Sakarya University is committed to minimizing physical, chemical, and biological alterations to aquatic ecosystems through comprehensive waste management practices and scientific research. Adhering to the "Water Pollution and Control Regulation" by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, the university has implemented the national Zero Waste initiative to prevent environmental pollution and reduce waste. This initiative includes the installation of 1,200 waste bins across campus, organized into compartments for plastic-glass-metal, paper, and other waste, with battery recycling bins at each building entrance. A color-coded bag system is used for waste collection, and recyclable materials are handled by licensed firms, while general waste is managed by the municipality. Organic waste is composted for campus landscaping, and hazardous and medical wastes are managed according to relevant regulations. All waste data is recorded in the Ministry’s Integrated Environmental Information System, and staff and students receive training to support the Zero Waste project.
In addition to these practices, the university engages in scientific research to protect aquatic ecosystems. For example, Prof. Dr. Tuğba Ongun Sevindik and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hatice Tunca have conducted studies on diatom communities and ecological status assessments in Turkish lakes and rivers, contributing valuable insights into aquatic biodiversity and ecosystem health. These efforts reflect Sakarya University's dedication to environmental sustainability through both practical measures and academic research [URL].
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| SASKİ Boat for monthly water quality monitoring of Sapanca Lake |
Sakarya University collaborates with SASKİ (Sakarya Water and Sewerage Administration) to monitor the health of aquatic ecosystems. SASKİ conducts monthly water quality assessments of Sapanca Lake, measuring key parameters such as turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and temperature via research boat. Through this partnership, Sakarya University supports efforts to maintain and improve the ecological balance of the lake, contributing to the sustainability of local water ecosystems for future generations.
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| Cleaning work carried out on and near the shore of Sapanca Lake | |
Sakarya University develops and supports programs that encourage and maintain good aquatic stewardship practices. The university offers educational programs focused on sustainable water management, pollution prevention, and conservation. Collaborating with local bodies like SASKİ and partnering with NGOs such as TEMA, Sakarya University engages in initiatives that promote responsible use of water resources and raise awareness about ecosystem protection. The university also organizes voluntary garbage collection events around local water bodies in collaboration with TEMA, involving students, staff, and community members to actively participate in removing litter and reducing pollution. These programs, partnerships, and activities are designed to instill good stewardship practices, supporting the sustainability of aquatic ecosystems through education, community engagement, and collaborative action.
Sakarya University has implemented a watershed management strategy that considers the location-specific diversity of aquatic species. The university conducts academic research focused on the aquatic ecosystems within the Sakarya River Basin, emphasizing the importance of preserving biodiversity in these ecosystems. This research assesses species diversity, water quality, and the impacts of human activities, providing a scientific foundation for effective watershed management.
For example, the study "Using diatom indices to estimate the ecological status of minimally disturbed rivers of the Sakarya River Basin (Türkiye)" by Tuğba Ongun Sevindik and colleagues, published in Ecohydrology, examines the ecological health of rivers in the region using diatom indices. The findings from this research help guide management practices that protect local aquatic species and ecosystems [URL].
Through such studies and collaborations with local and regional stakeholders, Sakarya University contributes to sustainable watershed management strategies tailored to the unique ecological needs of the area, ensuring the long-term health of its aquatic resources.
