Best Practices in River Water Restorations from Industrial Pollutions in Developing Countries

Abstract

The main problems faced by damaged rivers in developing countries are the deterioration of water quality due to the release of domestic and industrial pollutants and changes in hydrological processes caused by the construction of hydraulic structures. The main objective of this study was to provide an overview of the best river restoration methods for developing countries and outline the best process that can be used in planning the river restoration process. The study adopted the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) and a literature review approach. This research identified the best river restoration methods that have been in use in developed countries and can be used by developing countries with similar economic and climatic conditions to restore their river resources. The study presents descriptions and conclusions useful for environmental restoration experts to understand better the processes and river restoration methods in developing countries. This research material groups the river restoration methods into physical, chemical, biological-ecological, and aquatic vegetation rehabilitation methods. The research also discusses the challenges likely to be faced while assessing a river restoration project’s success.