“It looks like paint” – Astana residents surprised by unusual color of Esil River
"It doesn't look like algae" - what happened
The author of the video pointed out the unusual color of the river water and questioned what could be causing it.
"What is this? You know, it doesn't look like algae. It looks more like some kind of paint. As if someone just went and poured paint into the river. What is this, anyway? It's actually scary," the woman said in the video.
The video quickly went viral on social media. Commenters also began speculating on the cause of the unusual water color and called on the relevant authorities to investigate the situation.
How city hall explained the color change
The city akimat explained that the phenomenon is seasonal water blooming, which occurs in summer due to heat, slow currents, and the active reproduction of blue-green algae.
"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," the akimat noted.
Specialists have already taken water samples. Following laboratory tests, it will be clear whether any further measures need to be taken.
The akimat reported that to reduce the intensity of the water bloom and improve the ecological state of the reservoir, they plan to use a biological treatment method using a chlorella suspension.
Note: 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.
According to the press service, this will help restore the biological balance, curb the development of blue-green algae, increase oxygen content in the water, and activate natural self-purification processes.