Investigation of Changes in Salt and Microalgal Population Status in Çevlik (Samandağ, Hatay), Pompei (Mezitli, Mersin) Coastal Region Marine Water Resources

Abstract

Earthquakes remain among the most devastating natural disasters, and despite technological advancements, accurate prediction regarding their timing, location, and magnitude is still unattainable. Recent research highlights the significance of remote sensing indicators, such as chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentrations, sea surface temperature (SST), and salinity, as potential earthquake precursors. This study aimed to investigate variations in these marine parameters in the aftermath of the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake and its aftershocks, particularly focusing on coastal areas in Samandağ (Hatay) and Mezitli (Mersin), Türkiye. Marine water samples were collected from Pompei and Çevlik beaches. Key physicochemical parameters, including pH, temperature, and electrical conductivity(EC), were measured immediately upon collection. Samples were also processed for Chl-a analysis through acetone extraction and spectrophotometric measurements, and a portion was transferred to nutrient media for algal isolation. Microscopic analyses revealed significant differences in algal compositions between the two sites. While samples from Mezitli primarily showed the presence of Cylindrotheca closterium and other pennate diatoms, those from Samandağ exhibited higher species diversity, including Thalassionema, Syracosphaera, Grammatophora, and various flagellates and amoebae. Notably, despite lower pH and EC values in Samandağ, the site showed more diverse algal presence, suggesting a complex response of microalgal communities to post-seismic marine conditions. The findings emphasize the dynamic interplay between environmental parameters and biological diversity in marine ecosystems affected by seismic activity. The measured ecological parameters are vital indicators of ecosystem health and may influence physiological functions such as osmoregulation in marine algae. This study contributes to understanding the relationship between seismic events and coastal marine ecosystems. It underscores the importance of long-term monitoring to track ecosystem changes and the potential use of Chl-a concentration, as well as algal diversity, as early indicators of environmental stress. Such insights are vital for marine conservation strategies in earthquake-prone regions.

Keywords

• Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a)
• Algal diversity
• Environmental stress
• Marine water quality
• Seismic activity

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