Catherine Lovatt Only six weeks after the ecologically destructive cyanide spill in Bai Mare, Romania is once again facing the humiliation of yet another environmental catastrophe. Toxins have flooded into the Vaser river, a tributary of the Tisza, after melting snow and two days of torrential rain seriously damaged the wall of a dam at a state-run mine near Bai Mare. The latest disaster is estimated to have sent 20,000 tonnes of zinc and lead waste into the river Vaser. Again, neighbouring Hungary is expected to take the brunt of the ecological damage. Although the cyanide spill had a severe impact environmental experts have warned that the latest spill could have more serious long term consequences.
Potassium cyanide is a crystalline substance.
Once it comes into contact with water it dissolves and gradually becomes more and more diluted. However, heavy metal pollution accumulates in river mud which combines with substances in the river forming powerful toxins. Consequently, the effects of the second spill could be more detrimental to the surrounding environment. Romania has responded openly and with transparency. They are working with the office of the Convention for the Protection of the Danube and have sent in a team of experts to investigate the damage.