No Airborne Algal Toxins Detected Along Nakdong River...First Confirmation from Joint Public-Private Survey

The results of a joint survey conducted by the government and civil society in areas along the Nakdong River with severe algal blooms showed that airborne algal toxins were all below the limit of detection (not detected). This effectively marks the first scientific confirmation addressing local residents' health concerns.

The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced on the 10th that a survey on airborne algal toxins conducted last year on five locations along the main stream of the Nakdong River, together with civil society groups (Korean Federation for Environmental Movements and Nakdong River Network) and research teams from Kyungpook National University, found that six types of algal toxins were not detected at any of the sites.

The survey was carried out from September 15 to 25 last year at five locations where algal blooms had intensified. The survey sites were: ▲Hwawon Recreation Area (Dalseong-gun, Daegu) ▲Dalseong Weir Dock (Dalseong-gun, Daegu) ▲Bonpo Riverside Park (Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do) ▲Namji Canola Field (Changnyeong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do) ▲Daedong Dock (Gimhae-si, Gyeongsangnam-do). Samples were collected within 5 meters from the waterfront boundary, and a total of 20 surveys were conducted, with four surveys at each site.

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The analysis was conducted by the National Institute of Environmental Research and the Kyungpook National University research team, while the analysis of airborne algal toxins was carried out by the Doping Control Center of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology. The targets of measurement were six types of microcystins (LR, YR, RR, LA, LY, LF), which are toxins produced by harmful cyanobacteria.

The survey found that in raw water, microcystins were detected at concentrations ranging from below the minimum limit of detection up to 328.05 ㎍/L (micrograms per liter), depending on the time and location. However, airborne algal toxins at all sites were below the limit of detection (LOD, Limit of Detection) of the analytical method. The limit of detection refers to the minimum concentration that can be reliably confirmed with the given analytical method.

This survey was promoted jointly by the government and civil society to establish a safety management system, after some previous civil society surveys reported detections of airborne algal toxins, which heightened anxiety among local residents. It is also significant as the first result jointly carried out by the public and private sectors since the launch of the new administration. The ministry plans to expand the survey targets and scope this year to continue a more systematic investigation.

Kim Eunkyung, Director-General for Water Environment Policy at the ministry, said, "This joint survey served as an opportunity to reorganize the foundation for cooperation between the ministry and civil society," adding, "We will continue to discuss detailed plans such as the timing, duration, and methods of the survey to establish a management system for algal toxins."

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