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

Abstract

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.