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The Oder River's current situation regarding the infamous golden alga is drawing lesser concern from the Brandenburg State Environmental Agency (LfU). Based on recent data and reports from Poland, the LfU representative informed the German Press Agency that the German-Polish border section isn't experiencing any critical conditions. The levels of algae here are minimal, and they've observed no signs of toxicity.
Recently, the Polish authorities have reported significant concentrations of the golden alga Prymnesium parvum and numerous dead fish in the Gleiwitz Canal and a nearby reservoir. The LfU spokesperson pointed out that the golden alga may possibly migrate from these tributaries to the main river and multiply. However, at present, the spokesperson emphasized that this is highly unlikely, as the alga can only be detected in minute amounts or not present at all.
A high alert state remains for the LfU, which is closely monitoring the situation in the middle and upper reaches of the Oder. Two years ago, numerous fish deaths occurred in the Oder, with high salt levels, low water levels, high temperatures, and the alga's toxin as the suspected culprits.
Environmental experts opined that the root causes of the deaths haven't fully been addressed. Polish mining companies continue to discharge salt-rich cargo into the river, and growth plans for the Oder put a strain on the already weakened ecosystem.
Fortunately, as of now, there's no indication of the harmful golden alga Prymnesium parvum from the Gleiwitz Canal reaching Potsdam on the Oder River, which lies significantly downstream. Despite the improved communication with Polish authorities, the LfU remains in a "high alert state" and keeps a close eye on the situation.
Additional Insights
The golden alga Prymnesium parvum, responsible for past ecological disasters in the Oder River, can be a toxin to fish and aquatic life. The Brandenburg State Environmental Agency, alongside other research institutions, works on understanding and mitigating the impacts. Research bodies like NIOZ, IGB, and others provide expertise and recommendations, tracking plankton and invertebrate migration, and developing ecosystem-based management strategies. Monitoring, detailed research, and taxonomy updates are ongoing efforts to prevent future harm to aquatic life.
