The
quality of the waters of Hong Kong has been
deteriorating over the years as a result of water
pollution arising from population pressure and
economic growth. There are many
causes of the water pollution in Hong Kong:
a)
The
pig and poultry farms in the new Territories produce a large amount of
manure everyday.Most of this manure is disposed into the streams with
little treatment.It is not used for fertilization because of the high
costs involved, The manure brings organic waste and ammonia to the
streams.
b)
Factories
often discharge hot water loaded with toxic chemicals and metals into
the sea.This is particularly serious around the new towns.The hot water
from the factories also causes thermal pollution of stream,which upsets
the aquatic ecosystem.The industrial wastes may firstly pollute the
soils on land which are then dumped into the sea.
c)
Everyday
about 2 million tonnes of domestic sewage is produced.90% is untreated
when being discharged.The pollution caused by domestic and industrial
source is particularly serious in the Victoria Harbour.
Oil spillage from ships occasionally contaminates the sea.
d)
Reclamation
and excavation reduce the rate of flow across the harbour.Pollutants are
then easily accumulated in the Victoria Harbour.Besides,it also reduces
the dissolved oxygen for the aquatic organisms
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