Experts tell why oil in the Dniester is dangerous

After another Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine in early March, the Dniester hydroelectric power plant was hit, among other things.

TheAccent with environmental experts Vladyslav Balinsky and Vladyslav Mykhailenko analyzed what substances got into the water and how dangerous they are, how this can affect human health and the environment, and whether there is a threat to water supply.

The consequences of this strike were not only infrastructural - pollution with oil products and technical oils was detected in the waters of the Dniester River.

Subsequently, there were reports of exceeding the permissible levels of river water pollution, and the problem went beyond Ukraine - the pollution spread downstream, in particular to Moldova. In response to the environmental risks, the neighboring country declared an environmental alert and asked the European Union for help.

Experts have already identified pollution spots and conducted the first water tests. At the same time, environmental services, rescuers, and international partners are installing special barriers and filters to contain the spread of contamination.

Earlier, Moldovan President Maia Sandu announced an environmental alert in the country due to the consequences of Russia's strike on the Dniester hydroelectric power plant in Chernivtsi region. Meanwhile, in Odesa region, to prevent the spread of pollution, booms were installed on the Dniester Riverbed. Measures have also been taken to protect the water intake of the city of Odesa, where additional barriers have been installed to prevent pollutants from entering the water intake channel. As of today, no new pollution sites have been detected. According to the environmental inspection, the situation is under constant control of the environmental services and the regional commission on technogenic and environmental safety and emergencies.