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This study examines the pollution dynamics caused by human activities in the Huai River Basin, China, the relationship between human systems and natural systems, and how mitigation policy affects the pollution dynamics of the Huai River. The Huai River is one of China’s major rivers, and it drains 67,000 square miles and supports 170 million inhabitants. However, five billion tons of wastewater are dumped into the Huai River annually (World Bank, 2011). Currently, there is no comprehensive system to manage the agricultural and domestic wastewater flux into the Huai River, as the government often only requires major industries to reduce wastewater emissions. As a result, the main objective of this research is to analyze the current conditions and to develop a revised pollution mitigation policy for industry, domestic and agricultural waste treatment.
To demonstrate that successful river pollution treatment governance and regulation experiences are possible, alternative models from three different locations are incorporated into this assessment. They focus on governance, efficient funding collection, use of expert research teams, and technology and science applications. Field work at two sites along the Huai River also provide data that overall support existing datasets provided from universities and government sources in China. In addition, a distinct feature of this assessment is that Total Maximum Daily Loads and Pollutant Empower Density based Mass Balance Diagram are calculated for the Huai River to reveal an answer to the high mortality cancer rate and its relation of pollutant amount.
In the end, three policy revisions to the current Temporary Regulations on Pollution Prevention and Control of Huai River Basin (1995) are proposed in terms of future regulation, clarification of a mitigation target, and governance cooperation. New policy recommendations are suggested, in addition to the revisions, specifically to focus on domestic, agriculture and industry pollution treatment. The mitigation plan in this project will lead to a more practical way for Huai River pollution control and improve the anti-pollution policies. These polices can provide the guidelines for policy makers, local governors, water experts, and residents not only in the Huai River Basin, but also can be apply to wider range of water issue in other developing countries. Implementation of some or all of the recommendations and policies can lead to a cleaner river and healthier environment.
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