The Yangtze river is the longest river in Asia, supplying water to over 400 million people. It runs from the Tibetan plateau through the provinces of Sichuan and Hubei, eventually flowing into the East China Sea. While traversing the country the Yangtze river provides many benefits: granting an important transportation route and contributing to the economies of several large cities. However, it can also be a source of danger and harm for certain industries and the environment.
In 2016, the Yangtze river saw a drastic quality decline disrupting traditional fisheries. Water testing revealed high levels of ammonia and nitrates, likely caused by agricultural run-off and industrial pollution. Even with the launch of a 66.8 billion dollar clean-up program in 2020 which involves the removal of toxic chemicals and dredging, the safety of the workforce is still in question and air quality remains a concern.
According to a professor of ecology at Shanghai Jiaotong University, some negative impacts of the Yangtze river include: nutrient overload, resulting in decreased oxygen levels; and increase in pollutants such as heavy metals, effluents and petroleum products. This affects drinking water and the propagation of organisms. The river is also going through drastic hydrological changes due to dam constructions and water diversions. This increases the risk of over flooding in certain areas, as dam constructions restrict the water flow.
The Yangtze river is vital for its surrounding communities, however two large-scale developments are putting stress on the river. Firstly, hydropower development has created numerous dams on the river bed, restricting fish migration. Secondly, the rapid urbanisation of the most densely populated areas of the Yangtze river is resulting in increasing levels of pollution, as the population increases demand for energy, infrastructure and water.
The river has also seen a decline in biodiversity due to the decline in oxygen levels in the water. Fish, ray-finned and molluscs, have all seen their population decline in the river, while some species have become extinct. In addition, debris washouts, algae blooms and agricultural runoff have had a detrimental effect on the aquatic life.
The Yangtze river contributes a great deal to the economic wellbeing of China, however these benefits need to be balanced with control of the negative impacts of it pollution and erosion. Through the efforts of government and research institutions, steps can be taken to reduce the toll on human health, the environment and local ecosystems.
Effects on Local Ecosystems
The Yangtze river passes through multi-storied environments, the lower reaches possesses sandy shore, the central parts comprise of steep and elevated beaches and a muddy shoreline, while the upper reaches possess a landscape of forests and grassy land. With urban development, farming, pollution and other human activities, the variety of biological habitats have drastically deteriorated disrupting the balance of the ecosystems. The habitats and wildlife that rely on the Yangtze River for survival, will also suffer.
In certain areas near the Three Gorges Dam, the water’s turbidity has significantly reduced due to the continuous sedimentation from the dam. This has resulted in a decrease in light penetration and clarity of water, which has had a detrimental effect on the fish and aquatic life. This interference from the dam has corroded the natural spawning grounds of the rivers leading to a decline in the fish population. According to a recent report, several types of hazardous dioxins remain in the area.
The tributaries of the river also provide habitats for Marshes and wetlands, though these eco-systems have seen a decline due to the decrease in surface water caused by the construction of hydropower dams. These habitats serve as feeding, spawning and nursing grounds for a range of fish species and other aquatic life, their destruction may decrease the diversity of species in the river and affect their availability as a food source.
Effects on Human Health
Pollution caused by untreated industrial waste and agricultural run-off have had a negative effect on the health of people living in the Yangtze River basin. The toxicity of some of the waste products pose a serious threat to human health, as they can easily enter the food chain and drinking water. According to medical experts, water pollution in the Yangtze river poses severe health risks, including high blood pressure; heart, liver and kidney problems; and cancer.
The health of the local population is also affected by air pollution stemming from the industrial centres along the river. Numerous factories release airborne pollutants such as sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO). The toxic atmosphere poses a threat to the health of those in close proximity, as well as to surrounding environment, as SO2 and NOx can cause acid rain, which corrodes metals and destroys vegetation.
The risks posed by water pollution in the Yangtze River extends beyond human health. Numerous animal and plant species are under threat due to the hazardous nature of the polluted water. According to a study conducted in 2018, 16% of samples taken from the Yangtze River had levels of toxic metals that exceeded the limits set by the World Health Organisation. The polluted water poses a serious threat to the aquatic life, as some of the metals and toxins can accumulate in their tissue, affecting their ability to reproduce, feed, and resist disease.
