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Poland battles toxic algae to prevent environmental disaster in Oder river

19.08.2024 17:00
Poland has taken steps to contain the spread of toxic golden algae in the tributary system of its Oder river to prevent a repeat of the environmental crisis that hit the waterway two years ago.
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Polands Climate and Environment Minister Paulina Hennig-Kloska.
Poland's Climate and Environment Minister Paulina Hennig-Kloska.Photo: PAP/Paweł Jaskółka

Environment Minister Paulina Hennig-Kloska on Sunday summed up the latest efforts to prevent the spread of the golden algae.

She said that hydrogen peroxide had been fed to the Oder's tributary system where the toxic organisms were detected.

“The experiment involving hydrogen peroxide has led to a significant reduction in golden algae, reaching at least 95 percent,” Hennig-Kloska said.

“In some cases, especially during nighttime, we have achieved reduction levels as high as 99 percent,” she added.

Radio Poland's Michał Owczarek has more.

Click on the audio player above to listen.