Prachinburi:The government is taking a cautious approach to determine the cause of fish deaths in the Prachinburi River, with plans to collect sediment for testing after floodwaters recede to check for heavy metals.
According to Thai News Agency, the government is prioritizing a thorough investigation into the fish deaths, with the Pollution Control Department (PCD) actively monitoring water quality in the area. Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, emphasized that aluminum, a naturally occurring element, could also originate from industrial activities, making it difficult to pinpoint the source of contamination solely through initial test results.
Ms. Lalida highlighted that the Pollution Control Department corrected previous data inaccuracies regarding ammonia and aluminum levels in the river, with the correct figures being ammonia at 0.22-0.48 mg/L and aluminum at 0.559-3.547 mg/L. The department apologized for the error and assured that the correction was for accuracy, not an indication of increased aluminum levels.
To assess the potential impact of aluminum, the government is considering several factors, including water properties and exposure duration. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's guidelines suggest that water conditions must be taken into account when evaluating aluminum's impact on aquatic life.
The Pollution Control Department plans to collect sediment samples to determine pollution sources and assess the cause of fish deaths. Additionally, it was reported that aluminum levels detected do not pose a direct health risk unless consumed continuously, but water quality should be improved if used for drinking.
Testing by the Prachinburi Provincial Fisheries Office showed that mercury, cadmium, and lead levels in aquatic animals did not exceed standards, but these results did not include aluminum assessments.
The government assures residents of a thorough, scientific investigation to identify the cause and appropriate solutions. Monitoring by relevant agencies will continue, with an emphasis on accurate and transparent information to build public trust and ensure the protection of the ecosystem and public safety.