Impacts on the Economy
The Yangtze River is a vital transportation route for people and goods, providing essential income to those involved in the shipping industry. However, due to the construction of hydropower dams, the river has seen a decrease in water flow, resulting in a decline in productivity of ports and harbours. In addition, due to the unsuitability of some stretches of the river, some of the fishing villages have been abandoned, leaving many people with no source of economic income.
The increase of pollution and decrease in biodiversity can also have a direct effect on the economic wellbeing of China, as the Yangtze supports a range of activities such as domestic fishing and transportation. It has also been estimated that more than 50 percent of the country’s economic output is sourced from the river, with some industries such as farming, water supplies, fishing, tourism and shipping reliant on it. If the river continues to deteriorate, due to pollution, erosion, and the construction of dams, some of these key industries may suffer.
Conservation of the Yangtze River
In order to protect and preserve the Yangtze River, it is important for government and research institutions to implement policies to reduce the negative impacts of pollution and erosion. Such policies could involve a decrease in the use of fossil fuels, the introduction of renewable energy sources, the imposition of stricter regulations on agricultural run-off and other forms of water pollution, and the restriction of the construction of new dams in certain areas. Additional measures may include the preservation and restoration of habitats along the river and the provision of cleaner water to those living in the river basin.
The efforts to restore the ecology of the Yangtze River could also be aided by private organisations and research institutions. Scientific studies that measure the effects of water pollution and conservation efforts, as well as awareness efforts, could provide valuable insight into the processes of the river. The introduction of activities such as tree planting and habitat restoration could help to improve the health and well-being of the river, as well as its associated ecosystems and communities.
Conservation of the Yangtze river could be a difficult but rewarding task. With measures already in place, there is hope that it can be preserved and benefit the population in the years to come.
Impact on the Marine Life
The Yangtze river is home to a rich range of fish and marine life, with more than 90 species of fish inhabiting its waters. Notable species include the Yangtze sturgeon, which is listed as ‘endangered’ on China’s Red List of Threatened Species, due to the effects of overfishing and pollution, as well as its critically endangered cousin the Baiji dolphin. The Baiji dolphin is particularly vulnerable to pollution, as it is an air-breathing mammal and therefore cannot survive in polluted water for extended periods of time.
A 2016 paper by the Chinese Academy of Sciences estimates that the number of the Baiji dolphins has declined from 13 in the 2006 survey to zero in 2018. Pollution and overfishing are believed to be two key factors in the decline of this species, as well as the disruption of habitat caused by the Three Gorges Dam. Other fish, such as the Yangtze sturgeon, are vulnerable to pollution, as their eggs and larvae are highly sensitive to changes in water pH.
The decline in the number of fish and marine life in the Yangtze river highlights the need for improved regulation and conservation measures. Measures such as the implementation of no fishing zones and no-take zones have already been adopted, and although they have had some effect, more needs to be done to protect and restore the rich ecology of the Yangtze River and its surrounding environment.
Impact on Aquatic Plants
The Yangtze River is habitat for a variety of aquatic plants, including the Asiatic waterweed (Elodea iliensis), watercress (Nasturtium officinale), and water chestnuts (Trapa bicornis). These plants are important for the health and balance of the river, providing a food source for many species and oxygen for the water. However, in recent years, these plants have become scarce due to pollution and over-exploitation.
A 2019 study conducted by Wuhan University indicated that 21 of Beijing’s 80 common aquatic plants had disappeared from the Yangtze River, with the remainder facing a decrease in population. These species are particularly vulnerable to the effects of pollution, as the toxic substances found in industrial and agricultural run-off can be absorbed by their cells, leading to their eventual death. The loss of aquatic plants can have a direct effect on the fish population and other species, as food availability and oxygen levels may be reduced.
In order to protect the existing aquatic plants of the Yangtze River, it is necessary to implement strict regulations on industrial pollutants. Additionally, the introduction of more no fishing zones and no-take zones may help to restore these areas and provide the plants with a safe place to regrow.
Conclusion
The Yangtze River is essential to the development of China and provides essential functions throughout the country. However, it must also be acknowledged that the river can be a source of danger, with pollution, overfishing, and the construction of dams all having a direct effect on its health. It is therefore important for steps to be taken to reduce the negative impacts of the Yangtze on its environment, ecosystems and population. Measures such as the introduction of renewable energy sources, the imposition of stricter regulations on industrial and agricultural pollution, and the protection of habitats along the river, will help to restore and conserve the Yangtze River and its surrounding environment.
