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The continuous decomposition of the enormous accumulation of rotting vegetation and sludge
with its complement of micro-organisms utilises the dissolved oxygen and releases plant nutrients
which stimulate plant growth even more. Approximately one third of the United States Lake Erie
shore line is fouled by bacterial contamination from waste inputs. Coliform concentrations may run
as high as 1 million or more organisms per 100 m.l. It is interesting to note that the Canadian
Department of Transport's proposed regulations specify a maximum of 1,000 coliform organisms
per 100 m.l. in the sewage effluent discharged from ships into the St. Lawrence Seaway. Industry
on the shores of Lake Erie has been charged with pouring 280 lbs. of mercury a day into the Lake
in industrial effluents, but this has now been drastically reduced to about 10 lbs. per day.
In the middle of 1970 there was a report that the Caspian Sea was in danger of becoming a
"dead sea" as a result of the pollution of the rivers draining into it, and as a result the tonnages
of sturgeon had drastically fallen over the last nine years. More recently the Biblical Sea of
Galilee was reported to be reaching pollution danger point as a result of tourist development on
the shores and the drain off of pesticide residues used in the orange groves.
The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution (2) mention pollution of some isolated
stagnant basins within largely land-docked areas, such as parts of the Baltic and parts of Oslo
Fjord.
Early in April a survey of the Mediterranean's best known sun spots (3) was publicised.
It should be added that not all the beaches are contaminated by sewage and oil.
Regarding the pollution of holiday beaches in England and Wales, there have been two press
reports as a result of surveys carried out by the Coastal Anti-Pollution League (4).
SECTION III - POLLUTION OF RIVERS, COASTAL WATERS AND ESTUARIES
The fresh water in most rivers in their natural state may vary in appearance from turbid to
crystal clear. The water is rich in dissolved oxygen, approximately 10 p.p.m. and supports a
vast variety of plant and marine life. Rivers and lakes supply most of our drinking water and
the water used in industry and agriculture. Unfortunately the rivers are used increasingly to
dispose of our industrial waste and sewage effluent and to some extent for power station cooling
purposes, which de-oxygenate and heat the water and on return to the river still further reduce the
dissolved oxygen content of the river.
(a) Sewage Disposal

The criteria used for this classification is set out and their comment relating to Class is
as follows:-
Class 1: These rivers will be fit for normal uses although it may not be safe to bathe
in them.
Class 2: These rivers may support game fish (e.g. salmon and trout) as well as coarse
fish and be fit as a source of public water supply.