat fragmentation with social drivers including urbanization, industrialization, agricultural intensification, and governance limitations. Community-based observations and participatory monitoring are emphasized as essential tools for capturing temporal ecological change and informing sustainable river restoration strategies.