Water Quality

Water quality refers to the physical, chemical and biological condition of freshwater and marine systems, including factors such as dissolved oxygen, temperature, salinity, nutrients, pollutants and microbial activity. Changes in water quality can affect aquatic ecosystems, biodiversity, drinking water resources, agriculture and human health, and are increasingly shaped by climate change, land use, industrial activity and water management.

Image: body of water surrounded by mountains
Climate warming is driving oxygen loss in rivers worldwideScience

Climate warming is driving oxygen loss in rivers worldwide

Nearly 79% of rivers analyzed worldwide showed declining oxygen levels between 1985 and 2023, with tropical river systems among the most vulnerable to climate-driven deoxygenation.…
SourceSourceMay 16, 2026 Full article