The Guardian article blamed it all on old cars and coal power plants. It did not mention solar panels, batteries, and Iphones. But this article did
These shallow wells and rivers have become contaminated from industry and agriculture practices. And while the U.S. is benefiting from China’s lax pollution controls, the toxic byproducts from making iPhones, batteries for electric vehicles, and solar panels is creating an environmental nightmare. Polluted water is falling from China’s skies and infiltrating the watershed where many Chinese get their water
https://notalotofpeopleknowthat.wordpress.com/2016/04/12/chinas-real-pollution-problem/