Algae Bloom Disrupts Israel's Desalination Plants; Gaza Sewage Suspected

A massive bloom of cyanobacteria, identified as belonging to the Synechococcus genus, has caused the shutdown of most of Israel's desalination plants. While officials from the Ministry of Energy and the Water Authority have stated that the water supply remains stable and reservoirs will be replenished, experts suggest the situation is more complex than presented. The Sorek 2, Ashdod, and Ashkelon desalination facilities are completely offline, while Sorek 1 and Palmahim are operating partially. The Hadera plant is currently unaffected but faces a risk of future contamination, and the Eilat plant continues to operate normally.

Researchers are working to identify the specific species of the algae, which is described as a very small, photosynthetic bacterium. Warmer water temperatures are believed to contribute to its proliferation. Scientists from the National Algae Center at the Kinneret Institute for Sea and Lake Research are conducting genetic identification and aiming to understand the phenomenon better. This event highlights the importance of algae taxonomy, a field facing decline in Israel, with the Kinneret center holding significant knowledge and strains.

Simultaneously, researchers from Ben-Gurion University and the Technion are collaborating with desalination companies to find solutions. A leading theory suggests that sewage pollution from Gaza, combined with rising sea temperatures and nutrient runoff, may be a significant factor in the algae's development. Satellite imagery analysis indicates a consistent presence of murky, algae-laden water near the Nile Delta due to fertilizer runoff, and a similar pollution source in southern Gaza is considered a likely cause for the current bloom.

However, some experts express skepticism about Gaza's sewage being the primary cause. The desalination plants in El Arish, Egypt, located upstream from Gaza, have also been shut down since August 30 due to water turbidity. Egyptian authorities are deploying water tankers to affected areas and urging citizens to conserve water, while maintenance teams work to restore full operation.

In an attempt to combat the water turbidity, authorities in Ashkelon sprayed copper sulfate pentahydrate, a general algaecide, in the affected area. Experts warn that such broad-spectrum treatments can harm the entire photosynthetic microorganism ecosystem. Following the spraying, the Ministry of Agriculture issued a fishing ban in the area, though its timing, after the chemical dispersal, has raised questions.