As reported by ZZK MKiŚ, golden algae flowed into the Oder from the Gliwice Canal. Experts from the Ministry of Climate and Environment emphasized, however, that the ability of golden algae to develop in the dynamic river current is limited, but – as they noted – observed since the beginning of May low Odra flows constitute an additional factor increasing the risk.
Alert on the Odra River
It was reported that on May 14, a meeting of the ZZK MKiŚ was held with the participation of representatives of the ministries of infrastructure and industry, Polish Waters and voivodes of the Oder voivodeships. The meeting was led by the Deputy Minister of Climate and Environment, Urszula Zielińska. It was added that due to the situation Chief Environmental Inspectorate increased the frequency of monitoring, and ZZK MKiŚ updated recommendations for services.
According to the recommendations issued, the services have, among others: limit the possibility of golden algae getting from the Gliwice Canal to the Oder. It was decided that it was still necessary Polish Waters limiting locking on the Gliwice Canal to a minimum and continuing appropriate control of water flows. It was noted that voivode services and employees of Polish Waters conduct daily field visits, a crisis management teams they remain in ongoing contact.
The announcement noted that the next meeting of the ZZK MKiŚ was held on May 16 this year to adapt the recommendations to the dynamically changing situation. “Within the adopted framework monitoring procedurethe first level of threat was assigned to a point above Wrocław in Łany,” the release said.
Fighting golden algae at the source
Gliwice Canal – as written – it is currently the main habitat of golden algae. “The threshold of the third (highest) threat level has been regularly exceeded since April 15 at some measurement and control points located on the canal,” it was written. It was added that it is planned for May application of a measure in the Gliwice Canal that will limit the development of invasive algae. The action is to take place under the scientific supervision of the Institute of Environmental Protection – National Research Institute.
It was noted that the Chief Inspectorate of Environmental Protection runs an extensive intervention monitoring, in which, in addition to basic water parameters, it analyzes, among others: the content of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds, it also checks the number of “golden algae” cells (in a liter of water). The information is directed to Polish Waters, provincial crisis management centers and other authorized entities. The data is also available on the website: gov.pl/odra
Life in the Odra River is in danger again
Experts from the Ministry of Climate and Environment admitted that threat of toxic golden algae blooms is and will continue to be. “It is to be expected in the spring and summer season spot death of fish in places where invasive algae occurs, especially considering that weather and hydrological conditions are almost a month ahead of the typical values for this time of year,” it was written. Therefore, as explained, in addition to ad hoc crisis measures recommended by ZZK MKiŚ, it is also necessary a long-term strategy that is currently being created from scratch as part of inter-ministerial work.
Citing the results of an audit conducted after the change of government, it was reported that despite the former owners spending many millions of zlotys, automatic monitoring is in the initial, pilot phase. It was added that the current management of the Ministry of Environmental Protection, in consultation with other ministries, is working on, among other things, creating an active hydrological model, which will enable industrial discharges to “see each other”. Possibilities are also being analyzed increasing retention and implementation of investments in mine water desalination systems, which will eliminate the cause of the problem high salinity of the Oder and Gliwice Canal waters.
author: Ewa Wesołowska
