engleski

Pollution of Water Bodies - Mucilage

Mucilage is a yellow-white, viscous, thick and sticky hydrocolloid. It is produced by most plants and some microorganisms for various purposes such as adhesion, protection against infection and as a source of nutrients. Mucilage can also appear in the marine environment as a result of the intensive growth of some seaweeds, mainly caused by climate change and increased seawater temperature and the uncontrolled discharge of untreated wastewater. The intensive appearance of mucilage in water bodies with reduced water flow has a negative effect on the surrounding environment and causes economic problems. One of the most affected places by this phenomenon is the Turkish Sea of Marmara, in whose bay is located one of the most populous cities in Europe, Istanbul. The appearance of mucilage in seawater is especially intense during the warmer part of the year, and the most pronounced so far was in the summer of 2021. The appearance of mucilage in the sea causes the clogging of fishermen's nets, makes life in the sea impossible and negatively affects the tourism sector. In 2021, Turkish scientists made extraordinary efforts to reduce the amount of mucilage in the Sea of Marmara. They collected mucilage from the sea surface and transported it by pumping systems to a treatment plant and disposal facility. In the same time, they increased the oxygen level in the seawater by oxygenation devices placed 30 meters deep in the sea in designated pilot areas. The effective prevention of mucilage occurrence can be achieved by the reduction of industrial wastewater and pollution discharge into the environment, efficient treatments of wastewater, and transition to organic agricultural practice in surrounding agricultural lands.

mucilage ; water quality ; wastewater ; Turkey

This collaboration was supported by ERASMUS Student Exchange Program.