Researchers compare the consequences of the Kakhovsky Hydroelectric power plant with an explosion at the Chernobyl NPP. Although it is not about radiation contamination, dangerous substances that have come into the environment can accumulate and pose a threat to humans.
The undermining of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station in 2023 caused serious problems for Ukraine: the loss of the Kakhovka reservoir, which provided water to the southern regions of the country. The disappearance of 1.5-2 billion kWh of electricity produced by the station. Interruption of the navigable path between the Black Sea and Zaporozhye. Long -term environmental effects that can affect the nature and health of people over decades. According to the studies published by The Guardian, 83,000 tons of heavy metals that settled at the bottom of the reservoir have got into the environment. Scientists warn that dangerous compounds that have accumulated in the Kakhovka reservoir have not disappeared. They remain in the dry soil and can get to the rivers after the first heavy rainfall. These substances are able to accumulate in food chains: first they enter the water, then - in algae and microorganisms, then - in fish, birds and animals, and later - to humans through food and water. Such processes are reminiscent of radiation after the Chornobyl disaster, says Ukrainian researcher Alexander Shumilov, an employee of the Institute in Leibnitsa (Germany). In the first days after blasting from the bottom of the reservoir, 9 to 17 thousand tons of phytoplankton released daily. This caused the mass death of biodiversity, in particular 10 tons of macrobesebetic. Despite significant losses, scientists expect that the level of biodiversity will be able to recover up to 80% of the previous state for the next few years. The speed of nature restoration and further environmental measures depend on political decisions. Researchers emphasize the need to recognize the undermination of hydroelectric power plants as an environmental crime.
Regarding the reconstruction of the station, Ukraine has already stated that it would only start it after the war was over. Some states, including Canada, have already expressed their willingness to help restore the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station.
