Question

what is meant by self cleansing capacity of river?

Answer 1

 self cleaning capacity of a river is the process by which pollutants which are ultimately discharged into it gets cleaned by natural processes. The flow of the river and the presence of bacteria decomposes pollutants into harmless substances. Obviously, there are limits to this capacity.

Answer 2

The self cleansing capacity of a river refers to the natural ways in which the river gets rid of the pollutants discharged into it. The flow of the river, the presence of bacteria which decompose the pollutants and make them into harmless substances, are some factors which contribute to the self cleansing capacity of the river. But this can work to a certain limit only. Natural processes can help to keep the river clean to a certain extent but they cannot overcome uncontrolled pollution.