Silent Sea - Pollution of the East China Sea by Hazardous Substances - June 1999

Silent Sea - Pollution of the East China Sea by Hazardous Substances - June 1999

In the East China Sea high concentrations of organochlorine pesticides have been detected raising serious concerns about the impact on marine ecosystems. Investigations have revealed that pesticides discharged from China's Yangtze River basin are flowing into the sea accumulating in seawater seabed sediments and marine life. Particularly substances such as DDT and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) which have been banned in Western countries have been detected sometimes exceeding international standards.

Experts warn that these substances may bioaccumulate through the food chain potentially affecting the fishing industries of neighboring countries such as Japan and South Korea. Meanwhile although China has been strengthening pesticide regulations concerns remain about the residual effects of previously used pesticides and the continued use of illegally distributed chemicals.

In response Japan and other neighboring countries have expressed their intent to establish an international monitoring and regulatory framework considering joint investigations and enhanced restrictions on emissions. International organizations such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) are also being engaged to implement proper pesticide management and measures to prevent marine pollution.

Related Information:
- Environmental Load from the Yangtze River on the East China Sea and Its Impact on the Yangtze River Estuary
An assessment of the total pollution load from the Yangtze River to the East China Sea and its effects on marine ecosystems due to freshwater inflows.

- Research on the Dynamics of Pollutants from the Yangtze River in the East China Sea and Their Impact on Ecosystems
A detailed study on the movement of pollutants from the Yangtze River and their effects on marine ecosystems.

- China's Environmental Destruction Measures and Industrial Development
China's policies for fostering the environmental protection industry improving urban water treatment rates and strengthening waste management.