Freshwater: Pollution, Health, and Responsibility
The thematic discussion “Freshwater: Pollution, Health, and Responsibility” is dedicated to the study of freshwater systems as critical and vulnerable foundations of human health, ecological stability, and societal resilience.
Freshwater resources are increasingly affected by industrial pollution, agricultural runoff, urbanization, infrastructure collapse, and armed conflict. Contamination of rivers, lakes, groundwater, and drinking water systems has direct and long-term consequences for public health, food security, ecosystem integrity, and disease dynamics.
This discussion focuses on freshwater not only as a natural resource, but as a socio-environmental system shaped by political decisions, economic priorities, technological interventions, and institutional failures. Particular attention is given to situations in which freshwater systems become sites of systemic risk, environmental injustice, and large-scale harm to civilian populations.
Topics addressed within this discussion include, but are not limited to:
– pollution of freshwater systems by industrial, agricultural, and military activities;
– degradation of drinking water infrastructure and its health consequences;
– freshwater contamination in contexts of armed conflict and post-conflict environments;
– links between freshwater pollution, infectious and non-communicable diseases, and long-term population health;
– governance, responsibility, and accountability for freshwater protection;
– historical and contemporary case studies of freshwater-related environmental disasters.
Contributions to this discussion may include empirical research articles, case studies, interdisciplinary analyses, and discussion papers. The forum is not limited to a single volume or publication year and remains open to new contributions addressing freshwater pollution and its health and societal impacts.
By maintaining this thematic discussion, Pollution and Diseases emphasizes the central role of freshwater systems in understanding the connections between environmental pollution, disease, and scientific responsibility.