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China looks to be solving an environmental disaster by moving the toxins up the food chain into its residents. Let's hope that they won't be exporting the carp that will be gobbling up Lake Chao's pollution problem.
Lake Chao (Chau Hu) is one of China's five largest fresh water lakes. As such, it drives all nearby industry, once primarily fishing. But along with China's rapid economic growth, of course you can't forget China's rapid environmental decline. Lake Chao's fish stocks have plumetted in the last 10 years, as untreated sewage and effluent from hundreds of factories have turned the lake into one of China's biggest environmental disasters.
But don't worry, they've got a plan! Actually, if you're planning on buying fish from China, you should definitely worry. China has just begun the release of 1.5 million silver carp fry. These fish thrive in low-oxygen waters (like Lake Chao) and enjoy eating the algae that has flourished in the toxic, high-nitrogen pollution of the lake. The Chaohu Fishery Administration estimates that each fish will consume up to 100 lbs of algea, and all the toxic chemicals contained in it, before reaching full size.
At that point, the fish will be sold into the market as food. Thus a boon to the fishing industry and the environment at an immeasurable cost to public health.
OK, China isn't exactly known for it's intelligent environmental policies but this is ridiculous. To imagine that simply moving the toxins up the food chain into people could be a solution seems outrageous. But there it is.
In the end, there is no way to decrease the amount of pollution in China's water without dealing with the source of that pollution, something that Prefecture officials are loathe to do, as it trades rapid development for health, safety and the environment. As for now, we only have one suggestion. Don't eat anything that comes from China.
Via Yahoo News
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