What is the impact of groundwater pollution on ecosystem services?

Groundwater pollution has a significant negative impact on ecosystem services, particularly through its disruption of natural filtration processes and harm to aquatic habitats. When contaminants seep into groundwater supplies, they can alter the chemical and physical characteristics of the water. This can lead to the degradation of water quality in nearby rivers, lakes, or wetlands, which are critical habitats for various aquatic organisms.

Natural filtration processes, such as the physical and biological interactions that occur within soil and rock layers, help to cleanse and purify the water as it moves through the ground. Pollutants can interfere with these processes, resulting in toxic environments for plants and animals that depend on clean water. When aquatic habitats are compromised, it often leads to a decline in biodiversity, as sensitive species may struggle to survive in polluted conditions. Overall, the health of ecosystems is tightly linked to the quality of groundwater; when pollution occurs, it severely undermines the ecosystem services that these habitats provide, including water purification, flood regulation, and habitat provision for wildlife.