According to the Odesa branch of the Ukrainian Institute of Southern Seas Biology, a sharp increase of amount of Nodularia spumigena algae caused dark yellow stains to appear in waters near Odesa on July 11-12.
The press service of the Environment Protection Ministry of Ukraine has reported that on July 12 the study showed an increased amount of the toxic Nodularia spumigena algae in seawater samples – over 1 million cells per liter. The maximum amount of cyanobacteria cells in water was registered near Arkadia (Hydrobiology station) – up to 10 million cells per liter, the ministry reported.
The press service also said that Nodularia spumigena algae was very rare in Odesa bay, and had previously only occurred in isolated cases. The experts said that this was the first time such rapid algal blooming had been observed, which is why a special study should be carried out to get more precise evaluation of its scale.
