Are Rivers Still Breathing? | Naphisabet Georginia Pathaw | TEDxBDW Intl School

TL;DR

Water bodies in Shalong City, including the WRA River, Umam Lake, and Lucar River, are heavily polluted due to human activities, posing threats to aquatic life, human health, and the ecosystem.

Transcript

on visiting my grandmother's place which is situated right besides the WRA River one of the two major rivers in shalong city I was in confusion to see the plight of the river which does not match to the stories which my father had narrated to me he used to describe the river as being being pristine clean and uncontaminated with Greenery all around ... Read More

Key Insights

• 💦 Rivers in Shalong City, including the WRA River, Umam Lake, and Lucar River, have been severely affected by water pollution.
• 💦 Human activities, such as improper waste disposal and industrial pollution, are major contributors to water pollution.
• 💦 Water pollution has adverse effects on aquatic life, human health, and the overall ecosystem.
• 💦 Awareness programs and individual responsibility are crucial in mitigating water pollution.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the major contributors to water pollution in Shalong City?

Human activities, including household discharge, agricultural runoff, sewage disposal, improper waste disposal, and industrial pollution, are the main contributors to water pollution in Shalong City.

Q: How does water pollution affect aquatic life?

Water pollution leads to depleted oxygen levels, fish kills, disrupted food chains, and the disappearance of aquatic life in urban rivers. Consuming polluted fish can also pose health risks.

Q: What are the health risks associated with drinking contaminated water?

Contaminated water can carry diseases, toxins, heavy metals, and chemicals, leading to long-term health risks and illnesses. Water samples from 44 out of 46 localities in Shalong City were found to be unsafe for drinking.

Q: How can individuals contribute to mitigating water pollution?

Individuals can play their part by practicing proper waste disposal, not littering, conserving water, and participating in awareness programs. Government initiatives and innovative solutions, such as the Adopt an Island initiative and the tarl Tech disinfection reactor, can also help.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The WRA River, once pristine and clean, is now polluted with plastic waste, and land reclamation has reduced the water flow.

• Umam Lake is contaminated with garbage, making it unsuitable for aquatic life and emitting an unhygienic odor.

• The Lucar River in East Gantia Hills has become polluted due to unsustainable mining activities.

• Water pollution in these areas is primarily caused by human activities such as household discharge, agricultural runoff, sewage disposal, improper waste disposal, and industrial pollution.