Pollution in the Yangtze River has been a long-standing issue with numerous consequences. The river is the longest in China and third-longest in the world running 6,400km long, serving as the home of 300 million people who rely on the Yangtze for water, food, irrigation and transportation. It has been reported that the water quality of the Yangtze has been persistently declining for decades due to the significant level of untreated municipal and industrial wastewater, due to the extensive exploitation of natural resources the river supports. Pollution has caused numerous issues with the environment, wildlife, and the overall health of millions of people.
Issues concerning water pollution have been brought to attention due to the industrialisation of the Asian continent. The degree of pollution has caused great danger to the aquatic ecosystems, as they are being exposed to high levels of cadmium, copper, cyanide, mercury, nickel and lead which are released by factories and power plants into the water. A study conducted in the 1990s revealed that fish in areas with high levels of industrial pollution had significantly lower levels of protein and higher levels of heavy metals than fish in areas with lower levels of industrial pollution. This showed an obvious link between the Yangtze’s pollution and the health of its inhabitants.
The number of environmental laws and regulations to control the Yangtze’s pollution has significantly increased over the past few decades. In 1989, for instance, the Chinese government enacted the Water and Soil Pollution Control Law of the People’s Republic of China, aiming to restore and protect the Yangtze River and its tributaries. However, according to some experts, the implementation of the laws has been greatly undermined due to the ineffectiveness of the local authorities. This is why, every year, the water quality of the Yangtze River deteriorates exponentially.
The presence of pollutants in the Yangtze River has caused numerous issues with the water ecology and biodiversity in the region. These pollutants exert an impact on water quality and on various organisms that live in the river, impacting their health and leading to a decrease of the biodiversity. Furthermore, numerous species of birds and aquatic animals that live in the river have been exposed to toxic pollutants, which have caused their populations to decline drastically.
The issue of water pollution in the Yangtze River is not only concerning from an environmental standpoint but from a public health standpoint too. Pollutants in the river have been linked to a range of health issues, including waterborne and air-borne diseases due to the toxic pollutants that are released into the environment. Furthermore, the presence of heavy metals such as cadmium, mercury and lead has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, respiratory and liver diseases as well as birth defects.
It is clear that the water pollution in the Yangtze River is a major threat to the ecosystem, wildlife and the well-being of millions of people who rely on the river. More should be done to tackle this issue and restore the river to its former glory.
Environmental Health
Water pollution has caused environment health issues in the Yangtze River Basin. It has been reported that the water quality of the Yangtze has been persistently declining due to high levels of untreated municipal and industrial wastewater effluent, as well as a range of hazardous chemicals and metals such as cadmium, copper, cyanide, mercury, nickel and lead. The presence of these pollutants has caused numerous issues with the water ecology and biodiversity in the region, leading to a decrease in the species of birds and aquatic animals that live in the river and a subsequent decrease in their populations.
Furthermore, these pollutants have been linked to waterborne and air-borne diseases which have affected a large portion of the people living in the region. Inadequate water supply, a lack of sanitation, sewage overflows and the inability to treat polluted waters are some of the factors that have contributed to environmental health issues in the Yangtze River Basin.
Kai Li, professor and director of the Centre for Water Research at the University of Birmingham, says that ‘Water pollution is an issue of immense concern in the Yangtze River Basin. Pollutants in the river are a threat to aquatic ecosystems and the health of millions of people who depend on the river. Governments and industries need to do more to ensure that the Yangtze remains safe and clean.’
Ecosystem Impact
Pollution in the Yangtze River is a major issue that has had an adverse effect not only on the environment and public health but also on the overall population and economy of the region. The presence of hazardous pollutants such as heavy metals, oil, sewage and industrial waste has caused a decrease in the number of fish and other aquatic organisms in the river, leading to a decrease in the population of birds, amphibians and mammals that depend on the river for their survival.
Furthermore, water pollution has had a negative impact on the local economy of the region. Fishermen and farmers have lost their livelihood due to the decrease in the number of fish and consequently, the decrease in the number of people who rely on the Yangtze River for food and water has caused an economic crisis in the region. In addition to this, the decrease in the number of aquatic organisms leads to a decrease in the oxygen levels in the river, thus affecting the health of the river itself.
Patrizia D’Agostini, who works for the World Wildlife Fund, believes that ‘The ecosystems of the Yangtze River are deteriorating drastically due to the high levels of pollution. We need to take action now in order to protect the river and its wildlife from further destruction.’
Human Health
Pollutants present in the Yangtze River have had a great impact on the health of millions of people living in the region. The presence of metals such as cadmium, mercury, lead and arsenic in the river’s waters has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, respiratory and liver diseases as well as birth defects. Furthermore, the presence of pollutants has been linked to a range of waterborne and air-borne diseases.
Scientists have conducted various studies to measure the health effects of exposure to pollutants in the Yangtze River, some of which have shown that people who drink, swim and work in polluted waters have higher levels of toxic metals in their bodies compared to those who do not. Furthermore, a study conducted by the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention found that people living in the area were more at risk of respiratory illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis.
Dr Chan Shu-Ling, researcher and professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, believes that ‘Water pollution in the Yangtze River has affected the health of millions of people in the region. Governments, industries and local authorities must work together to reduce the levels of pollution in the Yangtze and ensure the health of the people living in the region.’
Economic Impact
Pollution in the Yangtze has caused an economic crisis in the region. Businesses and industries have been impacted by the decrease in the number of fish due to the pollutants present in the river. This is because fisheries are the main source of income and sustenance in the region, thus a decrease in the number of fish has led to a decrease in income and subsequently a decrease in the number of people who can afford basic necessities.
Furthermore, the Yangtze River is a vital waterway for China, providing numerous services such as transportation, hydropower and irrigation. However, the pollutants present in the Yangtze have caused a decrease in the number of usable water resources in the river, causing negative effects to the local economies. In addition, industries such as tourism and recreation are being affected due to the pollution present in the river.
Gavin Roise, water pollution expert, agrees: ‘The Yangtze River is essential for the livelihood of many people in the region, it is important for their incomes, nourishment and health. Therefore, it is important to reduce the levels of pollution in the river in order to protect the economy and the people who depend on it. ‘
Law & Regulations
The issue of water pollution in the Yangtze River has long been a topic of discussion in China, with numerous laws and regulations in place to protect the river and its inhabitants. In 1989, the Chinese government introduced the Water and Soil Pollution Control Law of the People’s Republic of China, aiming to restore and protect the Yangtze River and its tributaries. Furthermore, local authorities in the region have implemented a range of policies and initiatives such as the Three Gorges Dam project, aimed at controlling the pollution in the river. Despite this, however, many experts argue that the implementation of these laws and regulations is often inadequate, as enforcement is weak and resources for monitoring and controlling pollution in the river are often scarce.
Joseph Lau, researcher and professor at the Beijing Institute of Technology, believes that ‘The Yangtze River is a precious natural resource and it is important to protect it from pollution. The Chinese government needs to invest more in resources and technology to ensure that the laws and regulations in place are effectively enforced.’
