The type of pollution that mainly affects lakes and rivers is freshwater pollution. This includes various pollutants such as chemicals, agricultural runoff, sewage, plastic waste, and heavy metals that degrade water quality and harm aquatic ecosystems.
While salt water pollution primarily affects oceans and coastal areas, acid rain (which can result from air pollution) can also contribute to freshwater pollution when it falls onto lakes and rivers, leading to changes in pH and harming aquatic life. However, the direct category relevant to lakes and rivers is freshwater pollution. Rain itself is typically not classified as a pollutant unless it carries these harmful substances.