What are the current contamination levels in the Salween River?

Arsenic levels in the Salween River have been detected at more than double the World Health Organization's safety standard of 0.01 mg/L, with some spots reaching five times higher.

What is causing the contamination in the Salween River?

Unregulated mines in Myanmar's Shan state, including those for rare earth extraction and gold mining, are the primary suspected sources of arsenic pollution in the Salween River.

How are local communities affected by the Salween River contamination?

Local fishers and communities are on high alert and are avoiding contact with the river due to the toxic contamination.

Home / Environment / Undammed Salween River Faces Alarming Arsenic Contamination

Undammed Salween River Faces Alarming Arsenic Contamination

21 Apr

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Summary

Salween River, Asia's longest undammed waterway, shows toxic arsenic levels.
Unregulated mines in Myanmar's Shan state are the suspected pollution source.
Local communities and fishers avoid the contaminated river water.

Undammed Salween River Faces Alarming Arsenic Contamination

The Salween River, a vital 3,300-kilometer waterway flowing from Tibet through China, Myanmar, and along Thailand's border before reaching the Andaman Sea, is facing a new threat: toxic contamination. Historically a lifeline for civilizations and a biodiversity hotspot, recent independent tests have revealed dangerous levels of arsenic in its waters. These tests, initiated in September 2025 by Thailand's Institute of Health Sciences Research, found arsenic at every monitoring point exceeding double the WHO safety standard of 0.01 mg/L, with some locations reaching five times this limit.