Check what’s happening on the Oder River

The Main Inspectorate of Environmental Protection (GIOŚ) has released an interactive map that allows the monitoring of test results for the Oder River, its tributaries, and the Gliwice Canal. This tool provides access to real-time updated data which supports the process of identifying and managing ecological threats, including blooms of the golden algae (Prymnesium parvum).

New Interactive Map of Oder River Research

The interactive map of the Oder, available on the GIOŚ website, presents real-time research results conducted along the entire river, its tributaries, and the Gliwice Canal. Users can view measurement points that differ in the type of monitoring conducted—automatic or intervention-based. Each point on the map is color-coded, enabling a quick assessment of threat levels. The system is based on the Procedure for the Intervention Monitoring of Prymnesium parvum, developed to ensure a reliable assessment of the risk associated with golden algae blooms. These data are derived from observations carried out both by GIOŚ as part of Prymnesium parvum intervention monitoring, and automatic measurement stations of the Institute of Environmental Protection – National Research Institute (IOŚ-PIB) and the Inland Fisheries Institute – National Research Institute (IRŚ-PIB).

Thanks to the map, users have constant access to detailed data from individual measurement points, including:

• Concentration of golden algae expressed in millions of individuals per liter;
• Concentration of dissolved oxygen expressed in milligrams per liter;
• Electrical conductivity measured in microsiemens per centimeter;
• pH value;
• Concentration of sulfates expressed in milligrams per liter;
• Concentration of chlorides expressed in milligrams per liter;
• Concentration of total phosphorus expressed in milligrams per liter;
• Concentration of total nitrogen expressed in milligrams per liter.

Importantly, these data are presented in a clear format of charts and tables, and users can download the results in .csv format for further scientific or management analysis.

Benefits of Implementing the Map

The interactive research map of the Oder supports the process of monitoring the river’s condition and serves as a tool in planning preventive actions. Thanks to continuous access to detailed data, it is possible to respond quickly to an increase in salinity levels, which promotes the development of golden algae. Government and local administration can use the map to monitor the situation and take appropriate actions, such as restricting access to waters in endangered areas.

From a practical point of view, using the map would be easier if its view were limited to the presented data.

Planned System Developments

As announced by GIOŚ, an updated version of the presentation of the Oder research results will soon be made available on the gov.pl site. Users will have access to the interactive map as they do now, but also to more detailed tables with comprehensive information about the water condition. Currently, work is underway to introduce new functionalities that will enable more advanced data analysis and tracking of long-term trends in the Oder ecosystem.