Apr 13 2021 Read 2 Times Intuitively, rivers seem like they are a symbol of nature, vitality and a healthy planet. However, the pollution which has been allowed to infiltrate many waterways around the world – especially those in urban environments – could be compromising the green credentials of rivers, instead turning them into chief contributors of some of the most damaging greenhouse gases. Those are the findings of a new study from Hong Kong, which analysed emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) from 15 rivers in the New Territories. The research revealed that all the bodies of water involved in the study had become oversaturated with the three greenhouse gases, resulting in elevated emissions into the atmosphere.