Brian Barton
Water pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing our planet, with more than 80% of global wastewater ending up in oceans, rivers, and lakes. A recent study reveals that 1000 rivers, accounting for 1% of all rivers globally, contribute to nearly 80% of riverine plastic emissions, with small urban rivers being the most polluting. These rivers are often inundated with chemicals, waste, plastics, and other pollutants, such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and industrial sewage. The impact of water pollution has irreversible consequences for our environment and public health, with unsafe water causing more deaths than wars and other forms of violence annually.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of polluted rivers | 50% of rivers and streams |
| Percentage of polluted lakes | Over 33% |
| Percentage of global riverine plastic emissions from 1000 rivers | 80% |
| Global annual riverine plastic emissions | 0.8-2.7 million metric tons |
| Percentage of plastic ever made discarded in landfills or natural environment | 60% |
| Global population at health risk due to scarce water quality data | 3 billion |
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What You'll Learn
Agriculture is the leading cause of river pollution
Water pollution is a widespread problem that jeopardizes human health. Agriculture is a major contributor to this issue, accounting for 70% of water withdrawals worldwide. Farms discharge large quantities of agrochemicals, organic matter, drug residues, sediments, and saline drainage into water bodies. This includes fertilizers and pesticides, which contaminate water sources and make them unsafe to drink without treatment. The use of pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture has led to an increase in malaria incidence in the tropics.
In the United States, agricultural pollution is the top source of contamination in rivers and streams. Every time it rains, fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste from farms wash nutrients and pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, into waterways. Livestock production now accounts for 70% of all agricultural land and 30% of the planet's land surface. The concentrated waste produced by animals in confined spaces can also pollute rivers through runoff. Roaming livestock sprayed for ticks or other pests can contaminate water sources by wading or bathing in rivers, killing their inhabitants.
The expansion of irrigation has also played a significant role in transferring agricultural pollution to water bodies. The area equipped for irrigation has more than doubled in recent decades, from 139 million hectares in 1961 to 320 million in 2012. Additionally, aquaculture has grown more than 20-fold since the 1980s, particularly in Asia. Fish excreta and uneaten feeds from fed aquaculture contribute to diminishing water quality. Increased production has also led to greater use of antibiotics, fungicides, and anti-fouling agents, which may pollute downstream ecosystems.
Sediment is another leading pollutant in rivers and streams across the United States and the world. While concentrations of annual mean suspended sediment have decreased at over half of the assessed stream sites in the contiguous US between 1992 and 2012, increases occurred at less than 25% of the sites. Off-farm techniques such as riparian buffer strips or constructed wetlands can help reduce the amount of pollution entering surface water bodies. These techniques aim to decrease the concentrations of pollutants entering waterways.
Agriculture not only pollutes water but is also a victim of water pollution. The quality of British rivers was improving until 2004 due to the control of raw or poorly treated sewage discharge. However, a gradual deterioration in the ecological quality of UK and many European freshwater sources has since occurred. A holistic approach that addresses the physical impacts of agriculture, such as drainage and the modification of river channels, is necessary to manage the complex relationships between agricultural and freshwater systems effectively.
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Plastic waste in rivers
The high levels of plastic waste in these rivers can be attributed to two main factors: a large population living in the surrounding regions and inadequate waste management processes. The river basins of these rivers are home to hundreds of millions of people, and when waste is not properly managed, it ends up in the rivers and is carried out to sea. This is particularly true in low-to-middle-income countries, where waste management infrastructure may be lacking.
The problem of plastic waste in rivers is not limited to these top 10 contributors, however. It is estimated that more than 1000 rivers account for 80% of global riverine plastic emissions into the ocean, with small urban rivers among the most polluting. The remaining 20% is distributed across 30,000 rivers. This highlights the need for a global approach to tackle the issue, rather than focusing on just a few rivers.
The impact of plastic waste in rivers extends beyond just ocean pollution. Plastic pollution in rivers can block waterways, cause hygienic problems, and allow plastics-associated chemicals to enter drinking water resources. It also poses threats to aquatic life, ecosystems, and human health. The economic impact of plastic pollution is also significant, causing damage to vessels and fishing gear, negatively impacting the tourism industry, and increasing the cost of shoreline cleaning efforts.
To address the problem of plastic waste in rivers, a multi-pronged approach is necessary. This includes improving waste management practices, such as recycling, incineration, and proper landfilling, as well as implementing policies and actions that focus on urban coastal areas, such as improved litter collection and river cleanup. Public awareness and education are also crucial in reducing plastic waste and preventing it from entering our rivers and oceans.
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Rivers too polluted for swimming, fishing, drinking
Rivers are a major source of plastic waste in the oceans. According to a study, 88-95% of all river-borne plastic that ends up in the ocean comes from just 10 rivers. Eight of these rivers are in Asia: the Yangtze, Indus, Yellow, Hai He, Ganges, Pearl, Amur, and Mekong. The remaining two are in Africa: the Nile and the Niger.
