| Pollutant |
Description |
Effect |
| Organic material |
Pollution caused by excessive organic matter such as untreated human sewage, animal waste, or decaying plant material |
Excessive organic material can lead to oxygen depletion, harmful algal blooms, and eutrophication in water bodies |
| Inorganic nutrients |
Pollution from excess nitrates and phosphates primarily originating from agricultural runoff, sewage, and fertilisers |
Elevated levels of these nutrients can cause nutrient enrichment, leading to algal overgrowth and water quality degradation |
| Toxic metals |
Pollution caused by heavy metals such as mercury, lead and arsenic, often originating from industrial activities, mining, or improper waste disposal |
These metals can accumulate in aquatic organisms, leading to toxic effects and posing risks to human health and ecosystems |
| Synthetic compounds |
Pollution resulting from human-made chemicals, including pesticides, herbicides, pharmaceuticals, and industrial pollutants |
These compounds can enter water bodies through runoff, discharges, or improper disposal, potentially harming aquatic life and human health |
| Suspended solids |
Pollution caused by the presence of solid particles in water, typically sediment, silt, or fine particles from erosion, construction, or dredging activities |
High concentrations of suspended solids can impair water clarity, clog fish gills, smother benthic habitats, and impact aquatic organisms such as invertebrates and their larvae |
| Hot water |
Pollution from the release of heated water into aquatic systems, often associated with industrial processes or power generation |
Elevated water temperatures can disrupt aquatic ecosystems, reduce oxygen levels, and negatively impact fish and other organisms (e.g. disrupting migration patterns or natural breeding cycles) |
| Oil |
Pollution resulting from oil spills, leaks, or discharges from shipping, oil exploration, or industrial activities |
Oil can coat the water surface, affecting marine and freshwater ecosystems, harming aquatic life such as seabirds, and leading to long-term environmental damage |
| Radioactive pollution |
Pollution caused by the release of radioactive substances, often associated with nuclear accidents, mining, or waste disposal |
Radioactive pollution can have severe ecological and human health impacts, with prolonged exposure potentially leading to genetic mutations and cancer |
| Pathogens |
Pollution from the presence of disease-causing microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites, often originating from sewage or animal waste |
Pathogens can contaminate water sources, leading to waterborne diseases (such as cholera) and posing risks to human and animal health |
| Light |
Pollution resulting from excessive artificial lighting, particularly in coastal areas |
Light pollution can disrupt natural light cycles, affecting nocturnal marine species and disrupting reproduction, navigation, and feeding patterns of marine organisms |
| Noise |
Pollution caused by anthropogenic noise from activities such as shipping, sonar, construction, or offshore energy production |
Excessive noise can disrupt communication, feeding, and migration patterns of marine species (such as whales), leading to ecological disturbances |
| Invasive species |
Pollution resulting from the introduction of non-native species into aquatic ecosystems, often through ballast water or occasionally intentional release (e.g. for biological control or recreational fishing purposes) |
Invasive species can outcompete native species, alter habitat structure, disrupt food webs, and cause severe ecological imbalances (e.g. the invasion of lionfish into U.S. Atlantic coastal waters) |
