Prof. Dr. Mehmet Gökoğlu, a lecturer at Akdeniz University Faculty of Fisheries, stated that clear water has not been encountered at Konyaaltı Beach this year. He attributed the lack of clarity to land-sourced pollution and the absence of the northerly wind, known as poyraz, source:1, source:6.
The particles observed on the sea surface, which resemble dust to citizens, are microplastics, according to Prof. Dr. Mehmet Gökoğlu, source:2. These microplastics are mostly found in the coastal strip where waves are effective, source:7.
These are plastics, microplastics and plastic particles
Impact on marine ecosystems
Plastic waste reaches the sea through streams and rivers, source:5. High human population density along the coast from Gazipaşa to Kaş in Antalya leads to a large amount of waste reaching the sea, source:8. During the summer, according to Prof. Dr. Mehmet Gökoğlu, increases in population lead to the frequent sight of plastic waste such as PET bottles, plastic cups, wet wipes, and tissues on the coasts, source:9.
Water sports performed on the cliffs, such as Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP), contribute to waste reaching the sea, source:10. Marine life is affected as microplastics accumulate on and within their bodies, source:11. Plastic waste also covers Posidonia seagrass meadows, preventing them from photosynthesizing and producing oxygen, source:16.
The presence of plastics causes various biological issues: plastics block the digestive systems of marine animals, source:14; plastic waste accumulates in birds and reaches the stomachs of fish, source:13; and sea turtles, specifically Caretta caretta, swallow white plastics like bags after mistaking them for jellyfish, source:12.
On the seabed, large plastics cover marine habitats, preventing them from receiving oxygen and causing death, source:15.
Risks to human health
Microplastics carry microorganisms on them, source:3. According to Prof. Dr. Mehmet Gökoğlu, microplastics pose a risk—especially for children, the elderly, and non-swimmers—if swallowed or if they come into contact with the mouth, source:4.
The last place pollution will reach is waters, therefore seas.
There is no other Turkey.
