Odra

"We present today the conclusions and recommendations of scientists on the Oder River, developed during the last weeks of the Team's work," said Deputy Minister of Climate and Environment Małgorzata Golińska, during a conference summarizing the work of the Team for the situation arising on the Oder River, which took place on September 29, 2022 in Warsaw.

Scientists have proven that a fast-acting toxin produced by 'golden algae' led to fish deaths. Heavy metals, pesticides or petroleum-based substances did not cause the die-offs. On the other hand, the massive bloom of microalgae was generated by overlapping factors: changes in water parameters, including increased salinity caused by hydrological drought, hot weather raising the water temperature to 27oC and high sunlight, higher than in previous years, which accelerates the growth of algae. These conclusions were drawn on the basis of more than 36,000 surveys carried out.

Researchers from the University of Gdańsk have isolated the DNA and RNA of prymnesins, namely the toxins produced by 'golden algae.' The researchers are currently developing a standard that will precisely determine these little-known ichthyotoxins. There are no research standards in this area in the European Union.

"Water samples from the Odra River will be tested for 300 potential substances," - Minister of Climate and Environment Anna Moskwa said at a press conference following a meeting between the Ministers of Environment and Climate of Poland and Germany, held on 14 August 2022 in Szczecin.

In Poland, during the summer, very high air temperatures and low water levels prevailed, adversely affecting water parameters in rivers and reservoirs.

On 18 August 2022, Minister of Climate and Environment Anna Moskwa reported on the findings of experts from the Inland Fisheries Institute. They indicated the presence of microorganisms, golden algae, in the water from the Oder River. These are not harmful to humans.