Current pollution status of Yangtze River and controlling measures

The concentration of Persistent Organic Pollutants in Yangtze River in China is increasing steadily, especially in the downstream, where the drainage is often discharged into the water body without any treatment. In this study, the pollution status, trend of mainstream and Three Gorges area are analysed based on the statistical data of the water quality in the past years. Results indicate that the water quality has been deteriorated since 1990s; better upstream than downstream, better mainstream than tributaries, especially in the downstream area. So ensuring a high water quality at the Three Gorges Reservoir Area is a big challenge.