Golden algae probably the cause of fish deaths in the Oder

Laboratory tests - Golden algae probably the cause of fish deaths in the Oder

Toxic golden algae are likely the cause of the large number of dead fish found in the Oder river near the city of Glogow in the past week, according to statements from Polish authorities. Water samples showed a high prevalence of golden algae, the spokesperson for the Niederschlesien district administration told the PAP news agency on Tuesday. Currently, the values are significantly better, and there have been no reports of dead fish.

In the past week, over 600 kilograms of dead fish were removed from the Oder near Glogow within three days. Authorities in Brandenburg also discovered dead fish in the German-Polish border river in the past week. The situation has reportedly improved there as well, according to the Märkisch-Oderland district.

In the summer of 2022, a mass fish die-off occurred in the Oder. High salt content, low water levels, high temperatures, and the toxic effect of a golden alga bloom were the main causes of the environmental disaster, according to experts.

Communication of the Woiwodschaft Opole (Polish)

1. The likely cause of the mass fish death in the Oder river near Glogow, as reported by Polish authorities, is toxic golden algae, the same substance that was suspected in the 2022 environmental disaster in the same river.
2. Animals, particularly fish, have been dying in both Poland and Germany along the Oder river, with over 600 kilograms of dead fish found in the Polish section near Glogow alone.
3. The laboratory examination of water samples from the Oder river near Glogow revealed a high prevalence of golden algae, which may have contributed to the deaths of the fish.
4. Concerns about environmental pollution are growing as the golden algae, known for its toxic properties, continues to be found in the Oder river, a border river between Poland and Germany.
5. Authorities in both Glogow, Poland, and the nearby German city of Glogow, are working to address the issue and improve the condition of the Oder river, with reports of improved water quality recently but still no confirmation of the disappearance of the toxic golden algae.

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