A disposal strategy of industrial hazardous wastes in the Three Gorges Region

1. Introduction The Three Gorges Region in the Yangtze River Watershed is one of the most famous tourism spots in the world due to its unique and magnificent scenery. It is along the procession of hills dominating the Yangtze River for more than 200 km. The Three Gorges Region comprises many valleys in the western Chongqing and adjoining Hubei and Hunan provinces. The total area of the region is 1 010 936 km2 with mountains occupying 78 % of the land area, hills 18.2 %, and flatlands 3.8…

A disposal strategy of industrial hazardous wastes in the Three Gorges Region

A large quantity of industrial hazardous wastes (IHWs) accumulates in the Three Gorges Region. This study found that approximately 15 000 t IHWs were piled in the region by October 2001. These IHWs came from various sources and were complex in composition, mostly toxic and difficult to be disposed. IHW is regarded as a potential threat to the ecological environment, water resources and survival of local residents. It is important and indispensable to dispose the waste properly. To meet the regulation requirements on the disposal of IHWs and to minimize environmental effects on the Three Gorges Region, a disposal strategy is proposed, according to which approximately 600 t of the IHWs can be disposed by chemical stabilization, incineration and other treatment measures, and the rest need be stockpiled in safe and reliable places situated above the 177 m impoundment line of the Three Gorges dam.