The death of thousands of fish between Poland and Germany perplexes scientists

The mystery thickens around the ecological disaster of the Oder, a river located between Poland and Germany. This Monday, Polish laboratories announced that they had not discovered any toxic substance in the water of the river where thousands of fish have been found dead since July 26, reports the British newspaper. The Guardian.

These results confirm the words of Polish officials. Environment Minister Anna Moskwa said on Saturday that the death of these fish could not be attributed to the presence of heavy metals in the water. On the German side, initial analyzes published last week pointed to a large amount of mercury in the river.

No definitive explanation yet

Polish scientists detected only a significant amount of salt in the water. This salinity could have caused a proliferation of cyanobacteria, according to hydrologist Sebastian Szklarek, quoted by the Polish media in English Notes from Poland.

Other samples, taken on July 28, indicate the presence of mesitylene, a solvent used in industry.

Despite the absence of definitive explanations at the moment, the death of these fish seems to be linked to a form of contamination. The first testimonies when the dead fish were discovered describe brown water, smelling of chlorine and black water.

A diplomatic and ecological crisis

The beginning of the management of this incident generated some tensions between Germany and Poland, which share the river. The German authorities particularly regret having been informed two weeks after the discovery of the first fish. In Poland, the head of the water treatment company and the head of the environmental protection inspectorate have been fired.

Several observers have described the situation as an ecological “catastrophe” that could impact the rest of the fauna such as birds or otters. The consequences are likely to be felt for several years.

Poland mobilized 2,000 police, 300 firefighters and 200 soldiers to fish for animal carcasses. Floating booms will also be deployed, in collaboration with Germany, to prevent dead fish from drifting into the river estuary.