A Review Of Potential Human Health And Ecological Risks Associated With Contaminants And Pollutants In Rivers

Abstract

Environmental pollution has become one of the most pressing challenges threatening aquatic ecosystems and public health globally. This paper focuses on reviewing the potential health and ecological risks occasioned by emerging contaminants and pollutants such as heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), nutrients, pharmaceuticals, and other pollutants introduced into the river system through industrial, agricultural, and domestic activities. The method used for the study is a review of related academic articles, bulletins, conference papers, textbooks, research reports and publicly available materials on potential human health and ecological risks arising from contaminants and pollutants in rivers across the globe. From the works reviewed, it was revealed that increasing urbanization, industrialization, and inadequate waste management have contributed to the continuous accumulation of both contaminants and pollutants in the river system. These contaminants and pollutants undergo processes such as bioaccumulation and biomagnification, thereby increasing exposure risks to aquatic organisms and humans. Ecologically, the contaminants and pollutants disrupt aquatic ecosystems by reducing biodiversity, promoting eutrophication, and altering food web dynamics. From a human health perspective, exposure through contaminated or polluted water and fish consumption is associated with adverse effects such as cancer, neurological disorders, organ damage, and waterborne diseases. The study concludes that emerging contaminants within the river system present significant ecological and health challenges due to their persistence and complex interactions within environmental matrices. Therefore, it is important to strengthen continuous environmental monitoring across the river system, enforce stricter environmental regulations to control pollutant discharge, and promote sustainable and low-cost remediation approaches such as phytoremediation and natural attenuation. In addition, public awareness and community engagement should be enhanced to reduce pollution inputs and limit human exposure, while further interdisciplinary research is encouraged to support effective management and long-term protection of both human health and the ecosystem.