ENVIRONMENTAL UNDERSTANDINGS Water Pollution (Ganges & Yangtze Rivers) ASIA ENVIRONMENTAL UNDERSTANDINGS Water Pollution (Ganges & Yangtze Rivers)

ASIA Environmental UNDERSTANDINGS SS7G10 – The student will discuss environmental issues across Southern and Eastern Asia. a. Describe the causes and effects of pollution on the Yangtze and Ganges Rivers.

First five Agenda Message: Monthly Social Studies Progress Reports go home tomorrow. Standard: Describe the causes and effects of water pollution in India & China. Essential Question for Tuesday January 30th: What are the primary causes of water pollution in India along the Ganges River? Warm-Up: What are the primary causes of air pollution in India’s cities. Today We Will: Water Pollution Issues in India and China

answers E.Q. Answer for Tuesday January 30th: 400 million people use the river for human needs Industrial wastes and Chemicals used in fertilizers Remains of cremated bodies & dead animals Human and animal waste Warm-Up Answer: Approximately 70% of air pollution in India’s cities is caused by automobile and truck emissions. The remaining 30% comes from factories.

FIRST FIVE Agenda Message: Social Studies Monthly Progress Reports go home Today! Return Thursday signed by parents for a homework grade of “100”. Standard: Describe the causes and effects of water pollution in India & China. Essential Question for Wednesday, January 31st: What are the primary pollutants poisoning the Yangtze River? Warm-Up: What are the primary causes of pollution in the Ganges River? Today We Will: Finish Water Pollution Issues in India & China

ANSWERS E.Q. Answers for Wednesday January 31st: Warm-Up: Nitrogen from fertilizers, and Arsenic (a poisonous chemical) from industrial uses are leading pollutants found in the Yangtze’s waters. Warm-Up: 400 million people use the river for human needs Industrial wastes and Chemicals used in fertilizers Remains of cremated bodies & dead animals Human and animal waste

ASIA Environmental UNDERSTANDINGS The Ganges River The Ganges River begins in the Himalayan Mountains and flows 1600 miles through India and Bangladesh to the Bay of Bengal. This river provides water for human needs and transportation for the over 400 million people who live in its river valley.

ASIA Environmental UNDERSTANDINGS It is known as “Mother Ganges.” In spite of the river’s importance and its place in the spiritual lives of Indians, the quality of the water has become poor.

ASIA Environmental UNDERSTANDINGS Primary Causes of Ganges River Pollution Chemicals used in fertilizer and industry are washed into the river every day. Untreated human and animal waste also foul the river. The bodies of dead animals as well as the cremated remains of human beings regularly float down the river. Over 400 million people use the river for daily human needs

ASIA Environmental UNDERSTANDINGS In spite of this, many Indians bathe in the Ganges. They also use the water for drinking and cooking. Cities along the Ganges have the highest rates of water-born diseases (diseases found in drinking water) of any who live in India.

ASIA Environmental UNDERSTANDINGS Still, these cities pour millions of gallons of sewage (water containing waste products) into the river to be carried to cities and villages farther south. Outbreaks of such diseases as cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and hepatitis are common. Most officials say polluted river water is a major part of the reason.

ASIA Environmental UNDERSTANDINGS India did begin a program called the Ganges Action Plan in 1985 to try and clean up the river. Many sewage and water treatment plants have been built along the river since the start of that program.

ASIA Environmental UNDERSTANDINGS However, the growing population of India and the run-off from industrial and farm production have meant that clean-up efforts fall short of what is needed.

ASIA Environmental UNDERSTANDINGS The Yangtze River The Yangtze River, flows almost 3,400 miles from the northwestern part of China to the East China Sea. The Yangtze River passes through over 190 towns where over 400 million people live.

ASIA Environmental UNDERSTANDINGS Primary Causes of Pollution in the Yangtze River Over 400 million people live along the 190 towns along the banks of the river. Millions of gallons of sewage are dumped into the river, along with chemicals from agricultural runoff and industrial wastes. High levels of nitrogen and phosphates lead to the growth of blue-green algae. This growth reduces the oxygen in the water causing fish to die.

ASIA Environmental UNDERSTANDINGS Pumping stations along the river take water out to supply people with water for drinking, irrigation, and industrial uses. Millions of gallons of sewage are dumped into the river, along with chemicals from agricultural runoff and industrial wastes.

ASIA Environmental UNDERSTANDINGS Nitrogen from fertilizers and arsenic (a poisonous chemical) from industrial uses are leading pollutants found in the Yangtze’s waters. The pollution in the river put all of the cities along its banks at risk. Many species of plants and animals that once lived in the river are becoming extinct.

ASIA Environmental UNDERSTANDINGS The high levels of nitrogen and phosphates lead to the growth of blue-green algae. This growth reduces the oxygen in the water causing fish to die. Contaminated fish are caught and eaten by the Chinese people, leading to other health problems.

ASIA Environmental UNDERSTANDINGS China is building more water treatment facilities (which is the process of removing contaminants from wastewater).

ASIA Environmental UNDERSTANDINGS China is encouraging cities along the river to build sanitary landfills* for garbage rather than dumping the contaminants into the river. (*Areas where waste is isolated from the environment until it is safe). International organizations like the World Bank have worked with Chinese authorities to organize such programs.

ASIA Environmental UNDERSTANDINGS The massive Three Gorges Dam was built along the Yangtze River in central China to provide hydroelectric power to millions of Chinese who have not had electricity. Some people feel the dam project was begun without taking into account the effects such a project would have on the environment.

ASIA Environmental UNDERSTANDINGS A number of species of plants and animals that live along the river where the dam was built are now threatened with extinction. Another concern about the dam is that it was built in an area prone to earthquakes.