Water and bottom sediments in Khalaktyrskoye Lake on the Kamchatka Peninsula contain heavy metals and toxic elements exceeding permissible concentrations. Specialists from the regional branch of the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision identified the contamination during routine environmental monitoring of commercial fishing areas.
Laboratory analysis of samples collected within the Petropavlovsk-Commander fishing subzone revealed high levels of iron, manganese, copper, and selenium. The accumulation of these substances in the lake silt and water serves as a direct indicator of localized pollution within the aquatic habitat. Findings from the recent inspections have been uploaded to the Vesta state information system to ensure the safety of the fishery.
Elevated concentrations of potentially hazardous elements in the waters of the peninsula have been detected previously – a recurring issue that necessitates constant supervision of fish product quality. During similar laboratory tests conducted earlier, the relevant department discovered unacceptable levels of arsenic in batches of Kamchatka whitefish.