Ministry of Environment and Environmental Groups Launch Joint Investigation into Algal Toxins in Nakdong River Green Algae Blooms

Analysis to Be Completed Within This Year

The Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with environmental organizations, will launch a joint investigation into algal toxins in areas of the Nakdong River where green algae blooms have intensified.

On September 15, the Ministry of Environment announced that it will begin an investigation into algal toxins along the main stream of the Nakdong River, working together with two environmental groups: the Nakdong River Network and the Korean Federation for Environmental Movement.

This investigation was prompted by growing anxiety among local residents after independent surveys by environmental groups detected algal toxins in the air. The joint effort aims to provide transparent and objective information to the public.

The Ministry of Environment and the environmental organizations had previously discussed conducting a joint investigation, but were unable to reach an agreement. However, after the launch of the new administration, talks resumed, leading to the realization of this joint investigation. The Ministry of Environment explained, "We expect this investigation to help restore the relationship between the ministry and civil society, and to increase public trust in green algae management policies."

Green Algae Bloom Spreads Amid Heatwave

(Naju=Yonhap News) Reporter Namsoo Cho = On the 14th, during the ongoing intense heatwave, green algae have appeared around Juksanbo on the Yeongsan River in Naju, Jeollanam-do.

Green algae bloom is a phenomenon where the water surface appears green due to the abnormal proliferation of cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria easily multiply under high temperatures, strong sunlight, and when the river flow stagnates. August 14, 2024

iso64@yna.co.kr (End)
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The joint investigation will be conducted at the same locations and using the same methods, with the National Institute of Environmental Research and Kyungpook National University participating as research institutions. The National Institute of Environmental Research will be responsible for collecting air samples, while the Doping Control Center at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) will analyze the algal toxins in the samples.

The investigation will target five locations along the main stream of the Nakdong River: Hwaweon Recreation Area (Dalseong-gun, Daegu), Dalseongbo Dock (Dalseong-gun, Daegu), Bonpo Riverside Park (Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do), Namji Canola Field (Changnyeong, Gyeongsangnam-do), and Daedong Dock (Gimhae, Gyeongsangnam-do). At each site, raw water and air samples will be collected four times.

The National Institute of Environmental Research and Kyungpook National University plan to complete sample collection within this month, and the analysis will be finished by the end of this year. The Ministry of Environment and the environmental organizations will jointly release the results. Based on this year's findings, they will also discuss and decide on the direction of next year's joint investigation into algal toxins in raw water and air.

Additionally, the Ministry of Environment plans to establish a consultative body involving relevant agencies, civil society, and experts to continuously discuss solutions to the green algae problem.