Pollution in Turkey’s Alanya resort reaches critical level, scientist warns

 Pollution in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Alanya has reached dangerous levels, threatening marine life and posing health risks for swimmers, a local scientist told Turkish daily Yeni Alanya.

Güray Dogan, an associate professor at the Mediterranean University, said contact with the water could cause nausea, vomiting and fever due to a rise in microbial content. He cited agricultural runoff, climate change and tourism-related waste as the main drivers of the problem.

Residents said the sea has become murkier compared with last year, while plastic waste on beaches has increased. Environmental groups have called for more frequent waste collection, joint monitoring programs for tourism and agriculture, and wider public awareness campaigns.