European Commission Releases Critical Report on the Growing Threat of Freshwater Salinization

The European Commission, in collaboration with a group of scientists including Prof. Dr. Meryem Beklioğlu, has published a significant report highlighting the increasing threat of freshwater salinization across Europe. Based on a comprehensive European-wide dataset, this study explores the risks to biodiversity, ecosystem integrity, and food and water security.

The report examines the drivers of freshwater salinization, its ecological impacts, and potential biological indicators for monitoring, while also assessing interactions between salinization and climate change. Case studies on the Oder River and Turkish lakes provide valuable insights into the regional implications of salinization.

Key Findings:

- Freshwater resources are rapidly salinizing – Due to both natural and human-induced processes, many freshwater ecosystems across Europe are facing a growing salinization threat.

- Biodiversity and ecosystems are at risk – Rising salinity levels negatively impact aquatic macroinvertebrate communities, disrupting ecosystem stability.

- New indicators proposed for policymakers – The report introduces invertebrate-based biological quality elements to effectively monitor the ecological impacts of freshwater salinization.

- Interaction with climate change – When combined, salinization and climate change pose an even greater risk to the future of freshwater ecosystems.

- Focus on salinization rather than salinity levels – One of the key takeaways from the report is the need to monitor the rate of salinization (increase in salinity) rather than salinity itself, as natural and anthropogenic sources of salinity have different biological impacts.

This study serves as a crucial resource for safeguarding Europe's freshwater ecosystems and informing sustainable water management policies.

Read the full report here: Official website and ResearchGate