El Nino may trigger plankton blooms in Thai waterways

The Pollution Control Department has warned of the risk of natural water sources in Thailand becoming polluted and affected by plankton blooms, as the country is facing the onset of El Nino in May, according to the director-general, Surin Worakijthamrong.

He said that the Thai Meteorological Department has forecast that many parts of Thailand could experience less than average rainfall in June, which is normally the beginning of the rainy season, resulting in declining water levels in rivers, canals and other water sources.

He warned that, if untreated waste water is released into these natural water sources unchecked, there is a high possibility that the water will become polluted, with the additional risk of plankton blooming which will threaten fish and other marine life.

As a precautionary measure, he said his department is seeking cooperation from all sectors of society, especially the industrial sector, by ensuring that untreated waste water is not released into water sources.

He said that he has also instructed local administrations to tighten controls on discharges into water resources and to check water quality regularly.