Israel Sprays Chemicals Over Mediterranean to Combat Algae Bloom

Israel's Energy Ministry and the Water Authority announced Thursday that approved drinking water chemicals were sprayed over the Mediterranean Sea near Ashkelon to combat an algae bloom that has recently shut down desalination plants. The decision was approved by a committee including representatives from the Health and Agriculture Ministries, aiming to restore full desalination operations.

However, a document obtained by Channel 13 News suggests these chemicals might be toxic. A Health Ministry document advised enforcing a fishing ban within a one-kilometer "buffer zone" from the coast, citing the dynamic sea currents and insufficient information about the algae species. The ministry warned of potential risks from dangerous algae like Microcystis and Cylindrospermopsis, which can contain cyanotoxins harmful to the liver and other organs.

The document stressed extreme caution regarding public health and the food chain, stating that using biocides near active fishing areas requires a risk assessment based on chronic and acute toxicity. The exact duration of the algae crisis and the best method to combat it remain unclear.

Meanwhile, researchers at the National Institute of Oceanography and Limnological Research (NIOLA) are attempting to encourage the algae to grow, hoping they will become trapped in filters before reaching desalination facilities. The algae are reportedly moving north, raising concerns about potential impacts on the Hadera desalination plant, the only one operating normally recently along the Mediterranean coast.

Since Sunday, five of Israel's six Mediterranean desalination plants have been completely shut down due to the bloom. The Hadera plant remains operational, while Shiqma B and Palmachim are partially functioning despite the contamination. Shiqma A operated briefly before shutting down again, and Ashdod and Ashkelon plants have been offline for days. In response, Mekorot, the national water company, received Health Ministry approval to pump water from previously restricted boreholes, resuming supply to farmers, primarily in the Negev, after a two-day interruption.