Poland Takes Emergency Action Against Toxic Algae in River Oder

Poland's climate ministry is addressing the toxic golden algae in the Oder River's tributaries to prevent a recurrence of the 2022 pollution crisis. Using hydrogen peroxide, over 90% of the algae has been reduced at key junctions. The primary cause is saline water from mining activities, and Poland plans to build desalination installations.

Poland has intensively tackled the spread of toxic golden algae in the Oder River's tributary system to avert a repeat of the severe 2022 pollution crisis, the climate ministry announced on Sunday. By introducing hydrogen peroxide at the juncture of the Gliwice Canal and the Klodnica river, the algae population decreased by over 90%, the ministry stated.

From August 3 to 16, approximately 77 tons of fish perished in the affected canal segment and adjacent lake Dierzno Duze. The algae risk remains critical in the canal area, the ministry noted. It stressed that using hydrogen peroxide is a temporary crisis solution, not a permanent fix.

The primary driver of the golden algae bloom is saline water discharged from the mining industry into rivers. Poland is developing a plan to construct desalination plants to combat this issue. In the summer of 2022, hundreds of tons of dead fish were discovered in the Oder, bordering Germany. Smaller quantities of dead fish have been found in the river and its tributaries multiple times this year.

(With inputs from agencies.)