Experts warn: Serious pollution in Lake Balaton

By: Trademagazin Date: 2024. 06. 17. 10:10

Based on the tests carried out in Lake Balaton and its catchment areas, worrying results were revealed: the active ingredients of herbicides, mosquito and tick repellants can also be found in the lake and its surroundings, hírbalaton.hu reported.

At the professional event organized by the HUN-REN Balaton Limnological Research Institute, the participating experts agreed that pollution from human activities poses a significant threat to the water ecosystem of the lake. A decrease in biological diversity and a potential change in the ecological functioning of the lake are also among the warning signs.

The specialists made several recommendations to improve the situation. Among them is the reduction of the use of hazardous substances, especially in the coastal zones of Lake Balaton. They proposed, for example, a change in the method of weeding in the areas next to the railway, as well as a stricter use of herbicides, fungicides and insecticides in agricultural areas.

It is also important to reduce the amount of risky substances, such as drug residues, UV filter compounds, plant protection agents and microplastics, among the population and holidaymakers. The release of these substances into nature contributes significantly to the deterioration of water quality.