| Cause | Human activities |
| Effects | Harm to aquatic ecosystems • Waterborne diseases • Reduced availability of clean water • Health problems • Economic impacts |
| Common pollutants | Industrial waste • Agricultural runoff • Sewage • Oil spills |
| Initiation period | 18th century |
| Mitigation efforts | Regulations on waste disposal • Water treatment plants • Innovative technology • Conservation initiatives |
| Examples of impacted bodies of water | Ganges River • Yellow River • Mississippi River • Citarum River • Dead Sea |
