CHINA—One of China’s seven major Rivers, the Huai River, is suddenly showing signs of serious chemical pollution. Its biggest tributary, the Ying River, now has a white froth band that stretches downstream for 500 meters.
This has had a huge impact on the living conditions for residents downstream, as the water quality has been affected greatly along this major tributary.
According to reports from Xinhua News Agency, the Fuyang Environmental Protection Department indicated that while technicians were testing the Ying River’s water quality on March 10, they discovered that the water was severely polluted. The water quality rating is “poor.” Ammonia and nitrogen were the two most prevalent pollutants.
Due to the height of the dam, when water was released it agitated the polluted water below the dam, forming a white foam band stretching 500 meters downstream.
Environmental Protection Department personnel pointed out that the reason the Ying River suddenly became affected is because of water pollution coming from upstream. The dry winter season accumulates pollutants; therefore we see the concentration of pollutants increase.
In addition, Ying River Authorities have opened the sluice gates, and the resulting flow is abundant. With a greater water flow increasing the river’s capacity, the pollutants in the river were flushed downstream.
The Ying River has been called the indicator of the Huai River’s water quality, because it is the biggest tributary for the 1000 km (621.4 mile) long Huai River, and crosses both Henan and Anhui provinces. It originates in Henan Province, enters the Anhui boundary through Jieshou, then enters the Huai River through Mouhekou in Yangshang Town, Fuyang City.
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