Bronte Wells
Rivers are a vital part of the ecosystem, providing water, supporting wildlife, and determining the environments of entire countries. However, not all rivers are respected and cared for equally. While some rivers carry pristine water, others have become dumping grounds for industrial and human waste, threatening the health of humans and wildlife alike. This introduction will discuss the topic of non-polluted rivers, exploring the factors that contribute to river cleanliness and the efforts made to protect these vital water sources.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Rivers with low levels of pollution | Caragh River, Ireland; Thames River, England |
| Causes of pollution | Industrial waste, agricultural waste, urban waste, plastic waste, chemical waste, sewage, oil, paint, fertilizer, feces, debris, microplastics, nitrogen-based fertilizer run-off |
| Effects of pollution | Waterborne diseases, cancer, birth defects, harm to wildlife, soil degradation, death of aquatic life |
| Examples of polluted rivers | Ganges, Citarum, Mississippi, Sarno, Cuyahoga, Pasig |
| Clean-up efforts | Clean Water Act (CWA), Interceptor solutions, banning factories from dumping pollution, installing water treatment plants |
Explore related products
![Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks [Map Pack Bundle] (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61Q3z4GSBGL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
The Torne River between Sweden and Finland
The Torne River, also known as the Tornio, is a river in northern Sweden and Finland. It is the northernmost river in Sweden and the largest river in Norrbotten County by length and watershed area. The Torne rises at Lake Torneträsk, near the border with Norway, and flows for 522 kilometres (324 miles) into the Gulf of Bothnia. For about half of its length, it defines the border between Sweden and Finland.
The river's source is generally believed to be Lake Torneträsk, although the lake's main feeder is the Abiskojåkka, which flows out of Abiskojaure and is fed by the Kamajåkka. The Torne's upper course has waterfalls, while its lower course is filled with rapids and is mostly non-navigable. The lower course of the Torne forms the boundary between Sweden and Finland.
The Torne River flows freely without any human habitation along its banks until it reaches the village of Kurravaara, where it splits into two parts. The area between the two streams is where the Beallejohka joins the right arm from the left. The Käymäjoki, Liviöjoki, and Mertajoki join the Torne from the right, while the Luossajoki joins from the right after Kurravaara. The Torne is joined by its biggest tributary, the 380-kilometre-long Muonio River, near Pajala, where there are two bridges going north.
The Torne River is known for its salmon and was formerly used for logging. The Treaty of Fredrikshamn in 1809 designated the Torne, along with the Muonio and Könkämä rivers, as the border between Sweden and the new Russian Grand Duchy of Finland.
Light Pollution's Reach: How Far Can It Travel?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The Caragh River in Ireland
The Caragh River is located in County Kerry in southwestern Ireland. It is a river that flows through lush greenery and farmland and is known for its clean water. The river has a catchment area of about 66 square miles (170 square kilometres), and its source is a series of small lakes and streams on the slopes of the Magillycuddy's Reeks mountain range. The river then flows through the rugged Kerry countryside for approximately 15 kilometres before entering Caragh Lake, which acts as a reservoir, retaining water after rainfall and slowly releasing it into the lower Caragh River.
The Caragh River is known for its salmon and trout fishing, with anglers travelling to the river to catch spring salmon, summer grilse, and summer salmon. The river is divided into three separate fisheries: the Upper Caragh Fishery, Caragh Lake, and the Lower Caragh Fishery. The Upper Caragh Fishery is a private fishery that offers a variety of beats for anglers, ranging from narrow and fast-flowing to wide and slow-flowing. The Lower Caragh Fishery is known for its quality sea trout fishing, with trout entering the river from late March to April due to higher water levels.
The Caragh River is one of the top salmon-catching locations in Ireland, and its clean water is protected under national conservation laws. Ireland is known for its pristine landscapes, and the Caragh River is no exception. The river is home to rare species such as the Kerry Slug and the Natterjack toad, which thrive in its unpolluted waters.
While many rivers around the world suffer from industrial and human pollution, the Caragh River stands out as a pristine natural habitat. Rivers are a major source of plastic waste in the oceans, with 1000 rivers contributing to nearly 80% of global annual riverine plastic emissions. However, the Caragh River remains relatively untouched by pollution, making it an ideal location for fishing, wildlife spotting, and enjoying the natural beauty of southwestern Ireland.
Calcium Carbonate: Reducing Pollution, Saving the Environment
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The Thames, an environmental success story
The River Thames is an environmental success story. Fifty years ago, the river was so polluted that it was declared biologically dead. In the 19th century, people regularly contracted cholera from the water and died. The river became a repository for waste, with leaking cesspits and dumped rubbish reducing many of its tributaries to sewers.
