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Astana residents surprised by unusual color of Esil River; officials cite algae bloom
🇰🇿 Kazakhstan /Environment & Climate

Astana residents surprised by unusual color of Esil River; officials cite algae bloom

From Tengrinews · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Astana residents expressed surprise and concern over the unusual, paint-like color of the Esil River, speculating it could be pollution.
  • City officials attributed the phenomenon to seasonal water blooming, a natural process involving the intensive development of blue-green algae due to warm temperatures and slow currents.
  • Water samples have been collected for laboratory testing, and the city plans to implement an eco-friendly biological treatment using a chlorella suspension to restore the river's ecological balance.

Residents of Astana have voiced surprise and concern over the striking, unnatural color of the Esil River, with some comparing it to paint and calling for an investigation. A viral social media video captured the unusual hue, prompting speculation among commenters about the cause.

It looks like paint. As if someone just went and poured paint into the river. What is this, anyway? It's actually scary.

— Resident filming riverA resident expresses alarm and suspicion about the river's unusual color, comparing it to paint.

However, the city's akimat (local government) has provided an explanation, identifying the phenomenon as seasonal water blooming. This natural process occurs in summer when high air temperatures, slow currents, and favorable conditions lead to the active reproduction of phytoplankton, specifically blue-green algae (cyanobacteria).

Specialists have collected water samples from the affected areas for laboratory analysis. The results will determine if further measures are necessary beyond the planned ecological interventions. The akimat stated that the color change is typical for the summer period.

Seasonal water blooming is observed in certain areas of the body of water, caused by the intensive development of phytoplankton (cyanobacteria). High air temperatures, low current velocity, and favorable hydrometeorological conditions contribute to this. Such a phenomenon is typical for the summer period.

— City akimatThe city government explains the natural causes behind the river's unusual coloration.

To address the issue and improve the reservoir's ecological state, the city intends to employ a biological treatment method using a chlorella suspension. This eco-friendly approach involves using a single-celled green alga that helps suppress the growth of harmful blue-green algae, increases dissolved oxygen in the water, and promotes natural self-purification processes, aiming to restore the river's biological balance.

Biological treatment using a chlorella suspension is an eco-friendly way to combat water blooming. Chlorella is a single-celled green alga that helps suppress the growth of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), saturates the water with oxygen, and promotes the natural restoration of the reservoir.

— Press serviceThe city's press service details the planned biological treatment method to combat the algae bloom.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tengrinews in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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