How could pollution affect the Three Gorges Dam reservoir?

Concerns regarding the impact of pollution on the Three Gorges Dam reservoir center on the accumulation of waste within the impounded waters. Critics of the project have long feared that human and industrial waste from the numerous cities, towns, and villages located along the Yangtze River would pollute the reservoir.1

This environmental degradation is part of a broader context of human impact on the Yangtze basin, where pollution levels have risen alongside economic development. Beyond the direct effects of waste, the reservoir's creation has been linked to other significant environmental challenges, including:2

• Sedimentation: The buildup of silt is a major concern, as critics argue it could cause reservoir levels to rise, potentially limiting the dam's capacity to contain floods.2
• Geological Risks: The massive volume of water impounded in the reservoir is believed to contribute to an increased frequency of landslides and earthquakes in the region.12
• Ecological Disruption: Changes to the river's regime threaten several endangered species, such as the Chinese alligator and the sturgeon.2