Which of the following is a potential consequence of river pollution?

River pollution can have significant detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems, making harm to aquatic life a potential consequence. When pollutants such as harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and organic waste enter a river environment, they can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem. This pollution often leads to decreased oxygen levels in the water, which is crucial for the survival of fish and other aquatic organisms. Additionally, certain pollutants can be toxic to these organisms, leading to increased mortality rates, reduced reproduction, and teratogenic (developmental) effects on fish and invertebrates.

In polluted waters, the health of various species can decline, causing a reduction in biodiversity as sensitive species may die off or migrate away from the polluted areas. Meanwhile, more tolerant species may become overly dominant, leading to an unbalanced ecosystem. Healthy aquatic ecosystems are characterized by a diversity of species, so when pollution harms these systems, it leads to a loss of biodiversity, impacting the overall ecological integrity of the river.

The other options do not accurately reflect the impacts of river pollution. For example, increased biodiversity and improved water quality would be consequences of clean, healthy rivers rather than polluted ones, while a reduction in sediment transport does not inherently relate to pollution but rather to physical changes in river flow or management practices.