Freshwater is a finite resource, especially in the coastal zones around the world. Managing this precious resource becomes even more important in developing countries with severe water pollution and poor governance, such as those in Asia and Africa. Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) brings the hydraulic connection between terrestrial groundwater and marine water along the coast and has control over the supply of nutrients and pollutants in the coastal ecosystems. The hydraulic connection of SGD often depends on the local hydrogeological conditions and sociocultural activities, which eventually depend on the awareness of local communities. So, this study explains SGD from different scientific, cultural, and religious points of view, in addition to listing its benefits and marine ecosystem services. It also highlights the role of submarine springs (listed under SGD) in nutrient transport and cycling in the coastal ecosystem. Study results revealed that SGD-mediated discharge of nutrients contains nitrate (NO3), sulfate (SO4), phosphate (PO4), and ammonium (NH4 +) and is also involved in ocean acidification as well if not monitored and maintained diligently. SGD is not important at the continental level, but it is locally significant as it is related to local terrestrial activity along the topography, hydraulic conductivity, and tidal forcing. Thus, this study would allow attention to be directed toward alternative ideas and ways of optimal societal and scientific investment, focusing on their strategies not to harm or pollute the marine ecosystem because of the inadequate sociocultural and scientific understanding of terrestrial freshwater pollution. © 2025 selection and editorial matter, Shamik Chakraborty, Amit Chatterjee and Pankaj Kumar; individual chapters, the contributors. All rights reserved.
