Study: Over 16,000 rivers have recorded a decrease in dissolved oxygen between 1985 and 2023, affecting aquatic life. Tropical rivers, such as the Ganges and Amazon, are the most affected.

A recent study has shown that, between 1985 and 2023, over 16,000 rivers worldwide have experienced a significant decrease in dissolved oxygen levels, essential for aquatic life. This average decrease of 0.045 milligrams per liter per decade threatens not only aquatic ecosystems but also the communities that depend on these resources. Researchers analyzed 3.4 million satellite images to assess the impact of climate change on dissolved oxygen. It is estimated that by the end of the century, rivers in South America, India, the Arctic, and the eastern United States could lose about 10% of their dissolved oxygen. Tropical rivers, such as the Ganges and Amazon, have been the most affected, with the Ganges losing oxygen 20 times faster than the global average. The study highlights that higher water temperatures reduce oxygen solubility, contributing to this crisis. Dissolved oxygen is vital for all forms of aquatic life, and its decline poses a serious threat to biodiversity.