The Polish government says experts have found toxic algae in water samples from a river on the Polish-German border. Thousands of dead fish
Polish Environment Minister Anna Moskwa announced on Thursday that lab tests showed toxic algae in water samples from the Oder River, which straddles Poland and Germany.
The discovery could explain the mass deaths of fish along parts of the river that had left experts baffled about the cause.
What's the latest?
The discovery of toxic algae could explain the fish deaths, but raises another question about what caused the algae to be present in large numbers.
"After further investigations, the Institute of Inland Fisheries in Olsztyn has found rare microorganisms, so-called golden algae, in water samples from the Oder river," Environment Minister Anna Moskwa said.
Moskwa said the blooms could cause the appearance of toxins that kill fish and clams. However, they are not harmful to humans.
German Environment Minister Steffi Lemke on Wednesday said the disaster had killed an estimated 36 tons of fish tallied in Germany alone.
What is golden algae?
Many species fall under the golden algae umbrella, but the term generally refers to just one in relation to fish deaths through toxicity — Prymnesium parvum.
The species produces several toxins, including ichthyotoxin — which specifically affects gill-breathing organisms such as fish, bivalves, crayfish, gilled amphibians, and also some species of plankton.
High levels of salinity, sulfate, and chloride have the greatest influence on golden algae distribution and bloom formation in inland waters.
Climate change could play a role, with higher temperatures leading to more water evaporating from inland waters and higher salinity levels.
The die-offs come as Germany experiences one of its driest summers in recent memory, with river levels falling across much of the country.
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