Researchers Identify Cyanobacteria Behind Israel’s Desalination Shutdowns

Researchers identified the organism disrupting most of Israel’s Mediterranean desalination plants as Synechococcus cyanobacteria, although genetic work has not yet determined the species. Dr. Ruthie Kaplan Levy said its cells are about two microns wide, while teams from three research institutions worked with plant operators on treatment. The Water Authority said supplies remained normal and the system was stable, but Ashdod and Ashkelon stayed shut, two plants ran partly, and Sorek A stopped again. Scientists disagreed over whether pollution south of Gaza was the main nutrient source, noting that Sinai plants upstream were also affected.