Xi River
Due to heavy industry and development along many reaches in the watershed, soil in the Xi River basin is contaminated with heavy metals, primarily Cadmium. Most of the watershed is not fit for raising crops, as Cadmium is carcinogenic. However, agriculture does take place along the river, and soil sediments are severely contaminated with other heavy metals, especially near urban centers. This contamination is from untreated urban wastewater and industrial effluent being disposed of in the river. Many commercial fish species in the Xi River and the encompassing Pearl River watershed have been contaminated with significant amounts of Bisphenol A, common in plastics manufacturing. Bisphenol A is a chemical that can be harmful to the endocrine system of fish and humans.