Astana authorities are checking the water quality in the Ishim River after residents complained about a bright green film near the Tulpar Bridge. Photos and videos of the unusual water color appeared on social media, reports infohub.kz.
Those who posted the images speculated that the river might be polluted and called for an environmental inspection.
The city's Department of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources said that specialists have already surveyed the area together with the Department of Ecology and collected water samples for laboratory analysis.
"In certain sections of the water body, a seasonal phenomenon is observed—algal bloom caused by intensive growth of phytoplankton (cyanobacteria) under conditions of high air temperature, low flow velocity, and favorable hydrometeorological conditions. Together with the Department of Ecology for Astana, we have organized a survey of the area with water sampling for laboratory tests," the department commented.
The department explained that such blooms are typical for the summer period. Final conclusions will be made after receiving the test results. If specialists identify violations of environmental legislation, appropriate measures will be taken.
In parallel, mechanical cleaning of the water surface from algae and aeration work are being carried out on the river. Additionally, authorities plan to use a biological cleaning method—chlorella suspension. According to the department, it helps restore the biological balance of the water body, reduce the activity of blue-green algae, and increase oxygen levels in the water.
Earlier, Kursiv reported that Astana residents complained about the condition of the water body near the Green Quarter residential complex, posting a video showing garbage and a green film on the water. The city administration, in turn, stated that it was a natural algal bloom, and information about possible sewage discharge into the water body was not confirmed.