Massive fish die-off in UK's Walsall Canal after sodium cyanide spill

By Merve Berker

A sodium cyanide spill from a metal finishing company in Walsall Canal, UK, has caused a significant fish die-off, with approximately 90 kilograms of dead fish removed from a 1-kilometer stretch of the canal, raising concerns about severe ecological impacts.

The spill, which occurred from Anochrome, a metal finishing company, was declared a major incident last week. The affected section of the canal has been closed to the public.

Initial tests by Walsall Council, the local authority, indicated severe contamination in a 300-meter section of the canal, leading to the removal of the fish carcasses over the weekend. The council reported significant fish deaths but has not yet determined the full extent of the ecological damage.

Daily chemical testing is being conducted, and temporary dams have been installed to contain the contamination, where elevated levels of sodium cyanide and zinc cyanide were detected.

The Canal & River Trust has launched a £10,000 (nearly $13,000) fundraising campaign for cleanup efforts, describing the situation as "extremely distressing" for local wildlife. Senior ecologist Paul Wilkinson warned that the aquatic ecosystem might have been severely damaged, with potential long-term impacts on both small invertebrates and larger wildlife, such as otters. He also cautioned that invasive species and algae might dominate the affected area, with recovery potentially taking years.

The spill has resulted in the death of over 100 juvenile fish and several larger fish, with numbers likely to increase. While other sections of the canal are reported to meet public health guidelines, the public is advised against removing or consuming fish from the waterways.

The Environment Agency is investigating Anochrome, condemning the pollution as "unacceptable." Authorities are also warning of symptoms of sodium cyanide poisoning, such as nausea and loss of consciousness, and urging the public to avoid contact with the contaminated water.