Top 10 Most Polluted Rivers in the World

The urbanization and industrialization has increase considerably around the world. This has led to pollutions of all types: land, air and water too. Many rivers are said to be dead and have lost their beauty. The list names the most polluted among them.

Instructions

  • 1

    Jordan River – Israel

    This west Asian river is 251 km in length. The construction of a dam has disturbed the eco system and the river is filled with sewage. It emits a pungent smell. It is also because of the agricultural waste.

    Image courtesy:emilylhauserinmyhead.wordpress.com

  • 2

    Chaohu Lake – Anhui Province, China

    Its other name is Chao Lake and is found in China. The lake has abundance of algae which has led to many diseases too. It is because of the economic growth which has led to a lot of pollution.

    Image courtesy: china.org.cn

  • 3

    Yamuna River – New Delhi, India

    This Indian River starts from the Yamunotri glacier. It is 137 km long and is more of a sewage drain now. It is said that 500,000,000 gallons of waste is discharged here. It also has a lot of pesticides and insecticides.

    Image courtesy: coastalcare.org

  • 4

    Yellow River – Lanzhou, China

    This is one of the longest rivers of China. It is a source of water supply and irrigation. The river has caused 1500 floods and there have been many oil spills here. Industrial and agricultural discharge is also one of the reasons.

    Image courtesy: china.org.cn

  • 5

    Ganges River – Allahabad, India

    This is considered the sacred river. It may seem beautiful from a distance but it has become highly populated and has increased levels of arsenic and mercury. The houses nearby also dump their waste in the river. There is wastage from chemical factories and hospitals too.

    Image courtesy: thehindu.com

  • 6

    Buriganga River – Dhaka, Bangladesh

    The Bangladeshi river is used for recreation, navigation and sanitation. It gets polluted from industrial and human discharge.

    Image courtesy: reuters.com

  • 7

    Citarum River – West Java, Indonesia

    The river is multipurpose, it is used as: water supply, electricity and agriculture too. The pollution is caused by the heavy population on the side of the river. The pollution has caused various health problems too.

    Image courtesy: endangeredspaces.blogspot.com

  • 8

    Matanza-Riachuelo River – Buenos Aires, Argentina

    The methane bubbles are apparent in the river and it is filled with toxic waste. It also emits a very bad smell. The discharge from slums makes it very polluted as well as the waste of petroleum countries.

    Image courtesy : spotonlists.com

  • 9

    Lake Karachay – Russia

    The Russian lake is polluted as a result of the dumping of radioactive elements. You cannot sit by the side of the lake as there are radioactive emissions which will eventually cause you to die.

    Image courtesy: sometimes-interesting.com

  • 10

    Cuyahoga River –Ohio, U.S.A.



    The river has caught fire numerous times and is said to be the dirtiest in the US. This has led to the river being much polluted.

    Image courtesy: seangill.net

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