About this Research Topic

Background

Water pollution of rivers and streams negatively affect the watersheds and results on risks to the environment and to human health. Despite technological advances, monitoring of river quality is still a complex task for scientists and environmental agencies demanding novel monitoring techniques. Human activities are among the main reasons of altering of water quality in freshwater courses due to over-exploring of water resources and high pollutants loading. Water pollution of rivers has become a major environmental problem and despite technological progress, water supplies are becoming extensively polluted. Understanding the transport of pollutants is crucial for water quality and watershed management of water courses.
Furthermore, strong climate change phenomenon has affected fluvial dynamics and river water quantity and quality. Specifically, climate change and human-induced changes exacerbate pollution associated to urban, agricultural, and industrial activities, which is triggered by the release of conventional or emerging contaminants such as chemical products, microorganisms, industrial wastes or microplastics. Overall, pollution results in hydrological, chemical, and biological changes in freshwater courses resulting in progressively altered water quality. Pollution can also lead to eutrophication, hypoxia, and harmful algal blooms, further exacerbating the negative effects on aquatic ecosystems.
New approaches to monitoring and modelling of water resources have been used to evaluate water quality in freshwater course. Innovative monitoring techniques and remote sensors allow to more in-depth data and advanced modelling has allowed to better understand water quality dynamics. Additionally, long-term monitoring is key to assess the quality of water courses at various temporal scales. This is increasingly important since water quality is an indicator of public health. Addressing water pollution and ensuring the quality of freshwater resources requires a multi-disciplinary approach that involves scientists, engineers, policy-makers, and the public. It is crucial to foster collaboration among these groups to develop effective solutions to water pollution. Effective policies and regulations are essential for managing water quality and protecting freshwater resources. This includes regulations on industrial effluents, agricultural practices, and wastewater treatment. It is crucial to evaluate the effectiveness of existing policies and develop new policies that can address emerging pollutants and new challenges posed by climate change.
This research topic aims to focus on research work (original research and review papers) covering the pollution and water quality of rivers and streams. Specifically, this Research Topic will highlight research on environmental quality assessment, characterization, and management of freshwater resources affected by pollution. Overall, the contributions will provide the reader with the understanding of the different types of pollution affecting river basins today around the world, particularly emerging contaminants.

Keywords: Rivers and streams, Water Quality, Climate Change, Water Quality Modelling, Pollution, River Management, Water Monitoring, Emerging Contaminants, Analytical Methods

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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