Expert: No evidence blue water caused fish deaths
IPOH: The blue discolouration observed in a stretch of Sungai Perak is not by itself evidence of dangerous pollution, said Pakar Scieno TW Sdn Bhd expert Professor Dr Abdul Rani Abdullah.
The blue water observed in a stretch of Sungai Perak is not necessarily indicative of dangerous pollution, according to Professor Dr Abdul Rani Abdullah, an expert from Scieno TW Sdn Bhd. He stated there was no direct evidence linking the unusual blue colour or metal concentrations in the water to the reported fish deaths. Instead, Rani suggested that high levels of total suspended solids were more likely to be the cause of the fish deaths, as these could interfere with fish's ability to breathe, clogging their gills.
While the metal concentrations detected were not high enough to directly cause the fish deaths, Rani emphasized the need for further studies to determine their potential impact on aquatic life and human health. He also pointed out that the blue colour and metal concentrations in the water were likely temporary, disappearing as the river flowed and the minerals settled in the sediment.
Rani recommended focusing on identifying and controlling potential sources of the minerals, emphasizing proper management systems for discharges and continuous, real-time monitoring to ensure any changes in water quality could be detected quickly.
Brief written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
