Lake Sevan to experience regular blooming
02.06.2020,
15:52
Armenia's largest Lake Sevan will be experiencing regular blooming as a result of lasting negative impact on its ecosystem, Deputy Minister of Environment Irina Kaplanyan said at a press conference on Tuesday.
YEREVAN, June 2. /ARKA/. Armenia's largest Lake Sevan will be experiencing regular blooming as a result of lasting negative impact on its ecosystem, Deputy Minister of Environment Irina Kaplanyan said at a press conference on Tuesday.
In July 2019, the speedy growth of cyanobacter or blue-green algae in some sections of the Lake Sevan made its water green. Some species of these algae produce toxins, which have a negative effect on the health of animals and humans when they swim in the water or swallow it by negligence. In this regard, the Ministry of Health even urged citizens to avoid swimming in those parts of Lake Sevan where blue-green algae accumulations were observed near the shore.
“We are examining the lake’s waters to understand what processes are taking place and to predict the possible “blooming.” Unfortunately, last year we came to the conclusion that the blooming will be periodic, given that the Sevan ecosystem has been negatively affected for decades," said Kaplanyan.
According to her, there are a number of factors affecting the lake's ecosystem, such as deterioration of the water quality, which began in the second half of last year, release of waste waters and the global warming. According to official data, the average annual temperature in Armenia increased by 1.3 degrees Celsius from 1960 to 2019.
The deputy minister said that, taking into account these facts, a program has been developed that has already been sent to the European Union requesting assistance in the creation of a wastewater treatment plant in a large coastal community, the purification of river beds, and the restoration of the abandoned Sotk mine.
She said the plan was being discussed with the EU, the German GIZ and UNDP and it is very likely to get started in September.
Lake Sevan is the main source of drinking water in the region, one of the largest alpine lakes in Europe and Asia, located in the heart of the Armenian Highlands, at an altitude of 1914 meters. One river Hrazdan flows out of it and another 28 flow into it. -0-
In July 2019, the speedy growth of cyanobacter or blue-green algae in some sections of the Lake Sevan made its water green. Some species of these algae produce toxins, which have a negative effect on the health of animals and humans when they swim in the water or swallow it by negligence. In this regard, the Ministry of Health even urged citizens to avoid swimming in those parts of Lake Sevan where blue-green algae accumulations were observed near the shore.
“We are examining the lake’s waters to understand what processes are taking place and to predict the possible “blooming.” Unfortunately, last year we came to the conclusion that the blooming will be periodic, given that the Sevan ecosystem has been negatively affected for decades," said Kaplanyan.
According to her, there are a number of factors affecting the lake's ecosystem, such as deterioration of the water quality, which began in the second half of last year, release of waste waters and the global warming. According to official data, the average annual temperature in Armenia increased by 1.3 degrees Celsius from 1960 to 2019.
The deputy minister said that, taking into account these facts, a program has been developed that has already been sent to the European Union requesting assistance in the creation of a wastewater treatment plant in a large coastal community, the purification of river beds, and the restoration of the abandoned Sotk mine.
She said the plan was being discussed with the EU, the German GIZ and UNDP and it is very likely to get started in September.
Lake Sevan is the main source of drinking water in the region, one of the largest alpine lakes in Europe and Asia, located in the heart of the Armenian Highlands, at an altitude of 1914 meters. One river Hrazdan flows out of it and another 28 flow into it. -0-
