{"id":15405,"date":"2023-12-27T07:50:53","date_gmt":"2023-12-27T06:50:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/?p=15405"},"modified":"2023-12-27T07:50:53","modified_gmt":"2023-12-27T06:50:53","slug":"why-is-the-yangtze-river-yellow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/why-is-the-yangtze-river-yellow\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Is The Yangtze River Yellow"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Yangtze River is not only the longest river in China, but also the third longest river in the world. It has been around for centuries and is known as one of the greatest achievements of early Chinese civilization. But unfortunately, this river has been turning yellow for years, and it has become a worrying issue for both Chinese authorities and environmentalists.<\/p>\n

The reasons for the yellowing of the river are multiple, but the most significant factor is pollution. Since the early 2000s, industrial and agricultural waste, as well as untreated sewage, have been poured into the Yangtze. The garbage and pollutants such as human and animal waste accumulate on the riverbed, contributing to the discoloration. Additionally, the river is subject to domestic wastewater discharge, which is responsible for eutrophication, a process where there is an excessive increase in the number of nutrients in water and therefore, contributes to a decrease in oxygen levels. The result is an unfavorable environment for aquatic life.<\/p>\n

The consequences of the yellowing of the Yangtze are hard to predict. The accumulation of pollutants on the riverbed, as well as a decrease in oxygen levels could lead to changes in biodiversity and disrupt the natural ecosystems in this area. This would threaten the livelihoods of those who depend on its waters such as fishermen, farmers and communities. Apart from the effects on fish and other aquatic life, the water quality may also be compromised, posing a threat to human health.<\/p>\n

Chinese authorities have taken some measures in order to tackle this issue. They have implemented legislation and policies to reduce nutrient pollution in the Yangtze, such as enforcing a ban on the discharge of solid waste into the river. Additionally, China has vowed to make investment for raising awareness about the impact of pollution, as well as for improving the water quality. Also, the World Bank has issued a US$238 million loan to the country to support its efforts to protect the Yangtze River environment.<\/p>\n