The final straw was the summer of 1858, referred to as the Great Stink, when the high levels of human and industrial waste in the river drove people out of London. The government launched an ambitious restoration campaign that banned factories from dumping pollution into the water and installed water treatment plants all along its course. Over time, the river began to recover. From 1976, all sewage entering the Thames was treated, and legislation between 1961 and 1995 helped to raise water quality standards.
Today, the Thames is widely regarded as the cleanest river in the world that flows through a major city. It is now home to 125 fish species and 400 invertebrate species. Salmon are spotted occasionally, and it is not uncommon to spot grey seals or harbour porpoises in Central London. The Clean Thames Plan, launched by the Port of London Authority, aims to address all forms of pollution impacting the river and is divided into four strategic themes: baseline and evidence, combating pathways of litter, removal of existing litter, and behavioural change. The Thames is an inspiring example of how, with concerted effort and investment, even the most polluted rivers can be transformed into thriving ecosystems once again.
While the Thames has come a long way, there is still work to be done. The river continues to face challenges from plastic pollution, chemical runoff, and the impact of a growing population on its infrastructure. However, with ongoing dedication and collaborative efforts, there is hope that the Thames will continue to flourish and inspire other river conservation initiatives worldwide.
Anthropogenic Pollution: Fact or Fiction?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The St. Croix River, once heavily polluted
The St. Croix River, which flows through Minnesota, was once heavily polluted. However, in recent years, it has made a remarkable recovery and is now known for its good water quality. Located in the northern reaches of the Upper Mississippi River, the health of the St. Croix River is supported by the forest and wetland landscapes it flows through.
The river is a prized recreational spot and serves as a water supply and engine of commerce. It also connects Minnesota to other states and countries, flowing north to the Lake of the Woods and Hudson Bay. The St. Croix River is one of the first rivers in the United States to receive special protections as a designated wild and scenic river.
Despite its current health, the St. Croix River still faces threats to its water quality. There are concerns about phosphorus levels and resulting algae in two sections of the river. These issues highlight the ongoing need for protective measures to preserve the river's health and prevent further degradation.
River pollution is a significant global issue, with industrial and human waste contaminating waterways and bringing diseases to those who come into contact with the water. Plastic waste is also a major concern, as rivers are a primary source of plastic pollution in the oceans. Efforts are being made to tackle these polluting rivers, and it is encouraging to see success stories like that of the St. Croix River, which has recovered from heavy pollution to become a clean and thriving ecosystem once again.
The St. Croix River's recovery is a testament to the possibility of restoring polluted rivers. With dedicated regulation, hard work, and collaboration between governments, businesses, industries, and individuals, it is achievable to improve water quality and mitigate the impacts of pollution. By learning from success stories like the St. Croix River, there is hope that more rivers can be cleaned up and protected for the benefit of the environment and the communities that rely on them.
Washing Your Pollution Mask: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The Umngot River in Meghalaya, India
The Umngot River, also known as the Dawki River and Wah Umngot, is located in the Indian state of Meghalaya. It flows through the small town of Dawki, situated at the bottom of the Jaintia Hills in the West Jaintia Hills district. The river is known for its remarkable cleanliness and transparent water, with a visible riverbed even at great depths. It is widely regarded as one of India's cleanest rivers and has gained recognition as Asia's cleanest river.
The Umngot River presents a unique visual phenomenon due to its pristine water. When boats glide over the river's surface, they appear to be floating in the air or levitating, creating a surreal and magical experience for those sailing in traditional bamboo boats. The river's clear waters reflect the surrounding hills, sky, and vegetation, making it a photographer's paradise and a sought-after destination for tourists visiting Meghalaya. The river's scenic beauty, calm waters, and mirror-like surface provide an incomparable and immersive experience of nature's beauty.
The river is an important fishing spot for local fishermen and is also ideal for water activities such as boating and kayaking. The Dawki Umngot River holds significance as it passes close to the India-Bangladesh border, providing tourists with a unique opportunity to view both countries from the riverside. A portion of the river with a white colour, caused by a rise in the current, marks the unofficial boundary between India and Bangladesh.
The town of Dawki serves as a trade route between India and Bangladesh and is relatively busy. The river's cleanliness is supported by the local population and the natural purification capabilities of the surrounding forests. The Umngot River stands as a testament to the possibility of pristine rivers in a world where many waterways suffer from industrial and human pollution. However, it faces potential alteration, as the Meghalaya government has considered constructing a dam on the river to address electricity shortages.
Plastic Pollution: CWA's Stand on Plastic's Impact
You may want to see also
