Green danger: Chemicals contaminate the Ruhr - dead fish discovered!

Green danger: Chemicals contaminate the Ruhr - dead fish discovered!

On March 11, 2025, the Ruhr becomes a scene of environmental crime when the witness Nadine notices a hooded person who tilts mysterious substances into the river, making the water green. Despite her efforts to follow the perpetrator, she cannot stop him. An analysis of the substances initiated shows that they are harmless, but it reveals a high chemical pfas load on the river. In the following days, dead fish are increasingly discovered in the water, which increases the fears regarding the environmental impact. Investigators ask the environmental activist Nora Winterstein for help because she apparently has more relevant information. The Wapo is also asked for support to clarify the inexplicable event.

The problem of PFAS, a group of long -lasting chemicals, is again in focus through these incidents. According to the federal government, Pfas, also known as per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, have been detected in nine out of ten tested line waters and in three out of five mineral water in Germany. Trifluoro vinegar acid turns out to be the most frequently found chemical. It is particularly worrying that melamine, which is considered potentially carcinogenic, has been demonstrated in several water samples.

drinking water examinations and findings

A comprehensive investigation by the federal government showed alarming results: Pfas residues were found in drinking water in several cities such as Berlin, Frankfurt am Main and Stuttgart. Only in Celle did the values ​​remain below the determination limit. These chemical compounds that are difficult to remove from the environment not only are a risk of the health of the population, but also increase the costs of water treatment, which ultimately benefits consumers. Manufacturers of PFAS products have not yet contributed to these costs.

The health risks of PFAS are well documented. These chemicals influence the metabolism and the hormone balance and can cause serious health problems in the long term. More than 4,700 different PFAs have now been recorded in databases, which illustrates the dimension of the problem. The Federal Environment Agency points out that PFAs get into the environment during production, use and disposal and also reach remote areas.

regulatory approaches and tips for avoiding pollutants

With regard to the regulation, the EU is working on procedures to restrict the use of PFAs, while the federal government calls for a general ban with temporary exceptions. In view of the widespread burden, the federal government asks the population for participation. Consumers can be active by selecting products with the “PFAS-free” label and avoiding certain pollutant-containing products, including dishwashing detergents with benzotriazoles or PFAS-coated baking paper.

The incidents on the Ruhr not only shed light on the dangers that come from Pfas, but also the urgency of broad education and decision -making in the area of ​​chemical legislation. The results from the checked drinking water analysis underline how important it is to permanently protect the quality of our water supply.

The problem is not only locally, but also affects society as a whole. The measures required by the EU must now finally be seriously discussed and implemented accordingly in order to ensure the quality of drinking water and protect the health of the population.