The agricultural sector is the biggest consumer of global freshwater resources, with farming and livestock production using about 70% of the earth's surface water supplies. However, agriculture is also a serious water polluter. In the United States, agricultural pollution is the top source of contamination in rivers and streams, the second-biggest source in wetlands, and the third main source in lakes. Every time it rains, fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste from farms wash nutrients and pathogens (such as bacteria and viruses) into our waterways.
According to the most recent surveys on national water quality from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), nearly half of the nation's rivers and streams and more than one-third of its lakes are polluted and unfit for swimming, fishing, and drinking. Indiana has the most miles of rivers and streams that are too impaired for swimming and recreation. Florida, meanwhile, had the most lake acres impaired for swimming and aquatic life.
The Clean Water Act, passed into law in 1972, promised to end the discharge of all pollutants into navigable waters by 1985. However, it has fallen short of that goal due to insufficient funding, poor enforcement, and a lack of control over farm runoff. While the act has strong controls for pollution pumped directly into waterways from factories or sewage plants, it lacks measures to address indirect pollution, such as agricultural runoff from factory farms.
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Rivers as a source of ocean pollution
Rivers are a significant source of ocean pollution, with 80% of marine pollution originating on land and making its way into the sea through rivers and streams. A study by The Ocean Cleanup estimates that 1000 rivers are responsible for nearly 80% of global riverine plastic emissions, which range from 0.8 to 2.7 million metric tons per year.
The agricultural sector is the biggest consumer of freshwater resources, with farming and livestock production using about 70% of the earth's surface water supplies. However, it is also a leading cause of water degradation. In the United States, agricultural pollution is the primary source of contamination in rivers and streams. Every time it rains, fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste from farms wash into waterways, causing nutrient pollution, which includes harmful nitrates and phosphates. This type of contamination is the leading form of contamination in freshwater sources.
Factory waste and runoff from cities also contribute to river pollution. A report by the Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) found that more than 700,000 miles of waterways in the United States, about 51% of assessed river and stream miles, are impaired by pollution. This means that these waterways do not meet quality standards for swimming, recreation, aquatic life, fish consumption, or drinking water sources.
The problem of river pollution is not limited to the United States. A study by the World Economic Forum found that 88-95% of all river-borne plastic that ends up in the ocean comes from just 10 rivers worldwide. Eight of these rivers are in Asia: the Yangtze, Indus, Yellow, Hai He, Ganges, Pearl, Amur, and Mekong. The remaining two are in Africa: the Nile and the Niger.
The impact of river pollution on ocean ecosystems is significant. With rivers being a major source of plastic waste and other contaminants, it is essential to address this issue to protect marine life and human health.
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River pollution in the US
River pollution in the United States is a pressing issue that poses health risks to those who rely on these water bodies for drinking, fishing, and recreation. According to the Environmental Integrity Project (EIP), a nonpartisan nonprofit, nearly half of the rivers and streams in the US are too polluted to meet quality standards. This equates to about 700,000 miles of waterways, or 51% of assessed river and stream miles, being impaired by pollution. The report defines "impaired" as waters that do not meet standards for swimming, recreation, aquatic life, fish consumption, or drinking water sources.
The Clean Water Act, passed into law 50 years ago, aimed to address this issue. However, despite its successes, it has fallen short of its goals. The Act has directed more than $1 trillion in investments into wastewater treatment plants and driven improvements in water quality. Yet, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been criticized for not updating its standards for highly polluting industries and for its inconsistent enforcement across states. As a result, key sources of water pollution remain unaddressed, and the nation's water quality continues to be at risk.
Various factors contribute to river pollution in the US. One significant source is agricultural pollution, which includes excess fertilizer, manure, and pesticides that wash into rivers and streams. This pollution can lead to algal blooms, which, in turn, can become toxic and pose risks to human health and aquatic life. Industrial pollution is another major concern, with chemicals, heavy metals, and oil and gas byproducts contaminating rivers. The Ohio River, for instance, has been tainted by industrial pollution, impacting the health of the environment and communities dependent on it.
In addition to agricultural and industrial pollution, urban development also plays a role in river contamination. As cities expand, sewage inputs increase, providing nutrients that fuel algal growth. Moreover, parking lots can accumulate oil, sediments, and heavy metals, which are then flushed into rivers and streams during rainfall. This urban pollution affects not only the water quality but also the flora and fauna within these ecosystems.
While the EPA has implemented monitoring programs, such as the National Rivers and Streams Assessment, the lack of universal guidelines and consistent data collection methods across states makes it challenging to fully understand the extent of river pollution in the US. Limited funding and budget cuts further hinder the ability to assess and address this critical issue. As a result, river pollution persists, impacting the health and well-being of communities and the environment.
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Frequently asked questions
Nearly half of the rivers and streams across the US are considered too polluted for swimming, fishing, or drinking.
It is hard to say what percentage of rivers globally are polluted, but it is estimated that 1000 rivers are accountable for nearly 80% of global riverine plastic emissions.
River pollution is caused by a variety of factors including agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and plastic waste.
River pollution has various effects on the environment and human health. It can cause algal blooms, which can be toxic and cause human illness or even death. It can also contaminate drinking water sources, making them unsafe for consumption.
