Polish authorities have started using hydrogen peroxide to combat toxic algae in the Oder River.
The initiative has been implemented at the confluence of the Gliwice Canal and the Oder River, according to a statement from Poland’s Ministry of Environmental Protection, as reported by DPA.
“Preliminary reports show that hydrogen peroxide destroyed between 90% and 99.9% of the golden algae (Prymnesium parvum) during testing,” stated the Ministry of Environmental Protection.
This step was taken after a significant fish die-off was observed earlier this month in Lake Dzierżno Duże and the Gliwice Canal. Over the past two weeks, authorities have removed 77 tons of dead fish from these waters. Lake Dzierżno Duże is located about 50 kilometers north of the Czech border, near the city of Gliwice.
Poland’s Minister of Environmental Protection, Paulina Hennig-Kloska, emphasized that the use of this chemical is a temporary, emergency measure. “Our goal is to naturally reduce the levels of contaminants flowing into the Gliwice Canal and the Oder River,” she added, highlighting a broader plan to decrease salt levels from mining activities in the area.
This isn’t the first time the Oder River has faced environmental challenges. In the summer of 2022, a massive fish die-off occurred along the river, which forms part of the Polish-German border. Authorities attributed the incident to the overgrowth of Prymnesium parvum, which was triggered by water pollution.
