Current status and challenges of water pollution: A jeopardy on inland and marine ecosystems

• Water pollution threatens marine habitats, freshwater resources, and human health worldwide. • This research examines water pollution from agricultural runoff, industrial effluents and untreated wastewater. • Microplastic contamination affects the 80% of public water systems • The 50% of Asian wastewater is safely handled, with intermediate water quality. • Europe and the Americas have better wastewater treatment coverage, with 80% and 75% safely treated. Water pollution is now a global concern over the past few decades, it has impacted both ecological and social results, endangering the ecosystem. Worldwide, rivers, lakes, and coastal waterways are expected to receive a large amount of untreated wastewater. This wastewater originates from houses, farms and factories. This review compiles information supporting the notion of identifying the causes of pollution from both local and international sources. Also, their evolving trends posing the challenge to meet SDG. These addressed in the manuscript insights are essential for developing effective policies and interventions aimed at mitigating impact of pollution. By knowing where the different sources come from and where they are going, stakeholders can put in place specific plans to protect water quality and public health. The past historical case studies related to Japan’s Minamata mercury emissions and the Gulf of Mexico's underwater Horizon spill are among many others that demonstrate the effects of industrial pollution over time. The UN and WHO estimate that 25% of trash residue will stay untreated in natural rivers before being discharged. A large disparity exists between South Asian and African countries' treatment capacities. In aquatic bodies saturated with nutrients from agricultural runoff, algal blooms limit oxygen availability. Microplastics, once considered minor damage, are now causing serious health problems and altering the endocrine system, particularly affecting reproductive health and development in both humans and wildlife. New pollutants are a long-term threat to public health and biodiversity. FAO and PANGAEA discovered in 2020 that excessive fertilizer application was occurring, and nutrient management posed a persistent risk for aquatic degradation. The cited factors reflect a serious need to take care of both environmental and public health. This is a thorough examination of the data about unfair treatment, pollution causes, and new contaminants. Together, they will be able to provide a comprehensive picture of the prevalence of water pollution in both freshwater and saltwater regions. The study also discussed the latest technology being used to find toxins. Technologies that can be used to study microorganisms, physical objects and chemicals include hyperspectral imaging and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The importance of enhancing wastewater treatment infrastructure and water management systems that support a circular economy is also discussed in the article. These kinds of adjustments are necessary to reduce pollution and extend the life of water supplies. According to the report, decision-making and the government will be crucial in the future. Certain actions must be performed in particular circumstances to maintain robust and clean water supplies. This essay effectively argues that efforts to prevent water contamination should collaborate. These plans include creating new technology, building new infrastructure, enforcing current regulations, and involving the community. These places have also improved.