Iraqi group says 500 pollution sources along Tigris threaten five cities

BAGHDAD, Iraq — An Iraqi environmental group, Iraq Green Observatory, said Sunday that it has identified roughly 500 persistent pollution sources along the Tigris River, with five cities — Baghdad, Basra, Wasit, Maysan and Dhi Qar — among the most affected by serious environmental violations. According to the group's report, the Tigris faces continuous contamination from industrial and medical waste, untreated sewage discharged into the river and irregular dumping. Field assessments found the problem extends beyond declining water levels, describing the situation as a "toxic disaster" that puts the health, water security and food security of millions at risk. The report identified 23 critical points in Baghdad where hospitals release heavy wastewater and medical waste directly into the river. It also singled out the Diyala River as the largest pollution channel, carrying chemical and organic waste from treatment facilities in the Rusafa area into the Tigris. The report noted the presence of hazardous compounds such as polychlorinated biphenyls and phthalates, which standard treatment cannot easily remove and which increase the risk of chronic illness and hormonal disorders. Basra has seen a rise in poisoning cases linked to upstream pollution combined with high salinity and salt-crust effects, the report said, while Wasit and Maysan are experiencing concentrated toxic accumulation due to falling water levels, and Dhi Qar is directly affected by downstream contamination. No further details were immediately available.