Published on: 2026-09-01
Source: Moscow Government – Правительства Москвы –
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In Moscow, a new method has been developed to combat the spread of blue-green algae in urban water bodies. Special floating biosorption modules have been created to help control water bloom.
In summer, in well-warmed water bodies and in sections of rivers, blue-green algae can rapidly proliferate. This deteriorates water quality, leads to oxygen deficiency, harms aquatic ecosystems, and can hinder river transport traffic. Biosorption modules help neutralize these processes through several methods based on natural processes.
The experiment to combat cyanobacteria began in 2024. Specialists were looking for an effective purification method that could be applied to large flowing water bodies, considering urban conditions. The technology was based on reducing the nutrient base of cyanobacteria. Nitrogen and phosphorus, necessary for their growth, enter water bodies also as a result of human activity. To remove these substances, natural sorbents as well as aerial and submerged vegetation were chosen. In addition, substances that suppress the growth of cyanobacteria are used in the modules. The combination of several methods made it possible to limit their excessive reproduction.
In 2025, specialists improved the technology by combining different methods of treatment into a single biosorption module. A total of 45 such structures were manufactured. The module is a square bioplatform with an area of nine square meters. It can accommodate reed, hornwort, and water hyacinth. The structure also includes containers for sorbing materials — each designed to hold up to 12 kilograms of active substance. The module can be quickly assembled and installed on a water body. After obtaining the necessary patents and accompanying documentation, the device is planned to be launched into industrial production.
“We are currently testing the module in open water. Previously, the research was conducted only in laboratory conditions or on small sections and in enclosed water bodies. The experiment zone covered 10 percent of the entire Moscow River water area within the city limits: Stroginsky, Spassky, Kozhukhovsky, Nagatinsky backwaters, and the Novinki backwater. Two more backwaters serve as control measurement sites. The modules demonstrated the ability to suppress the growth of blue-green algae by an average of up to 70 percent,” she noted
Yulia Urozhayeva, the head of the capital’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection.
During the research, specialists conducted more than five thousand measurements and over a thousand laboratory analyses. In the water area, they planted 4,500 units of higher aquatic vegetation and seven thousand units of submerged vegetation, as well as introduced almost 500 kilograms of natural sorbents. The studies showed that the use of new tools allows reducing the concentration of algae by two and a half to three times.
Various urban programs aimed at improving the environment are being implemented in the capital as part of Moscow’s environmental strategy until 2030. Reforming the capital’s transport system is a crucial part of reducing the city’s ecological burden.
Starting in 2023, regular river transport was revived in Moscow. On June 20, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin launched the first year-round regular electric ship route. Today, the capital already has four regular routes operating: Kievsky — Fili Park, ZIL — Pechatniki, Novospassky — ZIL, and Luzhniki — Kievsky.
Electric vessels and all the infrastructure for them are environmentally friendly; they have zero harmful emissions.
“In accordance with the directive of Sergey Sobyanin, we continue to develop river traffic in the capital. Together with specialists from the Department of Natural Resources Use and Environmental Protection, we have developed and implemented an effective water purification method — biosorption modules. These installations will reduce the concentration of blue-green algae in the Moscow River by almost three times. We thank our colleagues for their productive and coordinated work to improve the ecosystem of the capital’s main water artery,” emphasized the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry.
Regular river electric transport is actively used by residents for daily trips around the city. During its operation, passengers have already made over 4.1 million trips, more than a million of which were in 2026. Over three years, this transport has become four times more popular. The revival of the river fleet and regular passenger services on the Moscow River is a project unique not only for Russia but also in global practice.
The developed methods for combating cyanobacteria help maintain the ecological balance and improve the condition of the capital’s water bodies. Their application contributes to achieving the goals of the national project “Environmental Well-being”. More details about Russia’s national projects and the capital’s contribution can be found at special page.
A large-scale project appeared on the mos.ru portal special project, dedicated to the development of key sectors of Moscow. Among them are transport, industry, healthcare, education, sports, and construction. The special project helps to learn how the capital has changed over recent years, what initiatives aimed at making residents’ lives even more comfortable are currently being implemented, and what awaits Moscow and its inhabitants in the near future.
On the project page “Ecology” you can learn about how the capital is renewing its green spaces and expanding environmental education, as well as preparing to make eco-friendly solutions a part of everyday life.
Get the latest news quickly on the official channels of the city of Moscow in messengers “Max” and “Telegram”.
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