Authorities in Germany and Poland suspect toxic algae may be responsible for the death of more than 100 tons of fish in the Oder River that crosses the two countries on Monday.
“Studies conducted so far have confirmed the presence of the ‘toxic’ algae Prymenesium parvum,” Polish Deputy Environment Minister Jacek Ostopa tweeted.
On the German side, “recent results from the Leibniz Institute and the University of Vienna confirm the suspicion that the mass growth of toxic algae may be responsible for the death of fish,” said a spokesperson for the Environment Ministry. A press conference.
“Many” reasons
The offending microalgae, also known as “golden algae,” are commonly found in estuaries and typically develop in brackish waters with a lower salt content than in the ocean. ‘If the Oder’s fresh water has increased to this extent, it indicates an unusual salinity in the river, which may have industrial causes,’ the spokesman pointed out.
However, the spokesperson stressed that the reasons explaining such massive deaths of fish and mussels are “many”. High salinity levels may be favored by low water levels and high temperatures, experts said.
Tight ties
Berlin and Warsaw are trying to establish the cause of this massive pollution of the Oder, the extent of which was revealed in mid-August. On both sides, chemicals were initially suspected to have played a role. However, Polish Environment Minister Anna Moskwa later clarified that “none of the samples tested so far” had “shown toxic substances”.
The disaster caused a slight strain in the relationship between the two countries. As a result, Germany accused Poland of delay in reporting the level of pollution. On Saturday, Anna Moskva warned of “a new fake news broadcast in Germany” after Brandenburg’s environment minister inferred the presence of pesticides in the water.
The Polish minister said traces of mercury were found in the water, which was not verified, in line with previous reports by the authorities of the land.
In Poland, the government has also come under fire for not acting quickly. The first reports of mass fish kills in the Oder came from Polish locals and fishermen as early as July 28.
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