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China's Yellow River is facing an alarming transformation. Rapid industrialization has led to massive amounts of red waste being pumped into its waters, turning it from yellow to a murky brown. The industrialized cities along its banks contribute to the pollution.
To stop water pollution, governments, industries, and communities need to work together to enforce stringent regulations, responsible waste disposal, cleaner industrial practices, and public awareness.
The Buriganga is tragically in dire straits. The city of Dhaka discharges about 4,500 tons of solid waste every day, and most of it is released into the river.
The largest river in the Indian subcontinent, the Ganges is severely polluted with human waste and industrial contaminants. Untreated sewage dumped into the river, industrial waste, agricultural runoff, remnants of partially burned or unburned bodies from funeral pyres, and animal carcasses all contribute to the pollution. High levels of disease-causing bacteria and toxic substances have also been found in the Ganges.
The Citarum is the primary water source for millions, yet it is polluted with industrial, agricultural, and biological waste. Environmentalists have observed that over 20,000 tons of waste and 340,000 tons of wastewater from textile factories are dumped into the river daily.
The Sarno is one of the most polluted rivers in Europe due to agricultural waste and insufficiently treated industrial wastewater. Heavy metals and chemicals infiltrate its waters, harming both humans and wildlife.
A critical tributary of the Ganges, the Yamuna has fallen victim to severe contamination. Untreated wastewater and poor-quality water discharged from the treatment plants are the major causes of its pollution.
Unfortunately, the Marilao River pollution has become a severe issue, with all kinds of garbage filling the waterway. The primary sources of pollution are tanneries, textile factories, piggeries, gold refineries, and municipal dumps.
Located in southeastern Brazil, the Doce River still suffers the consequences of an ecological disaster that occurred in 2015. A mining dam failure released approximately 50 million tons of toxic mud into the river.
Pollution from industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, and urban waste is taking a heavy toll on one of China's major rivers. Nearly half of the people who depend on it have no safe drinking water.
One of the most polluted rivers in the US, vast stretches of the Mississippi River contain dangerous levels of mercury and sediment.
With a length of 4,130 miles (6,650 km), the Nile has been the region's lifeline for centuries. Today, it contains excessive levels of bacteria, heavy metals, and other pollutants, making it unsafe for drinking, bathing, or agriculture.
A sacred river in Christianity and Judaism where pilgrims go to get baptized, the pollution levels of this historic river are soaring. Overuse, untreated sewage, and industrial waste have turned it into one of the most polluted rivers in the world.
Straddling the US-Mexico border, the Tijuana River is drowning in pollution. Each year, millions of gallons of sewage flow into the river from both sides, contaminating coastal waters.
Once pristine, the Murray-Darling River is now struggling to survive. Pesticides, over-extraction, and pollution have taken a toll.
Emptying into the Río de la Plata in Buenos Aires, the Matanza-Riachuelo River is a tragedy in motion. Biologically dead, the river suffers from untreated sewage, industrial waste, and rampant pollution.
Industrial discharge and sewage are taking a heavy toll on the Indus River. Its water quality is so dire that it's unsafe for consumption.
Europe's second-largest river, the Danube grapples with some serious pollution. Shockingly, between 530 and 1,550 tons of plastic waste flows out to the Black Sea.
Flowing through northern New Jersey, the Passaic River is far from healthy. Lead, mercury, and toxic chemicals from industry have turned this river into one of the most polluted in the world.
Flowing primarily within southwest China and eastern Myanmar, the Salween is battling pollution due to industrial waste.
Industrial discharge and agricultural runoff have led to excessive contamination of the Rio Grande. Shockingly, the river's water quality is so poor that it's considered unfit for consumption.
The Ohio River doesn't meet safety standards. Its alarming pollution results from a combination of industrial waste, primarily from chemical plants and manufacturing, and agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides.
Approximately 130 million people live by the Niger River Basin, grappling with severe pollution. Raw sewage and industrial waste have tarnished the river's waters.
Once a vital waterway, the Pasig River was declared biologically dead in 1990. Its water quality is heavily compromised, with hazardous levels of heavy metals and toxins. The main sources of pollution are untreated sewage, unregulated industrial discharges, and the accumulation of solid waste.
A lifeline for millions, the Mekong faces a grim prognosis with a high concentration of heavy metals, including lead and cadmium. The primary sources of pollution are industrial discharges and agricultural runoff.
The Amur River faces dire water quality issues due to industrial pollutants and toxins. The primary culprits include heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium, primarily due to industrial discharges and agricultural runoff.
Water pollution can be controlled through robust regulations, improved waste management, and cleaner industrial processes. However, it requires a coordinated effort on a global scale.
Sources: (UNICEF) (Associated Press News) (EcoCation)
According to UNICEF, 829,000 people die from diseases directly attributable to unsafe water, inadequate sanitation, and poor hygiene practices every year.
Industries, especially those involved in textile production, are major water polluters. Their discharges contain harmful chemicals and heavy metals, which contribute significantly to global water pollution.
Curious about the dirtiest waterways on the planet? Click on to discover the most polluted rivers in the world.
The most polluted rivers in the world (5 are in the US)
The Seine didn't even make the list!
LIFESTYLE Environment
Rivers are a vital part of our ecosystem on Earth. Not only are they homes to precious wildlife, but they also provide drinking water to billions of people across the world. However, the global scale of discharge of agricultural, municipal, and industrial pollutants is seriously damaging river ecosystems and threatening the supply of clean drinking water worldwide. On top of that, polluted rivers flowing into the ocean cause environmental issues to spread even further.
Curious about the dirtiest waterways on the planet? Click on to discover the most polluted rivers in the world.