A collaborative investigation between environmental organizations and the government revealed that algal toxins, specifically microcystins, were found in the water of the Nakdong River, but not in the air. This investigation was conducted in the latter half of September, a period when algal blooms generally recede, suggesting that additional investigations during the summer months are necessary for comprehensive assessments. Previous investigations by environmental groups had reported the presence of toxins not only in water but also in the air, crops, and even humans, raising significant concerns among local residents. The Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment announced that the investigation, conducted with several institutions including the Korea University and the Nakdong River Network, sampled from five key locations along the river, measuring six types of algal toxins. Although toxins in water were detected at various levels, with a maximum recorded concentration of 328.05 µg/L, the air samples collected from all locations showed no detection of toxins. This finding contradicts previous reports that indicated the presence of toxins in the air, which the current government has attempted to refute by emphasizing the results of its official investigation. Kim Eun-kyung, the head of the Ministry’s Water Environment Policy Division, stated that this joint investigation has strengthened cooperation between the government and civil society. She indicated plans to expand investigative targets and scopes to better monitor algal toxins in future studies. Lee Cheol-jae, vice-chairman of the Environmental Movement Coalition, emphasized the significance of this joint investigation, while also underlining the need for further studies during the algal bloom season in the summer for accurate findings regarding toxin levels.