To Lich River Pollution: Causes, Effects, and Solutions

Mr. Ba, a long-time truck driver in Hanoi, vividly remembers the days when he transported goods along the To Lich River. “Back then, the river water was so clear, full of fish,” he reminisced. “But now…”, he trailed off, his gaze fixed on the murky, foul-smelling river.

Mr. Ba’s story resonates with countless Hanoi residents. The To Lich River, a historical waterway intertwined with the ancient Thang Long citadel, is now grappling with severe pollution. So, what are the causes of To Lich River pollution? This article will delve into this pressing issue.

Causes of To Lich River Pollution

1. Untreated Domestic Wastewater

This is considered the primary cause of pollution in the To Lich River. Daily, hundreds of thousands of cubic meters of untreated domestic wastewater from households, offices, and schools along the riverbanks are discharged directly into the river.

Untreated wastewater discharged into the To Lich River

2. Industrial Wastewater

Many production and business establishments along the To Lich River, especially traditional craft villages, still discharge untreated or inadequately treated industrial wastewater into the river, contributing to water pollution.

3. Solid Waste

The environmental awareness of some citizens remains poor. Household waste, plastic bags, bottles, and other debris are indiscriminately dumped into the river, forming massive garbage patches, obstructing water flow, and polluting the environment.

Garbage polluting the To Lich River

4. Encroachment of Riverbanks

The encroachment of riverbanks for illegal housing and construction narrows the river flow, reducing the river’s self-purification capacity and exacerbating pollution.

Consequences of To Lich River Pollution

To Lich River pollution not only impacts the urban landscape but also leads to severe consequences:

• Impacts on public health: Water pollution causes various skin, respiratory, and digestive diseases.
• Impacts on agricultural production: Polluted river water cannot be used for irrigation, affecting crop yields and quality.
• Ecological imbalance: Pollution prevents many aquatic species in the To Lich River from surviving, disrupting the ecological balance.

Solutions to To Lich River Pollution

Reviving the To Lich River requires the collective effort of the community and authorities:

• Raise public awareness about environmental protection, discouraging littering and riverbank encroachment.
• Thoroughly treat domestic and industrial wastewater before discharge.
• Dredge and clear the river flow, collecting waste from the river.
• Plant trees along the riverbanks to enhance the landscape and improve air quality.

Trucks and Environmental Protection Efforts

Trucks, a vital part of the economy, also contribute to environmental protection. Many transportation companies like Thai Phong Auto are striving to use environmentally friendly trucks and adopt modern technologies to minimize emissions.

Example:

• Mr. Nguyen Van A, an environmental expert, stated: “Using trucks powered by clean fuels and equipped with Euro 4 or Euro 5 emission standard engines is a practical solution to reduce air pollution and contribute to environmental protection.”

Conclusion

To Lich River pollution is a pressing issue that demands a comprehensive solution. Hopefully, with the combined efforts of the community and authorities, this historic river will soon regain its former beauty.

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