What is one of the main factors impacting freshwater biodiversity?

Pollution is a significant factor impacting freshwater biodiversity because it directly affects the quality of water and the overall health of aquatic ecosystems. When pollutants such as chemicals, heavy metals, and pathogens enter freshwater systems, they can harm or kill sensitive species, disrupt reproductive cycles, and reduce the overall population diversity. Healthy freshwater ecosystems rely on a balance of various species, and pollution can lead to habitat degradation, making it difficult for certain organisms to survive.

While climate change, overfishing, and invasive species are also important concerns that affect freshwater biodiversity in various ways, pollution specifically alters the environment in which aquatic organisms live, leading to immediate and often severe consequences for biodiversity. This makes it a primary factor in the decline of species and their habitats in freshwater environments.