128 rivers flow into the Caspian Sea. These rivers can carry not only water but also various pollutants into the sea. So, who affects the ecological state of the Caspian Sea the most? Is it only about rivers and domestic waste, or do industrial, oil and gas activities, and other human factors also play a significant role in the sea's pollution?
Ecologist Sadiq Hasanov gave a statement to Modern.az on the topic:
"Most of the 128 rivers are small and do not have a significant impact on the pollution of the Caspian Sea. The main influential large rivers are the Volga, Kura, Ural, and Terek rivers. Also, one of the large rivers flowing into the Caspian from Iran has a certain impact. The Volga River can be noted as the main source of pollution. A large part of the Caspian's pollution enters precisely through this river".
The ecologist stated that cities like Makhachkala, Astrakhan, Aktau, and Anzali play a role in the pollution:
"The second important factor is the cities located around the Caspian Sea. In particular, Baku and Sumgayit in Azerbaijan, Makhachkala in Russia, Aktau in Kazakhstan, and other cities play a significant role in the pollution of the Caspian Sea. On the Iranian side, cities like Anzali can be mentioned. The discharge of domestic waste and industrial waters from these cities into the Caspian Sea creates a serious ecological problem. In addition, since the Caspian Sea has large oil reserves, numerous platforms have been built and wells drilled here by Russia, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan. During the drilling of wells, oil extraction and transportation, as well as other oil and gas operations, leaks and oil pollution have occurred in the Caspian. This has significantly negatively affected the flora and fauna of the sea" - he said.
S. Hasanov noted that if we go back 50 years and compare the resources of the Caspian Sea with the current situation, we will see a very large difference. Unfortunately, this difference is in a negative direction. The significant decrease in resources and the increase in pollution seriously affect the Caspian ecosystem and consequently lead to a decrease in biological resources.
According to him, the main way to prevent such situations is to eliminate pollution sources and keep them under control. In recent times, certain work has been done in this direction. A Convention on the legal status of the Caspian Sea has been adopted by the five Caspian littoral states, and each country has undertaken certain obligations. However, it is not yet fully clear to what extent these obligations are being fulfilled.
"I believe that if complex and consistent measures are implemented in this direction, it is possible to prevent the pollution of the Caspian Sea and improve its ecological situation" - the ecologist emphasized.
Nicat Rustam
