The Tanjaro River is formed by Qliasan and Kandakawa tributaries and flows south of Sulaymaniyah city which eventually reaches Darbandikhan Dam passing through many towns and villages and depend on it for their daily needs. Farmers and populations use the water for agriculture irrigation, drinking, industrial production and sewage discharge.
As a result of lacking a wastewater treatment system, large amounts of untreated sewage and domestic waste are discharged directly into the river carrying organic waste, harmful bacteria and poison nutrients that damaging water quality and posing risks for both ecosystems and human health.
There are about 900 industrial facilities near the river, working in construction materials, oil-related industries and plastics and asphalt production. Many of these factories work without obtaining environmental permission from the Directorates of Environment or obtain it through corruption and nepotism and finally, they discharge their untreated wastewater and heavy metals and chemicals into the river.
Reports state that nutrient pollution led to algal creation and depletion of oxygen in the river that resulted in dying fish and biodiversity decline. All these impacts created (dead zones) in which fish cannot survive, leading to disruption of natural balance of the river ecosystem and this pollution continues downstream into Darbandikhan Dam.
Pollution of water is affecting water quality and the food chain as the toxic substances are accumulated in the small aquatic organisms, fish, animals that feed on the fish and then the pollution move from water to food sources which in return affect fisheries, food safety and ecosystem stability and health.
The communities located on the river stream still use polluted water for irrigation, household daily needs and recreation, however; exposure to the polluted water caused waterborne diseases, skin infections, health risks on a long-term period. This impacts the communities on the river downstream in Kalar, Pebaz and Darbandikhan.
The impact of the pollution has economic and social consequences on fishermen, farmers and local businesses since using polluted water reduces crop quality and safety, cleanup and restoration require high costs while vulnerable and low-income communities are most affected by the impacts and increases social inequality.
Wastewater has more complicated impact on health as it carries microplastics into the river and the they enter the food chain through fish, agricultural soil, dairy and drinking water. Microplastics can also carry toxic substances although long-term impacts on ecosystems and food safety are still not fully understood.
Despite availability of some studies and efforts, however; there is a lack of regular environmental monitoring by public and civil society entities. There is also weak wastewater treatment and waste management provided or even there is no clear plans developed by the government, while enforcement of environmental laws is weak. citizens and officials have limited awareness and there is a need for community-based conservation and advocacy actions for a better systemic water management.
Based on many findings, we can confidently state that, some scientific studies confirm serious pollution of the Tanjaro River along its streaming course till reaching Darbandikhan Dam. Wastewater and solid waste dumping of the cities and villages are major causes of ecosystem degradation. The pollution of water affects food security, biodiversity, livelihoods and poses severe risks to public health.