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” issued 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 generation. This initiative includes the installation of over 1,200 waste bins across the campus, organized into compartments for plastic-glass-metal, paper, and general waste, with additional battery recycling bins at each building entrance. A color-coded bag system is used for waste collection, and recyclable materials are delivered to licensed firms, while general waste is managed by the municipality. Organic waste is composted for landscaping, and hazardous and medical wastes are handled according to national regulations. All waste data are recorded in the Ministry’s Integrated Environmental Information System (Çevre Bilgi Sistemi), and staff and students receive regular training to support the Zero Waste project.
In addition to these practices, the university conducts scientific research to protect and restore aquatic ecosystems. For example, Prof. Dr. Tuğba Ongun Sevindik and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hatice Tunca have carried out extensive studies on diatom communities and ecological status assessments in Turkish lakes and rivers, contributing valuable insights into aquatic biodiversity and water quality [URL].
SASKİ Boat for monthly water quality monitoring of Sapanca Lake
 |
| 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.
 |  |
| Cleaning work carried out on and near the shore of Sapanca Lake | |
Cleaning work carried out on and near the shore of Sapanca Lake
Sakarya University develops and supports programs that foster good aquatic stewardship practices. Educational programs on sustainable water management, pollution prevention, and ecosystem conservation are organized regularly. In collaboration with local bodies like SASKİ and NGOs such as TEMA Foundation, the university conducts community clean-up and awareness campaigns around local water bodies. These activities, which engage students, staff, and residents, aim to instill environmental responsibility and strengthen public participation in aquatic ecosystem protection.
Furthermore, Sakarya University has adopted a watershed management strategy that takes into account the region’s biodiversity and hydrological characteristics. Academic research focuses on the Sakarya River Basin, assessing water quality, aquatic species diversity, and anthropogenic impacts. One example is the study “Using diatom indices to estimate the ecological status of minimally disturbed rivers of the Sakarya River Basin (Türkiye)” by Prof. Dr. Tuğba Ongun Sevindik et al., published in Ecohydrology. The findings from this research guide sustainable management practices for the protection of local aquatic ecosystems [URL].
Through these combined actions—research, education, policy compliance, and community collaboration—Sakarya University demonstrates a strong institutional commitment to safeguarding the ecological integrity of local aquatic environments, ensuring their sustainability for future generations.
