Odra

Taking advantage of the experience in the UK and the USA, we have taken measures using the expertise of foreign scientists related to the neutralisation of golden algae and the toxin it produces. Under laboratory conditions, the preparations have given good results. We hope the ongoing activities concerning the neutralisation of golden alga will prove effective

- Minister Anna Moskwa said during a meeting with journalists.

Polish research is advanced, and the scientists we are collaborating with have isolated, among other things, the golden alga genotype. We have shared the results with cooperating scientists from the USA and the UK

- Anna Moskwa added.

The Polish Armed Forces, the State Fire Service and the services of the Opole Voivode participated in the activities carried out in the Gliwice Canal. Scientific supervision was performed by the Institute of Environmental Protection – National Research Institute in cooperation with the General Directorate for Environmental Protection. Research, including water sampling, was conducted by the Central Research Laboratory of the Chief Inspectorate of Environmental Protection (GIOŚ).

The algae-inhibiting preparations tested in laboratory conditions were used in the Sławęcice and Nowa Wieś Sluice. These are preparations used in other countries, including the UK and the USA, to inhibit golden algae or other algae blooms.

Hydrogen peroxide was dosed in the Sławęcice Sluice. Under laboratory conditions, it showed high efficacy against golden algae. Approximately 200 kg of the preparation was used, resulting in a 20 mg/litre concentration. The concentration is safe for aquatic organisms. We are currently waiting for the results of the analyses. On the other hand, coagulant, an agent commonly used for lake reclamation, was used in the Nowa Wieś Sluice. Laboratory tests with the two preparations were promising, so the Ministry of Climate and Environment is now conducting field operations with appropriately trained services, including chemical troops and fire brigades. Before the application of the preparation, the GIOŚ Central Research Laboratory took 'zero' samples, followed by the General L. Berbecki 5th Chemical Regiment from Tarnogóra. The procedure followed the established schedule. This step is necessary for further countermeasures to be taken when neutralising the invasive algae in open water.

More than 100 people, including 30 chemical troops soldiers, 36 firefighters from 14 depots of the State Fire Service, as well as the services of the voivode and employees of the Chief Inspectorate of Environmental Protection and the provincial environmental inspectorates, took part in each operation to dose the golden algae bloom-reducing agent. Nine units of military equipment were used, including specialised vehicles, three boats and pontoons, and 12 pumps with a total capacity of 39,000 litres/minute.

 A preliminary analysis of the effects of water purification and the selection of optimal doses of preparations under laboratory conditions preceded the activities.

The first results of the activities related to the neutralisation of golden algae in the Gliwice Canal will appear in the coming hours, but the full results will be known within the 14 days after all the tests have been performed

– Minister Anna Moskwa pointed out.

The GIOŚ Central Research Laboratory continues monitoring the waters of the Oder River and the Gliwice Canal. Water samples are tested for physical and chemical parameters. They are taken twice a week (Monday and Thursday) at 27 measurement and control points on the Oder River and its oxbow lakes. In addition, round-the-clock automatic monitoring is conducted at nine locations along the Oder. Measurement data is available at gov.pl/odra/badania-odry

Research confirms that no golden algae have been found apart from the Oder and the Gliwice Canal. A permanent monitoring of the Oder is carried out at 27 points, with additional automatic measurements at hydro-technical facilities. Also, satellite images allow tracking of this invasive species. Today, the Oder is the best-studied river in Europe

– Minister of Climate and Environment Anna Moskwa concluded.