07.04.2025, 17:02
There was a threat of poisoning of water in the Volga
Source: OREANDA-NEWS
OREANDA-NEWS Abnormally low water levels in the Volga River can lead to a "bloom" of toxic cyanobacteria and cause large-scale environmental problems.
According to Sergey Sidelev, Head of the Department of Ecology and Zoology at Yaroslavl State University, phosphorus and nitrogen compounds accumulate in reservoirs during hot summers and precipitation shortages. This creates ideal conditions for the reproduction of poisonous cyanobacteria. Their toxins are dangerous to human health: they can cause damage to the liver, nervous system, skin irritations and allergies. The ingress of these substances into tap water carries the risk of mass poisoning.
In addition, the "bloom" threatens the mass mortality of fish: due to the lack of oxygen in the water and the inability to spawn in dry shallow waters, this year's fish generation may be minimal.
The problem is compounded by measures to save water: the operation of the Rybinsk hydroelectric power plant from April 3 to April 10 is almost completely stopped. Earlier, the work of the Uglichskaya HPP was also suspended. This decision is related to the need to accumulate water in the Rybinsk reservoir — it is expected that the inflow to the upper Volga this spring will be record low. Stagnation of water caused by these measures further increases the concentration of phosphorus and nitrogen.
Environmentalists warn that if there is no heavy rainfall or water from the northern tributaries, the consequences for the Volga ecosystem and the water supply of cities may become critical.
According to Sergey Sidelev, Head of the Department of Ecology and Zoology at Yaroslavl State University, phosphorus and nitrogen compounds accumulate in reservoirs during hot summers and precipitation shortages. This creates ideal conditions for the reproduction of poisonous cyanobacteria. Their toxins are dangerous to human health: they can cause damage to the liver, nervous system, skin irritations and allergies. The ingress of these substances into tap water carries the risk of mass poisoning.
In addition, the "bloom" threatens the mass mortality of fish: due to the lack of oxygen in the water and the inability to spawn in dry shallow waters, this year's fish generation may be minimal.
The problem is compounded by measures to save water: the operation of the Rybinsk hydroelectric power plant from April 3 to April 10 is almost completely stopped. Earlier, the work of the Uglichskaya HPP was also suspended. This decision is related to the need to accumulate water in the Rybinsk reservoir — it is expected that the inflow to the upper Volga this spring will be record low. Stagnation of water caused by these measures further increases the concentration of phosphorus and nitrogen.
Environmentalists warn that if there is no heavy rainfall or water from the northern tributaries, the consequences for the Volga ecosystem and the water supply of cities may become critical.
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