Urgent Need for Fundamental Measures to Address Repeated Algal Bloom Damage in Hapcheonho

Algal Bloom in the Upper Stream of Hapcheon Lake

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Soon-kyung] Hapcheon Lake in Gyeongnam causes enormous damage every summer due to green algae and abnormal climate, highlighting the urgent need for countermeasures.

Green algae refers to the phenomenon where plankton proliferates beyond the normal range, changing the color of rivers or lakes. Damage caused by green algae and abnormal climate continues.

Additionally, this occurs when the water surface temperature rises due to intense solar heat, when freshwater inflow increases organic matter significantly due to heavy rain or monsoon, when water stagnation reduces mixing, and due to pollution from urban domestic sewage.

Although green algae damage repeats every year at Hapcheon Lake, blaming it solely on abnormal climate is problematic.

Fundamentally suppressing green algae occurrence and minimizing damage requires comprehensive measures. The primary cause of green algae is the inflow of pollutants, and blocking this alone can significantly reduce the green algae phenomenon.

Hapcheon Dam Water Resources Corporation stated, “We strengthen patrols around Hapcheon Lake, conduct monthly water sampling and quality analysis, share water quality-related information, seek advice and improvement plans on major issues, and perform inspections six times before and after the monsoon season to minimize pollutant inflow. We cooperate with local residents around the dam and establish a constant monitoring system for water pollution activities. While it is difficult to fundamentally prevent damage, we thoroughly prepare to prevent and minimize it.”

Although various methods are employed to prevent green algae damage, they only achieve temporary effects and do not constitute permanent measures. Without rainfall, the spread of green algae cannot be stopped. Furthermore, the causes of green algae must be thoroughly analyzed to propose practical prevention measures.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.