A faculty member from the College of Education for Pure Sciences publishes a scientific article on “Bioindicators for Aquatic Environmental Sustainability and Resources.”

A faculty member from the College of Education for Pure Sciences publishes a scientific article on “Bioindicators for Aquatic Environmental Sustainability and Resources.”

Professor Dr. Israa Nasser Ghulam, from the Department of Life Sciences, published a scientific article on “Bioindicators for Aquatic Environmental Sustainability and Resources.”

In her article, she explained that the availability of clean water and sanitation services for all, and their sustainable management, must be ensured. This is because it is one of the most important goals related to both human health and the environment. Water is the foundation of life and a primary source for the continuation of ecosystems.

Water resources in many countries around the world face increasing challenges due to industrial and agricultural pollution, mismanagement, and climate change. This necessitates the adoption of effective scientific methods to monitor water quality and ensure its sustainability. Among these methods, plants stand out as bioindicators capable of accurately and consistently reflecting the environmental status of water. Some aquatic plants and those growing along riverbanks and lakes are directly affected by the concentration of pollutants such as heavy metals, excess nutrients, and pesticides. These plants exhibit changes in growth, color, or physiological structure, making them natural indicators of water quality deterioration or improvement. They also contribute to water purification by absorbing pollutants and reducing their accumulation, which aligns with the concept of sustainable water resource management advocated by Sustainable Development Goal 6.

Using plants as biomarkers enhances the ability to conduct low-cost environmental monitoring compared to continuous chemical analyses. Furthermore, they reflect the cumulative impact of pollution over time, rather than just a single moment. Therefore, integrating plant studies with water management programs provides a scientific tool to support decision-makers in assessing environmental risks and developing effective strategies to conserve clean water and ensure its sustainability for future generations. In this way, plants represent a crucial link between environmental protection and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6.

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