Fertilizer
35% of fertilization takes place in the Ganges basin (Sampat, 1996). Improper application, such as applying before a rainstorm can lead to fertilizer runoff. The main risk from fertilizer runoff is the over production of algae which deoxygenates the water. Leaving less oxygen for the inhabitants of the water system, crippling the environmental system.
Figure 6: Fertilizer runoff into water can lead to overproduction of algae in a water system, taking oxygen from fish and decomposition processe(Buczynski, 2012)
Pesticides
India still uses DDT as an effective and potent pesticide that kills malaria mosquitoes. A maximum of 10,000 tons of DDT is allowed to be applied yearly (Abhilash, 2009). Once in the environment it is nearly impossible to remove, which leads too bioaccumulation as it is fat soluble. People consuming the ganges water with DDT in it are at risk for rashes, liver disease, disruption of the endocrine system and cancer.