Effects on the Aquatic Ecosystem
The Yangtze River which is known as the longest river in Asia is at risk of disappearing as it turns from a beautiful blue-green color to a murky yellow-brown. The changes in the river’s color are attributed to an increase in sediment being carried by the river. This can be traced to the degradation of the river’s vegetation, caused by an increase in human activities such as deforestation, mining, construction, and agricultural practices.
Sediments that enter the river accumulate in the shallowest parts, reducing the water’s absorptive capacity, deepening the flow, and further amplifying the effects of the Sun’s heating. As a result, the reduced oxygen levels in the water creates an ecosystem with significantly fewer fish and other aquatic species, as well as decreased biodiversity. One of the primary causes of this is the build-up of nitrogen-based fertilizer runoff from agricultural activities, and industrial pollution such as heavy metal and chemical waste.
Major Causes of Water Pollution
The main cause of pollution in the Yangtze River is urban and industrial wastewater. This wastewater contains chemicals such as phosphate, nitrates, and heavy metals which are discharged from cities, factories, farms, and other sources. As these pollutants accumulate in the river, they lead to eutrophication and algal blooms, reducing oxygen levels and depriving aquatic species of their vital food sources.
Another significant contributor to the problem is the increasing domestic waste, especially when it is not properly handled and disposed of. Since the late 1980s, China has seen an exponential increase in the usage of plastic products. This plastic waste, when broken down, eventually finds its way into the rivers as microplastics. In addition to this, sewage runoff also seeps into the river, leading to further contamination.
Health Impacts of Water Pollution
The water contamination caused by human activities has serious health implications. Though the rapid industrialization of the Yangtze River region has brought about economic prosperity, it has also caused a severe increase in the levels of water-borne diseases.
The water has become increasingly unsafe for direct human contact due to the presence of dangerous contaminants like arsenic, cadmium, mercury and lead. Ingesting or even just coming into contact with the water can cause serious health issues including kidney damage, neural disorders, and even cancer in some cases. It is also estimated that about 12.7 million people are dependent on the river for their drinking water, making them particularly vulnerable to water-related illnesses.
Impact of Sediment Pollution on Riverine Functions
The heavy sediment present in the river has dire consequences for the river’s functions. This problem is compounded by dams, which further reduce the depth of the flow and the amount of natural sediment that the river is able to move.
This leads to sharp decreases in fish populations, changes in the navigability of the river and increases erosion of the banks and coasts. In some extreme cases, an over-saturation of sediment deposits has caused the formation of massive sandbars and islands in the midst of the river. This has completely changed the character of the Yangtze, making it increasingly difficult for transportation and fishing vessels to use the river.
The Impact of Dams
The Yangtze River is the home to many dams, with over 6,300 large dams built only in China’s portion of the basin. These dams have been built for a variety of purposes, from supplying water for irrigation, to producing hydroelectric power, to flood control.
One of the biggest issues with dams on the Yangtze is the decrease in fish populations due to blockages caused by the dams. Blocking the flow of the Yangtze River prevents fish from travelling freely, leading to species loss, which in turn disrupts the food web. Additionally, the regulation of the water flow reduces the amount of sediments that would normally distribute during the dry seasons, leading to the silting of beds, and the increase of shore erosion.
The Role of International Organizations
Various international organizations have been making efforts to protect the Yangtze River. For example, the WWF has set up projects to reduce the use of fertilizers in agricultural activities, and is educating local communities on the impacts of human activities on the river. In addition, the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) have identified areas of the Yangtze that require priority protection and are undertaking projects to restore the area’s ecosystems.
These organizations have also been working with local governments to create ways of collecting and disposing of plastic waste, as well as monitoring water pollution levels and predicting floods.
Efforts to Combat Water Pollution
The Chinese government has made several efforts to address the deteriorating condition of the Yangtze River. One of these measures is the Three Gorges Dam, which was built in the mid-2000s to help combat the problem of sedimentation and provide hydropower. However, while the dam has been successful in reducing the sediment accumulation and in providing an energy source, it has also caused tremendous damage to various habitats, leading to widespread biodiversity loss.
In addition, in 2020 the Chinese government announced the Yangtze River Protection Action Plan, which included various measures such as controlling pollution, establishing biodiversity conservation parks, restoring vegetation along the riverbanks and improving the water-level monitoring system.
The Chinese government is also leading research into new ways of treating wastewater, such as developing new filtration systems, and the use of bio-remediation techniques to break down contaminants in the water.
Restoration and Preservation Efforts
There have also been various grassroots efforts in China to combat the issues facing the Yangtze River. For example, activists have been campaigning to restore the vegetation, advocating for better land management practices, and creating eco-corridors along the banks of the river to protect the wildlife.
Local communities have also been raising money to help fund clean-up projects, and are developing educational programmes to teach younger generations about the importance of preserving the river, as well as the health risks associated with water pollution.
In addition, there has been a push for lawmakers to create new policies and regulations that focus on protecting the Yangtze. These laws should focus on reducing emissions from factories and agricultural activities, setting strict standards for water quality, and imposing punishments for polluters.
Economic Benefits of River Preservation
The preservation of the Yangtze River would be beneficial not only from an environmental perspective, but from an economic standpoint as well. The river contributes significantly to China’s GDP, as it is an important source of energy, food, and transportation.
The Yangtze also provides jobs in industries like fishing, tourism, and shipping, while also ensuring access to purified water for key cities like Shanghai. Restoring the Yangtze River to its natural health would lead to increased economic development in the region, creating wealth and jobs.
Conclusion
The Yangtze River is currently facing a number of ecological and health-related issues due to human activities. Without urgent action, the situation is only likely to become worse, creating a vicious cycle of destruction. A combination of grassroots campaigns, governmental regulations, and international institutions all have a key role to play in preserving this essential waterway and ensuring its sustainability for generations to come.
