Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Freshwater Researches: Fundamentals, Trends and Perspectives, Meriç Albay,Emine Gözde Özbayram,Zeynep Dorak,Reyhan Akçaalan, Editör, Istanbul University Press, İstanbul, ss.81-96, 2024
Cyanobacterial blooms and the associated increase in cyanotoxin levels are increasingly becoming a major
environmental and public health concern in Türkiye’s lake and drinking water reservoirs. The proliferation of
cyanobacteria, fueled by factors such as nutrient pollution, warm temperatures, and stagnant water conditions, leads
to the production of various cyanotoxins, posing risks to aquatic ecosystems and human health. This chapter reviews
the current state of cyanotoxin contamination in Turkish waterbodies, focusing on its causes, consequences, and
potential mitigation strategies. It examines the ecological impacts of cyanobacterial blooms, including oxygen
depletion, fish kills, and disruptions to food webs, as well as the health risks posed to humans and animals through
direct contact, ingestion, or inhalation of cyanotoxin-contaminated water. Finally, the chapter highlights the
importance of implementing proactive measures to prevent and control cyanobacterial blooms, by reducing nutrient
inputs, improving water quality, and promoting sustainable land use practices. Addressing the rise of cyanotoxin
levels in Türkiye’s waterbodies requires concerted efforts from policymakers, scientists, water managers, and the
public to safeguard both environmental integrity and public health.