Web Exclusive

Heavy metal detected in Guangdong's Beijiang River

(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-10-22 14:04

Water in the middle and upper reaches of Beijiang River in South China's Guangdong province was found to contain excessive thallium, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Friday. 

The heavy metal pollution is expected to affect the cities of Qingyuan and Guangzhou in the lower reaches, according to the report. 

The pollution source is a metallurgical plant that was shut down by the Guangdong provincial government on Oct 21. The plant was closed once before, at the end of 2005, after cadmium was found in excessive amounts in its discharge.

The water quality of Beijiang River's main stream is stable, said the Guangdong Environmental Protection Bureau. Water plants that may be affected by the pollution have taken measures to ensure the safety of their water supply.