In a recent survey in is reported that 75% of rivers in Britain are in poor ecological health according to the people’s opinion. This contamination of rivers is resulted by pollution from water companies and agricultural runoff.
Rivers in the south-east and East Anglia regions of England, including the Thames basin, were found to be among those in the worst state, with 89% of rivers failing to meet tests for good ecological health in those areas, according to the results of the monitoring by volunteers for Earthwatch Europe.
“The picture around London and the Thames river basin is particularly dire,” said Dr Sasha Woods, director of science and policy at Earthwatch Europe.
Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire had the worst water quality, with 91% and 89% of rivers respectively showing unacceptable levels of nutrient pollution. Northumberland and Gwent had the least nutrient pollution, with the findings suggesting both counties had 100% acceptable water quality.
The citizen monitoring took place from 7 to 10 June this year, when thousands of volunteers measured their local water quality as part of the Great UK WaterBlitz, collecting more than 1,300 datasets. Participants measured the levels of two polluting nutrients: nitrates and phosphates, which are commonly present in treated and untreated sewage, as well as in fertilizers that wash off farmland.
This is a worrying report that calls for attention from the Britain authorities to set up rules and regulations to protect our water bodies from pollution. Agricultural products and farm inputs must be organic to stop them from polluting rivers in UK. Similarly all companies must be subjected to regulations to stop them from dumping waste in river channels.
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25 w
I don't think there is any river in the world that is not polluted. Its a very worrying state of affairs.
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30 w
The dire state of our rivers, especially in regions like the Thames basin, points to government negligence. There should have been proactive measures to prevent this level of pollution
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30 w
This is quite alarming.its about time relevant governments come up with strict regulations to deal with the pollution.
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30 w
So sad to see where England ha come to, massive efforts need to be made by the new government
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30 w
This is deeply troubling.
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30 w
Wastes should not be channeled in rivers and if it happens the waste should be treated to prevent poor ecology of the rivers.
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30 w
this is an alarming issue
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30 w
It's alarming to learn that 75% of rivers in Britain are in poor ecological health due to pollution.
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30 w
So sad.This is a wake up call to the UK government to step up in enacting strict laws to guard rivers from pollution
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30 w
This is really concerning! It's time for stricter regulations to protect our rivers and ensure future generations have access to clean water.